Chinese writing is hieroglyphic. Thanks to it, the different peoples inhabiting China and speaking different dialects can understand each other. Chinese characters are an integral part of Chinese culture. Apart from China, Chinese hieroglyphic writing was widespread in the Asian region.
“Book of Songs” (Shi Jing), edition of the Ming era (1368-1644). Temple of Confucius, Beijing
Tattoo hieroglyphs and their meaning
The term “tattoo” was brought to Europe by Captain Cook.
Before he introduced the public to the first “savage” with a large number of tattoos on his face and torso, “skin drawings” were not very common among the European population. They were mainly made by sailors and odious individuals from the underworld. Even in the recent past, tattoo bearers in Russia were the so-called “gentlemen of fortune.” Penitentiary inmates wear tattoos (portaki) not only for beauty. There is a whole system of signs and their location on the body, from which you can learn a lot about the owner of prison tattoos.
Nowadays, more and more often you can find a media personality or a representative of bohemia with a tattoo on the body. These small works of art (and body art already has the status of a culture and gathers its fans and artists at annual festivals) can be seen on the body of a housewife, businessman or student.
Patterns, portraits, images of real and mythological animals, inscriptions - all this not only decorates a person, bringing uniqueness to his image and image, but also conveys information about the owner to others.
Sometimes a tattoo is done as a reminder to oneself of some significant event or person.
In such cases, they choose inscriptions in an incomprehensible (for most people) language - this is why hieroglyph tattoos are so popular, their meaning will not be understood by an idle onlooker, but they remind the owner of something important
Artists recommend that the Russian-speaking public be sure to find out the meaning of tattoo hieroglyphs in Russian before proceeding with application. After all, the result will not be easy to delete later, and due to the specificity of the hieroglyphic language, embarrassment may occur. For example, someone wants to get a tattoo - hieroglyphs with the meaning of their name. In Chinese and Japanese, each character is not a letter, but a word or even a phrase or sentence
A European should be very careful when trying to reproduce his name in hieroglyphs - sounds consonant with the name can mean something unpleasant or even carry an offensive meaning
Are tattoo hieroglyphs popular in your homeland?
There are very few fans of tattoos with hieroglyphs among native speakers - the Chinese and Japanese. And this is understandable - for them, hieroglyphs are not beautiful and mysterious pictures that carry a sacred meaning, but just words, text. For them, the inscription in their native language seems as banal and vulgar as for the Russians: “Vasya was here” or “love to the grave.” Therefore, the Chinese, who understand the meaning of Chinese characters, often choose tattoos depicting exotic plants and fantastic animals - dragons, unicorns, two-headed snakes.
The history of tattooing in Japan goes back to ancient times. Members of the Japanese mafia - the Yakuza - acquired indelible drawings. The tattoos carried information about belonging to a criminal clan, status, regalia, and luck. Now the tattoo is a success among respectable and law-abiding citizens of Japan. Residents of the Japanese islands extremely rarely use Japanese characters in tattoos, preferring not to deviate from traditions and convey the meaning of the tattoo with images of mythical animals - dragons, sirens, sea monsters.
Among Europeans, hieroglyphs are popular not only because of their aesthetics (in the Russian opinion, these “krakozyabrs” look very nice), but also because of their sense of mystery. Tattoos of hieroglyphs on the neck look especially good. Their meaning is incomprehensible to others, but has a sacred meaning for the owner or owner.
Regardless of which tattoo was chosen: a hieroglyph with the meaning of love, fidelity or strength, it is worth carefully examining the sketch for visual attractiveness. There is no need to rush in such a matter - after all, only a beautiful and meaningful drawing will never be disliked, but will bring good luck to the owner. At the very least, many tattoo wearers (including celebrities such as Angelina Jolie) believe that their unusual, unique and stunning tattoo contributed to their success.
You can see:
How to make a tattoo
Tattoo process
Before getting a tattoo, you need to provide the artist with a sketch and determine the area of skin on which the tattoo will be located. If you don’t have a sketch, you can ask the master himself to draw it, since most of them are excellent artists. When the sketch is ready and the location of the future tattoo is chosen, preparation for the tattoo begins.
If necessary, hair is removed from the skin and an anesthetic gel or spray is applied. The skin is treated with an antiseptic, and needles and paint caps are never reused. The master must work in sterile gloves. Then the design is transferred to the skin using special paper or a gel pen (for simple tattoos).
Afterwards, paint is driven into the skin using a special machine. A small needle very quickly pierces the skin and leaves a small amount of composition inside.
The pain when getting a tattoo is not severe, so many people refuse anesthesia. During the procedure, some blood may appear, which is normal.
Japanese characters
Japanese characters were borrowed from China, which is why locals call them “Chinese characters.” It is believed that writing in the Land of the Rising Sun appeared in the 5th century BC. e.
New Tattoo about family: inscriptions, symbols and other sketches with meaning
School graduates must learn 2,136 characters that are constantly used in everyday life. The list is approved by the Japanese government. Europeans are often occupied with one question. Hieroglyphs are ideal for tattoos, but can they be used all the time? Why does such a system, inconvenient for writing, still exist and not lose its position?
The relevance of hieroglyphs lies in their advantages. Japanese, Koreans and Chinese read signs differently, but at the same time understand the meaning of what they read in the same way. In addition, compact writing is convenient because an entire story can be told with just a few characters. Japanese characters are more concise and simpler than Chinese ones. They can be applied not only with black paint.
Other colors are also popular:
- blue-green. Symbolizes the wind. At the same time, it embodies the calmness of the sky and trees, as well as the incredible power of a hurricane that sweeps away everything in its path;
- red. Represents fire, development and violent energy. The Japanese believe that this color can protect from evil and misfortune, attracting joy and tranquility into life;
- yellow. Inextricably linked with land, prosperity and permanence;
- white is a controversial color. It is associated in the Land of the Rising Sun with mourning, but at the same time protects from outside forces.
Tattoos of different colors are made to give them greater expressiveness and enhance energy. For the same purpose, hieroglyphs are sometimes outlined with a red line. Sometimes additional symbols and suitable images are included in the drawing.
Examples of hieroglyphs with translation
Tattoo parlors offer each client a standard set of hieroglyphs. Most often, these symbols are used as talisman tattoos.
Happiness
Hieroglyph happiness
According to the Chinese, happiness depends on the protection of Heaven and the Gods. The tattoo is aimed at good luck, happiness and luck in any area.
Great happiness
Hieroglyph Great happiness
This tattoo is considered a very powerful talisman. Many believe that she grants wishes. It is best to use it to attract happiness in a relationship with your significant other.
Love
Hieroglyph Love
Helps attract happy love. Helps to make love mutual, attract a life partner and gives happiness and tranquility.
Eternal love
Hieroglyph Eternal Love
Also used as a talisman, it represents “love to the grave”, mutual understanding, support, sincere and happy love. Keeps fiery love forever and supports the feelings of two people.
Hieroglyph Luck
Great idea for a talisman tattoo. Preserves luck and increases it, gives luck.
Wealth
Hieroglyph Wealth
Helps create the right atmosphere to attract wealth and prosperity in the right area. Provides both material and spiritual wealth. Brings both money and good luck. It is a good amulet.
Money
Hieroglyph Money
The most common tattoo option. Helps in attracting wealth and money. If this sign is placed indoors, it also attracts wealth. It looks like a hieroglyph for wealth, but it attracts only money, prosperity and good luck in such matters.
Prosperity
Hieroglyph Prosperity
Helps in matters of career advancement, regulates failures in life. Used to attract good luck in the desired field of activity. It is considered not only a talisman, but also a talisman.
Abundance
Hieroglyph Abundance
Brings wealth to the home of the tattoo bearer, both monetary and moral. Similar to the hieroglyph of prosperity, it attracts good luck to the desired field of activity.
Hieroglyph Longevity
Improves health and increases life expectancy. It is considered a talisman and protects against death at a young age.
Force
Hieroglyph Strength
Increases physical and spiritual strength, strengthens the moral foundation, helps the owner cope with problems more effectively and quickly. Suitable for exemplary family men.
Hieroglyph Joy
Used to achieve inner harmony, attract and maintain a good mood.
Health
Hieroglyph Health
Helps in solving health problems, restores physical and mental strength. Extends life and its quality.
World
Hieroglyph World
It means great responsibility and power. Can be used for tattooing due to some personal beliefs.
beauty
New Tattoo on Thigh
Hieroglyph Beauty
It is considered a talisman for attracting beauty and maintains external and internal attractiveness.
Hieroglyph Bravery
Makes the owner of the tattoo more courageous and courageous, helps to cope with difficulties.
Independence
Hieroglyph Independence
Represents freedom of action and the desire to do things your own way. Helps get rid of bad habits or activities.
Courage
Hieroglyph Courage
Characterizes the owner of the tattoo as a strong and strong-willed person and helps to maintain this quality.
Hieroglyph Dream
Represents sublimity, inspiration, promotes the fulfillment of desires.
Fulfillment of desires
Hieroglyph Fulfillment of wishes
Like the previous hieroglyph, it helps in the fulfillment of cherished desires and is a more powerful amulet in comparison.
Character traits
The style, motive, and plot of tattoos from different countries are completely different, each of them carries its own meaning. The Japanese tattoo style does not exactly come from Japan, but rather even from China; inspired artists put into their drawings the history of existence, the battle between man and the animal world, and the delights of flowering plants. Based on such images, the Japanese copied and added their own features, subtleties, and semantic prejudices, and a new style was established.
The main factors were curvy images, and the secondary factors were bright and colorful, with elaborate lines and sharp angles, thus helping to show the figure more clearly and complement it.
It should be noted that the symbolism and subtext of each sketch has been and will remain unchanged, in other words, a tattoo tattooed on your body will mean your life path or a comparison between you and a wild animal that unites you.
The Japanese believe that getting a tattoo changes you and your lifestyle through religion, spirituality, and myth. An image on the body promises a change in nature in the direction conveyed by the image.
What not to do
You should not choose a master who specializes in several types at once, and not just tattoos in the form of hieroglyphs. It is better to choose a tattoo artist who works in one direction, as he knows much more about hieroglyphs.
There is no need to get tattoos “for fun” without putting any special meaning into them. Eastern states do not accept frivolous behavior. In addition, hieroglyphs can be very similar, and in a hurry it is easy to confuse them. When you notice the mistake, it will be too late, since tattoo removal is a complex, long and unpleasant process.
You should also not get a tattoo if you cannot tolerate pain. Tattoos on the neck take a very long time to heal, much longer than on other places. In order not to harm yourself, you need to follow all the recommendations of the tattoo artist and maintain hygiene.
It is not recommended to get tattoos for people with diabetes, skin diseases, or blood clotting disorders. Also, you should not drink alcohol before the procedure, as it thins the blood, which can cause bleeding.
The most popular meanings of hieroglyph tattoos
The huge number of symbols used in hieroglyphic writing can confuse the uninitiated. The number of different characters in such languages reaches several tens of thousands in each.
Some people do not want to spend too much time searching for an adequate translation of the desired word, thought or phrase and choose the most popular meanings of hieroglyph tattoos.
Very often there are words about love, family, harmony, wealth, happiness, luck, peace and dreams. Such tattoos are often applied by girls. Hieroglyphs with the meaning of fire, dragon, tiger, strength, courage, masculinity and warrior are also popular. They are mainly chosen by men.
Representatives of both sexes often also paint short phrases on their bodies that have a mystical and mysterious meaning. Their translation comes down to some philosophical categories. Hieroglyphs meaning karma, life and eternity, fate and aspirations, travel in search of truth are popular.
Types of hieroglyph tattoos
Tattoos of hieroglyphs and their meaning are a very subtle and complex topic. There are many cases where a person ordered one phrase and received a completely different one. Chinese calligraphy is very complex and every stroke affects the interpretation of the symbol.
Hieroglyphs tattoo
Therefore, if you decide to get a tattoo of Chinese characters, you should not unconditionally trust the artist, although in many salons they will provide you with a large catalog of tattoos of hieroglyphs with translation. Consult with a teacher, or better yet, a native Chinese speaker.
Chinese characters tattoo
The Chinese are very superstitious people, so their writing is perceived with a certain amount of mysticism and mystery. Many people believe that a hieroglyph on the body will help attract what it means into a person’s life. The most popular options:
• hieroglyph love tattoo – it is chosen by those who want to meet their soul mate and believe that the feeling will be mutual. Most often this is a variant of a female tattoo;
• family hieroglyph tattoo - it is applied both by those who are just striving to create a social unit, and by those who have already joined the legal community. People believe that this hieroglyph will help improve relationships within the family, mutual understanding and harmony;
• hieroglyph tattoo for happiness – this choice is made by those who strive to achieve inner harmony. The concept of happiness can include different categories and for each person this list will be different. In order not to split or make tattoos with several hieroglyphs, people choose a common word, and what is meant by it - everyone decides for himself;
New Meanings of tattoos with flowers: for girls, on the arm, leg, thigh, shoulder, back, white, black, in color. sketches + 130 photos
• hieroglyph luck tattoo – most often this is the choice of young people who dream of an easy and carefree life. They want good luck to accompany them in all their endeavors. The hieroglyph on the body is designed to lure capricious fortune into a person’s life;
• tattoo hieroglyph wealth - done by people striving for financial well-being and independence.
You can choose one of these hieroglyphs, or several at once. Usually they are placed one after another vertically.
Hieroglyphs can be used to encrypt not only abstract concepts. One of the most popular options is tattoos of hieroglyphs names. Behind beautiful oriental symbols a person can hide his own name or the names of loved ones.
Sketches of hieroglyphs for tattoos with translation
Entire phrases written in hieroglyphs are also popular. Most often, famous sayings of eastern philosophers Confucius and Lao Tzu are taken for this. Eastern philosophy is extremely popular in the world. In quotes from great thinkers you can find a suitable phrase for any occasion.
Men prefer to make hieroglyphs denoting masculine concepts such as strength, courage, power, power. Or encrypt animal symbols with these symbols. The most popular option is the dragon hieroglyph tattoo. This is a traditional eastern symbol of masculinity and energy.
In addition to Chinese tattoos, Japanese hieroglyphs are also popular. However, they are much less common. This is explained by the fact that fascination with Japanese culture can be considered a relatively new phenomenon.
Japanese hieroglyphs tattoo - photo
Japanese tattoos with hieroglyphs and inscriptions usually accompany large compositions in the oriental style. They are more popular among men.
Video on the topic
About tattoo hieroglyphs and their meanings in the video:
You may have heard the popular online story about a German teenager who asked to get a tattoo that means “love,” “respect,” and “obey.” When he went to the East, he wondered for a long time why the locals began to laugh when they looked at his tattoo.
It turned out that the master made a mistake, as a result of which the meaning changed dramatically. The tattoo meant "at the end of the day I become an ugly boy." Perhaps this is just a horror story floating around the Internet, but it is better to take a more responsible approach to the choice of symbols that you plan to apply to your body, so as not to end up in such an unenviable position later.
Application options
Of course it sounds great: “When a tattoo is applied to the neck, the aura is cleansed, the “cone” rises, and the chakras open.” But it is better to be guided by other criteria.
If you want others to see and know about the tattoo, if you want to say something with it, to attract attention, do it in an open place. If you want to please yourself and a loved one, you are not ready to advertise your “painting” to others, do it where it is easy to cover with clothes
If you want to please yourself and a loved one, but are not ready to advertise your “painting” to others, do it where it is easy to cover it with clothes.
Everything here is purely individual, depending on the person himself, the choice of sketch, style. Some designs look good on the arm, others on the chest or thigh.
Think about it, weigh it in any case, the choice will be yours.
On the hand
The hands are in second place after the neck. Hieroglyphs are tattooed on the shoulder, forearm, and wrist. Yes, they even do it on the hands and fingers, but less.
Tattoos with names and life mottos in Chinese or Japanese would look appropriate in these places.
Traditional Chinese writing
Hanzi is the traditional Chinese script officially used in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and even outside the country. There are about 47 thousand hieroglyphs in this language, but not all are used. To write correctly, you need to know about four thousand characters.
Many Chinese words are made up of several characters, with one character representing one syllable. In addition to traditional Chinese writing, there is also a simplified one, which was invented to improve literacy in the country. In simplified writing, characters have fewer strokes than in traditional writing; such writing is used in China, Singapore and Malaysia.
Chinese characters are considered the most ancient compared to others; they are used in Chinese, as well as in Korean and Japanese. Until 1945, this script was used even in Vietnam.
No one knows how many hieroglyphs exist (it is assumed that about 50 thousand), since their number and type are constantly changing.
Around the world, about a thousand different hieroglyphs are used every day. This amount is enough for approximately 93% of printed material.
Hanzi
Fictional examples[edit]
- Halo - Precursor Glyphs.
- Battle Engine Aquila - Forsetti hieroglyphs, the decoding of which can be found in additional materials.
- Lovecraft loved
to give all sorts of intelligent supernatural horror such squiggles. - The Lord of the Rings - in Muravyov’s translation, the “vile Mordorian symbols” are called hieroglyphs. Why not?
- "Legacy" by Christopher Paolini - Elves use hieroglyphic writing.
- I. Efremov, “Hour of the Ox” - the writing of the planet Tormans is similar to Chinese characters and, perhaps, originated from them.
- The Stargate franchise is the writing of the Ancients and the Goa'uld (hidden from the Ancients, by the way).
- Dancing with Aute with a screwed wick - sen-images, not so much hieroglyphs, but energy symbols that are part of non-human facial expressions.
- Nickelodeon's Avatar - Partially True Ancient Chinese Characters.
