What does a shark tattoo mean?
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When someone mentions sharks in a conversation, the once sensational movie "Jaws" and the creepy cannibal sharks immediately come to mind.
However, the interesting facts associated with these amazing ocean inhabitants are not limited to horror films alone. For example, did you know that sharks have been surfing the waters of our planet for over 400 million years?
Some species of sharks, unfortunately, have already become extinct, but nevertheless, most of these formidable predators continue to live and flourish to this day, having not particularly changed since ancient times. Sharks in many nations evoke mixed feelings: from sacred horror to awe.
Not surprisingly, many tattoo aficionados want to get a white shark tattoo. You will learn about the meaning of a shark tattoo in our article.
The value of the shark in world culture
Since sharks have existed in the waters of the oceans for a very long time, almost all the peoples of the world have developed a special attitude towards these most dangerous predators. For example, the people of Australia are used to honoring sharks. The natives believed that these predators were the messengers of the gods. Australians have believed from ancient times to the present day that the shark is a symbol of the unification of water and land.
In China, they believed that fish could bring wealth. According to the legend, Gun (the son of the Emperor Zhuan-xu) managed to defeat the destructive flood, and he himself turned into a huge fish. The name Gun just means "huge fish" in Chinese. In modern reality, the Chinese adore shark fin soup, which, however, is considered a very expensive dish, it is served only in gourmet restaurants. In addition, according to the enterprising Chinese, shark fins are an excellent aphrodisiac.
Since Japan is washed from all sides by the ocean, the inhabitants of this country have always had a special attitude towards the water element, which fed them, and also benefited them in every way. That is why the shark has always been revered by the Japanese as an image of the messenger of aquatic deities. It was believed that the shark is able to bring good luck in fishing and trade.
In the culture of the islands of Oceania, the shark is a symbol of the formidable spirit of the sea gods. That is why a shark tattoo denoted an unshakable spirit, strength, fearlessness among this people. It was believed that the image of this predatory fish on the body is able to protect the owner of the tattoo from the intrigues of evil forces and other enemies.
For the "dragons of the sea", the Vikings, the shark symbolized prosperity and prosperity, since it was the nutritious shark meat that saved the inhabitants of cold Iceland from hunger in the harsh winter.
Europeans believed that the image of a shark on the body could protect the sailor and help him return home from a dangerous voyage unharmed. In medieval Europe, anchor and shark tattoos were popular among sailors.
Shark tattoo style
Most often, people decorate their bodies with drawings of a marine theme, whose occupation is closely related to the water element, namely, sailors. These people, due to the fact that they often had to give their lives into the hands of an unpredictable element, were very religious, even superstitious. So, the sailors believed that a shark tattoo would save them from the attack of this harsh predator.
In addition, brave sailors were convinced that a shark tattoo would make them stronger and more resilient. What style to choose for your tattoo? We will tell you about a few of them, in which sharks are most often depicted, so that it will be easier for you to choose the one that suits you best.
Oldskul
Surely many people know that old school in translation from English means "old school". It is easy to guess that this style in tattoo art was popular even before the invention of a special machine for drawing drawings on the human body. The main theme of old school was just everything related to the sea: fish, anchors, chains, mermaids, fancy inscriptions. A characteristic feature of this style is the use of bright colors and black outline. Sometimes works in the style of old school can resemble children's drawings, they are so colorful and uncomplicated. Nevertheless, old school is still very popular today.
Ornamental
Ornamental is perhaps one of the most ancient styles of tattoo art. The leaders of ancient tribes adorned themselves with fanciful ornamental patterns to emphasize their special position among their fellow tribesmen. In the modern world ornamental tattoos do not lose their popularity, although the meaning is already completely different. Often sharks are also depicted in this style, which only emphasizes the ancient origin of these amazing inhabitants of the ocean depths. A feature of the ornamentation is the intricate interweaving of rich black patterns.
Tribal
The tribal style is also rooted deep in the centuries. If you look at the drawing depicted on the body using this technique from a distance, then you can see only beautiful interweaving of sharp-pointed black lines. However, if you look closely, you can see plants, animals, and other symbols. A tribal shark will look bold and defiant. In such works, something primitive is even visible.
Minimalism
The name of this style speaks for itself. Thin lines, small sizes - these are the characteristic features of minimalism. It would seem, what connects the cocky and aggressive shark with this style? However, a small shark on the wrist or neck, made in the style of minimalism, will always indicate to others at the right time that jokes are bad with you.
Realism
The technique of realism requires remarkable artistic abilities from the master. No joke - to portray a shark with its terrifying mouth and pointed teeth as if it were alive. Everything is present here - both the mixing of colors and the play of light. Drawings in the style of realism are voluminous, they seem to breathe and, it seems, are about to come to life.
Shark compatibility with other characters
The first thing that comes to mind when answering the question of what symbols a shark is best combined with is anchors. Indeed, in the old days, when tattoos were just becoming fashionable, sailors often depicted the fearsome queen of the seas with an anchor equipped with a chain.
In modern tattoo art, a shark with wings is often depicted. It turns out to be some kind of mythical character. Nevertheless, such a drawing carries a deep meaning, because a shark means strength and power, and wings mean freedom.
The image of a shark with an open mouth can signal the hidden "shark qualities" of the lucky owner of such a tattoo, namely, strength, determination, mercilessness towards everyone who gets in the way. That is why tough, principled people with a clear life position are called sharks of the pen, business, etc.
As a rule, a severe predator is depicted as it is in nature, but there are also bright marine inhabitants, sometimes of unnatural colors, for example, a purple shark in watercolor style.
A shark is often depicted surrounded by other fish, as if emphasizing its superiority over the rest, against the background of a sailing ship, a steering wheel, or menacingly cutting through the blue expanse of ocean waves.
Sometimes joke lovers want to capture the image of a pumped-up shark, which once again emphasizes the strength and courage of its owner, and at the same time his wonderful sense of humor.
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