Surely everyone who chooses an image of a lion for a tattoo on his body does it for a reason, for beauty. The energy of this animal is so strong that many of us, especially men, can not resist the inimitable grace, unlimited strength and majesty of a lion.
Meaning tattoo lion
In many folk cultures of the East and West, the lion is the king of beasts. This animal symbolizes protection, power, justice and generosity. Therefore, his image as a body design is most often chosen by a strong half of humanity.
But this tattoo must be matched. Men with the image of a lion, most likely, strive to show their courage, strength, power. Such people have leadership qualities, are able to lead others.
There are a variety of types of lion tattoos:
- a calm, seated lion personifies strength and confidence;
- forward predator - the ability to stand up for yourself or the desire to learn it;
- roaring lion says that even a calm and kind character of a person will not prevent him from standing up for himself on occasion;
- The fighting animal symbolizes constant readiness to fight for everything that a person values and believes in;
- the image of a lion with another animal, which is weaker than him - the desire for calm and peace.
The value of such a tattoo for women is different from the male symbolism. The nature of the life of these animals is peculiar. It is known that they create prides, which usually include seven lionesses and one leader. While the lion is recovering, the lionesses take care of the offspring. Therefore, the image of a lioness on a female body is a symbol of motherhood, female wisdom, the keeper of the family hearth. In addition, the lioness is always associated with independence, success, courage. A woman with a tattoo of a predator will always protect her child and stand up for people close to her.
Another explanation for the lion tattoo is related to the concept of the zodiac sign. In its various transcripts you can find a lot of descriptions. For example, a man with a lion sign is straightforward and prudent. This is an exemplary family man, a successful leader, an excellent hunter and getter.
Mythology
From the point of view of mythology, a tattoo with a lion may reflect some ancient Roman or ancient Greek plot. The image of a predator in Egypt was represented by the goddess Sekhmet as the personification of fiery retribution and the sun sizzling heat.
In ancient Rome, this beast symbolized regality and the victory over death, was part of the image of Fortune, Apollo, Hercules. In ancient Greek mythology, lions harnessed to the chariots of Juno and Kibel. Also, these stately predators accompanied the goddess Artemis.
In Christianity, the image of a lion several times mentioned next to Mark the Apostle. In Buddhism, the animal symbolizes courage, wisdom, brings good luck and happiness, is a defender of the law.
In Islam, the lion - protection from evil. The symbolism of the beast is also found in Jewish traditions, where it personifies power and cruelty. In African cultures, a lion can be both a creator and a destroyer. In China, it embodies courage and strong energy.
Almost in all legends and myths, where this animal appears, the energy of the sun is embedded in its image. Therefore, the value of a tattoo of a lion is quite predictable and obvious.
Lion tattoo on the body
Before turning to the artistic specifics of the lion on the body, consider some of the mythological images that are also used in creating tattoo designs:
- Griffin - half lion, half eagle;
- Chimera is a peculiar creature with the body of a goat, the tail of a dragon and the head of a lion;
- Sphinx - the image of a lion with a human head;
- Manticore - a creature with the body of a lion, the tail of a scorpion and the head of a man.
The tattoo of a lion is most often stuffed on the back or shoulder. And on the back they prefer to portray the animal as a whole, because it is the most even and large part of the human body.
The rounded shape of the shoulder allows you to beautifully portray the head or animal grin.
Tattoos with the head of a predator can represent both humble and calm lions, as well as enraged, growling, ready to attack. Such nuances show the general mood and character of the picture, affect the perception of the plot by others.
Interestingly, cinema fans can be associated with a lion tattoo at the Venice Film Festival, where silver and gold awards are presented in the form of this beast. Also, everyone probably saw the famous screensaver for films with a roaring lion's head. This is the cult emblem of Metro Goldwyn Mayer.
Lion tattoo on the arm: vivid examples
Sketches of a tattoo lion: ideas on a photo
Tattoos depicting paintings from the cartoon "The Lion King"
For a tattoo master, the image of the king of beasts is not an easy job and rather painstaking. As in the creation of drawings of other animals, there are a lot of specific visual elements and details. An unconditional attribute is, of course, the mane. Only her one can be drawn in many ways. Some people think that the tattoo of a lion, depicted as realistic as possible, looks most harmonious and beautiful, and abstract techniques in the style of blackwork do not convey that grace and grandeur of this beast.
What do you think?