Meaning of Virgin Mary tattoo. What do icon tattoos mean? Tattoo of the Mother of God on the arm.

For prisoners and former prisoners, tattoos play an important role and a special meaning, which not everyone understands. A tattoo on a prisoner’s body can tell a lot about the owner: from the number of walkers to the character and status in the criminal world. Nowadays, the concepts of certain tattoos have changed somewhat, and an expert will help you understand all this variety of prison art.

A tattoo with a pirate is a sign that its wearer has been convicted of robbery. Robbers also wear tattoos with a skull and a dagger. “In addition to the classic prison tattoos (pirate is one of them), there are also those that have become fashionable recently. Inscriptions in foreign languages, aphorisms from French, English, and German are very popular today. Latin and catchphrases from ancient Greece and ancient Rome are also popular,” says the specialist.

“The grin is one of the most popular prison tattoos. Previously, it was interpreted as follows: “He bared his teeth at the Soviet regime.” It has not lost its relevance today and means rejection by the prison administration. Anyone who wears such a tattoo seems to be saying: “I consider myself a criminal and am not going to cooperate.”

A prison tattoo with the image of a bear is a sign of a safecracker, a safecracker. “New criminal tattoos appear extremely rarely. The only exception I've seen is the image of a syringe. This is a traditional sign of drug addicts. Recently, there has been a fashion to put next to it the letter designation of the specific drug that the person used,” notes Sidorov.

A tattoo with the image of a cat with keys is a sign of a burglar (“burglar”). “The world of thieves has its own tattoos. For example, pickpockets used to prick themselves with insects - beetles, bees, cockroaches (ZH.U.K. - I wish you successful thefts). True, now they have moved away from this practice: it simply reveals pickpockets.”

“A rose against a background of bars or barbed wire means that the wearer of such a tattoo turned 18 in prison. Tulip means the same thing, but at 16 years old. Tattoos of young children are called “partachki” and are most often characterized by low quality workmanship. But they account for the majority of prison tattoos.”

The Virgin and Child (like the crucifix) is a tattoo that means “My home is a prison.” According to Sidorov, tattoos on religious themes (both Christian and Muslim) are now in fashion among prisoners. But political tattoos are gradually disappearing.

Thieves' stars are the “legend” of prison tattoos. “Previously, thieves’ stars were a distinctive sign of authorities. Now everything has changed: they can be found not only among serious thieves, but also among ordinary prisoners. Their status has dropped somewhat. In general, today the more tattoos a person has, the less importance he has in the zone. Those with a large number of tattoos are treated like fools. In Soviet times, for example, thieves’ stars fought on the collarbones (this meant “I will never wear shoulder straps”) and on the knees (“I will never kneel before the cops”). These were purely ideological, thieves’ tattoos. If such stars were hit by a person who did not belong to the world of thieves, one could answer for this according to the concepts. Then, closer to the 90s, many people who had nothing to do with thieves began to wear the famous tattoos, and stars began to get tattoos of lesser status. Today there is a prison concept: “There is no answer for a tattoo.” It means that if someone foolishly got a tattoo with a serious meaning, there is no need to touch him, no matter what the fool. Although, of course, sometimes such people have to answer for their actions,” says the expert.

“Rings are often struck by prisoners who are in prison under 18 years of age. They can tell a lot about their owner: for example, a black ring with a white cross indicates that the prisoner visited the famous St. Petersburg “Crosses”. And a black ring with a white diagonal is a sign that the owner went through a “youngster”. There are dozens of varieties of such tattoos. By the way, an equally popular tattoo is “One in four walls” (five dots between the thumb and index finger), denoting a prisoner,” says Sidorov.

The sailboat (like the galloping deer) is a symbol of escape. It means that the wearer of the tattoo is striving for freedom. “A huge number of subjects of criminal tattoos are taken from English naval tattoos. The sailboat is one of them.”

“The domed temple is one of the most common prison tattoos. The number of domes indicates the number of "sentences". When the sentence has been fully served, a cross appears on the dome. A tattoo with domes without crosses on a person at large immediately raises many questions; people “in the know” will definitely look at him with suspicion.”

Shoulder straps or Epaulettes on the shoulders of convicts are adapted into ZK tattoos from pre-revolutionary military uniforms and indicate a negative attitude towards the justice system. Epaulets are worn by high-ranking criminals, who may also have an appropriate nickname such as "Big" or "Colonel". Shoulder straps with three small stars or skulls stand for: “I am not a camp slave, no one can force me to work”, “I am a prisoner, but I was born free”, “I am a zone colonel - I will not dirty my hands with a wheelbarrow”, “ The strong win, the weak die,” “Horses die from work.”

The inscription on the knuckles is a tattoo of the female name Nadya. “Ring” on the index finger means: “Don’t trust anyone but yourself.” “Boy” is one of the most privileged criminal tattoos among penal colony prisoners. On the middle finger there is a tattoo of pickpockets - “cross of thieves”. Ring finger: “Served in full”, “From beginning to end”, “Sat without the right to parole”: the prisoner served his full term in the colony, without going to a free settlement on parole. Pinky tattoo: “Dark Life” indicates that the wearer spent a lot of time in a punishment cell. A skull and crossbones, a gun, a knife and the letter "K" (Iller - editor's note) represent the killer.

Rings in criminal tattoos and their meaning

The ring is a very informative type of ZK tattoo; it conveys in encrypted form information about what type of crime the offender ended up in prison for, what regimes he served his sentence in, how he behaved in the “zone” (he was a “refuser” or worked honestly, behaved in a disciplined manner or violated the regime, was in a group of positive-minded convicts or was part of a “denial group”, collaborated or was at odds with the administration, etc.). From the rings one can learn about the position of the criminal in the criminal hierarchy, about his value orientations and behavioral attitudes.

1. Has been convicted (or has been convicted) The tattoo is applied to the index finger.
2. Thief Tattoo is applied to the thumb.
3. Dissatisfied with the verdict Applied to the ring finger.
4. Passage through the “crosses” and the “zone” (usually for those convicted more than once).
5. “Hello to the thieves”
6. “Mokrushnik”, convicted under Art. 102 of the Criminal Code of the RSFSR.
7. Card player, cheater
8. Ring of minors: authority, twice imprisoned.
9. Passage through the Muslim zone With a cross - through crosses (?).
10. “Anarchy” - a ring applied by convicts who have a negative attitude towards the regime and discipline.
11. Symbol of power, authority among criminals.
12. Combined ring, usually only for a reputable convict.
13. “Wasted Youth” He was convicted when he was a minor.
14. “Death to the hillocks”
15. “Third trip to the zone” (?).
16. Nepotism ring
17. Tried (or being tried) by a minor (Two flowers on one branch - a champion of bloody revenge.)
18. Passed the “crosses”
19. Was convicted
20. “Anarchy” or criminal record under Art. 146 of the Criminal Code of the RSFSR
21. Women’s ring - “denied”, I won’t shake hands with the cop.
22. a) for men: beat activists; b) for women: I dedicate my life to women. Cobbles are tattooed (see the dictionary of slang words and expressions).
23. In the circle of thieves (women's ring).
24. Ring of minor girls: “They are not judged.”

Church-themed tattoos have always been very popular. If you delve deeper into history, you can see that pagans applied tattoos of religious significance to their bodies. Our ancestors believed in the meaning of symbols and signs. With the spread of the Christian religion, people began to attach great importance to icons. The icon of the Mother of God has always been considered one of the main ones. It is not surprising that the image of such a significant church relic has become in great demand in the art of tattoos.

The history of the Mother of God tattoo

The Mother of God tattoo appeared shortly after the painting of the first icon depicting this holy virgin. People painted it on their bodies to protect themselves from the evil eye and evil spirits. But the church never encouraged decorating one's body, even with icon drawings. Therefore, gradually the tattoo of the Mother of God lost its relevance. But at the beginning of the 20th century. The Mother of God tattoo, like other religious tattoos, was given a second life. It's surprising that the popularity of this type of tattoo was revived in prison. Prisoners used images of holy relics, sacred symbols, and the faces of saints to convey secret information. The presence of such a tattoo showed that a person belonged to the prison world.

Did you know? Prisoners got a tattoo of the Mother of God, and used it to mark the number of years they spent behind bars.

The meaning of the Mother of God tattoo

The Mother of God tattoo has many meanings. The main thing is a talisman against evil forces and the evil eye. This tattoo shows the piety of its owner. The drawing of the Blessed Virgin personifies purity and innocence, and also often shows a person’s repentance. People who make such a design most often try to atone for their sins in this way. This is similar to the zeal with which philanthropists who have acquired their wealth through dishonest means invest money in the construction and restoration of churches. This is the meaning of a large single-color tattoo that adorns the entire back.

Important! A small image of the Mother of God in an inconspicuous place is usually impaled by believers. Although such piety is very doubtful. After all, the church prohibits any tattoos. But the manifestation of faith is expressed differently for all people. After all, it is not necessary to go to church and perform all the rituals. And carrying the image of the Mother of God with you always is not such a bad idea.

Variations of Mother of God tattoos

• Mother of God and cross tattoo meet together quite often. The Most Holy Theotokos holds in her hands the main attribute of the Christian religion. This tattoo has a prison connotation, which is why it is less popular than other designs for Mother of God tattoos.
• Tattoo of the Mother of God in a caricature version is a modern interpretation of a religious tattoo.
• Mother of God and Jesus Christ often appear side by side on tattoos. The most popular variation is the Mother of God holding the baby Jesus in her arms. This motif was taken from the icon. Usually such a tattoo is in the form of a square icon or an oval amulet. The second variation is the face of the Blessed Virgin Mary looking at Jesus. The two faces can be on the same horizontal line or they can be located diagonally. The Mother of God in this version is often depicted from above.
• Tattoo of the Mother of God against the background of a church has a prison character. Its meaning is interpreted in the same way as simply a dome in the entire back. Such a tattoo does not carry any religious connotations, although it hints at the innocence of its owner. Thus, some prisoners try to express their repentance and want to have the image of the Mother of God with them always.
• Praying Mother of God tattoo. Usually such a tattoo is done by believers. They choose a small image size, which can later be easily hidden under clothing. The image of the Mother of God, as it were, atones for the sins of its owner and protects him from choosing false values ​​and the wrong path in life.
• Tattoo of the Sorrowful Mother of God usually done by people who have suffered a loss in their lives. They mourn the passing of a loved one into another world and ask the Most Holy Theotokos to give them strength to ease their mental anguish. Often, young people get such a tattoo in memory of their deceased parents. Less often, this topic is chosen by guys who have experienced unrequited love. They want to find consolation and support from the Mother of God.

Popular places to get a Mother of God tattoo

• Back. If a person does not belong to the prison world, then it is better for him to refrain from depicting religious themes on his back. Such tattoos cause double associations and will carry negative connotations. Exceptions are small tattoos of the Mother of God in the area of ​​the shoulder blades. Such a tattoo can be easily hidden under clothes from prying eyes.
• Fingers. Very often people depict the face of the Blessed Virgin on their fingers. This is considered blasphemy. In this way, only prisoners flaunt their faith. Others prefer to decorate their fingers with mundane tattoos.
• Breast. The image of the Mother of God on the chest is quite acceptable. We can say this is the best place for such a tattoo. Especially if it is applied in the area of ​​the left chest, in the area of ​​the heart. By getting such a tattoo, people assume that the Blessed Virgin will help them choose the right path, or take it.
• Forearm. Most often on two

The Virgin Mary tattoo came into modern tattoo culture from criminal tattoos. If you want to get a sketch of the Virgin Mary as a talisman or a sign of your deep faith, first familiarize yourself with the meaning of such a tattoo both in world culture and among criminal gangs.

History of the Virgin Mary tattoo

For the first time, a tattoo with the image of the Virgin Mary became popular in the 40s of the last century. It was stuffed by American criminals, mostly Latinos and other gang members. In combination with other elements, the Virgin Mary could even mean that the owner of the tattoo belongs to one or another criminal group.

The Virgin Mary and Child tattoo is more common among Russian criminals. The criminals stuffed the Virgin Mary as their protector, patroness, and even, to some extent, a talisman. Some supplemented the drawing with religious phrases (“Blessed Virgin Mary, save and preserve”, etc.). Sometimes such tattoos were inked, trusting in fate and saying that the only judge for them is God.

Often the tattoo had no meaning and nothing to do with the faith of the criminal, or religion in general. In Russian culture, a tattoo with the Virgin Mary often symbolized a person’s loyalty to his criminal gang or meant that the owner of the design began criminal activity in his youth.

What does the Virgin Mary tattoo mean?

Over the years, this tattoo has not lost its prevalence and meaning. The Virgin Mary is still stuffed, wanting to receive support from the Saint. If a girl holds her hands in prayer, this means that a person is enlisting the support of the Mother of God, her protection. The Mother of God also protects those who get tattoos of the Virgin Mary and Child. The child in this case symbolizes not so much Jesus as the owner of the tattoo, whom the Saint protects.

For some people, the Virgin Mary tattoo has an even deeper meaning. Sometimes it can be a sign of humility before God. Often those who imbue themselves with the Mother of God strive for perfection, honesty and sinlessness.

The Virgin Mary and Child also means purity of thoughts, openness of soul, fidelity to friendship or duty, and love of truth. This interpretation is associated with the innocence of the Mother of God, her chastity. Some sources indicate another meaning of the tattoo. It can also mean tenderness, beautiful beauty, femininity and pure love.

If her heart is depicted on the Mother of God’s chest, then it is a symbol of the Virgin Mary’s eternal love for humanity, her kindness and readiness to always protect even sinners.

The meaning of the Virgin Mary tattoo on different parts of the body

Russian and American criminals most often tattooed the Virgin Mary on their back or chest. This placement of a religious tattoo often indicates a person’s attitude towards places of detention. The photographs show that this area of ​​the body is often chosen today.

If the tattoo is intended to mean protection or a talisman, then it is better to place the sketch of the Virgin Mary tattoo on the arm, mainly on the shoulder. Less commonly, a design with this meaning is tattooed on the neck.

In modern variations, the Virgin Mary is also found on other parts of the body. Remember that it is better not to get religious tattoos below the waist.

What colors should I use for the drawing?

It is noticeable in the photo that the Virgin Mary tattoo is usually in black or black and gray. This option has been considered traditional since the popularity of prison culture. Less common is the use of red, green, blue and other bright shades with the same black outline. Sometimes the Virgin Mary is dressed in a turquoise robe. Clothes of this color symbolize the sky, the rise above evil.

Image for boys and girls

Tattoos with the image of the Mother of God are practically never found among girls, just like other religious themes. If you are planning to get a tattoo with such a design, we recommend choosing a color sketch. It can also be decorated with a small floral frame at the bottom, which will symbolize tenderness and femininity. You should not supplement the drawing with other popular elements (for example, hearts, stars, etc.), this option will look unnecessary.

For men, the Virgin Mary tattoo works well. It looks quite courageous, while emphasizing the person’s good intentions, his honesty and openness. If you want to make the sketch more “masculine”, it is recommended to supplement it with a religious inscription in Latin.

What style should you choose a tattoo?

Undoubtedly, the native style for the Virgin Mary tattoo is Chicano. It was this technique that the Americans used almost a hundred years ago to depict the Virgin Mary, crosses, and biblical characters. The peculiarity of the style is the brightness, visibility of the drawings, predominantly dark colors of the sketch and clear, wide contours. The black and gray tradition was popular among Russians.

In Russia, people started talking about tattoos only since the emergence of criminal authorities. Therefore, it is often customary to understand a tattoo as a portak, tattoo, or suit. Today, this type of service in prisons is rapidly developing and gaining a large audience of followers. The designations of prison tattoos are not similar to ordinary run-of-the-mill descriptions; each image leaves not only an imprint on the body, but also on the soul.

The tattoo of the Mother of God made in prison suggests that the person at a young age happened to take the path of thieves. In another meaning, a tattoo with the Mother of God is a kind of amulet against the evil eye or damage. But, as a rule, any kind of image on the body is not recognized and condemned by the Orthodox Church and the clergy.

The Virgin Mary or Mother of God is the mother of Jesus, who immaculately conceived and gave birth to a son at such a young age - sixteen years old. An icon tattoo is the most common symbol of the Orthodox faith, so many convicts, in an attempt to repent and take the right path, get a tattoo of the Mother of God so that she protects from evil and reminds them of the sins they have committed.

It is not for nothing that this type of tattoo is classified as criminal. As is customary, prisoners paint the image of the Mother of God on their backs. You will have to answer for such a tattoo in prison.

How to apply a tattoo correctly?

The rules for applying this criminal TATTOO are as follows:

• The image of Jesus is applied without a cross, thereby you continue his torment on your body;
• Intimate places are taboo for this kind of tattoo;
• Traditional places for tattooing are the neck, back, forearm, and in some cases the chest;

Conclusion

Getting a tattoo is a very risky and responsible step. When choosing an image, consult with the master. Go to the temple, where the abbot will tell you more information. But the choice, as always, is yours.

Conclusion

Remember, for any action done there is a response. If you got a tattoo of the Mother of God in prison, that’s one thing, but if you don’t belong to the criminal world, then you’ll have to answer for such tattoos before the criminal hierarchy.

An Orthodox icon is a picturesque depiction of images of the Lord, the Most Holy Theotokos, the Holy Trinity, Angelic Powers, saints and religious events, which are painted in the most accurate iconographic traditions and consecrated according to the church rite. Christians have treated these shrines with special understanding and reverence for many centuries, which is why in every Orthodox home there are different types of holy icons. have a special purpose.

The icon in the house is used for home prayers, the icon on the chest as an icon is intended to ensure that the holy image is always with the believer and can protect him from danger. In recent years, it has become a wonderful tradition to give gifts to loved ones in the form of Orthodox icons, and the most popular among them are icons embroidered with beads and made of precious materials for wearing small icons on the chest.

Icon shops at church churches, icon-making workshops, and Orthodox online stores offer a wide range of Orthodox icons made in different styles and from different materials. An icon made of precious metal worn on the chest will not only become a strong amulet for its owner, but will also look like a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Icons on the chest in the form of a tattoo

Not least among the Orthodox people are various interpretations of images of holy images. One of the iconographic trends has become tattoos of icons on the chest and other parts of the body. This is an ancient type of depiction of saints on the body, which dates back to ancient times from different religions: Sharia, Buddhism and Christianity. Many believers seek to decorate their bodies with tattoos of religious symbols in order to become closer to God. These images have reached the highest level, which is why they attract especially young people.

Sometimes even a small religious plot of the icon is applied to the chest within a week. The image of a saint’s tattoo on the body has a symbolic meaning, and all gestures and position of the figure have a spiritual meaning. A high forehead means spiritual wisdom, large eyes - penetration into Divine secrets, elongated fingers - spiritual nobility and purity, hands raised to heaven - prayer, and a slightly inclined figure - humility and obedience.