Angel tattoo meaning

The image of an angel is found in almost all world religions. The word "angel" is of Greek origin and is translated as "messenger".

It is believed that these winged heavenly creatures are the messengers of God on Earth, who are able to transmit God's will to people. Today, angel wing tattoos are extremely popular among those who like to decorate their body with a fancy pattern.

Depending on how the angel is depicted on the sketch of the tattoo, you can determine what message such a work carries to others. After all, there are heavenly angels, in fact, the messengers of God, and there are fallen ones - the servants of the devil.

But first, let's try to understand the history of this ancient symbol.

Character history

Angels as messengers of God are mentioned in the cultures of almost all peoples of the world. For example, the ancient Greek philosophers (Plato, Socrates) believed that a certain guardian was assigned to each person by higher powers. He has no body, but his disembodied voice constantly whispers reasonable decisions to his ward, guiding him on the right path.
The philosophers of India believed that the entire universe is divided into 7 main levels, which are inhabited by various angelic and demonic creatures. All this multitude of beings is in one way or another in the service of the Supreme Law - Karma.

According to Islam, the belief in angels is one of the main pillars of the faith of any Muslim. However, unlike Christianity, where the winged messengers of God were created free and endowed with the right to choose (how to live in good or evil), the angels in Islam do not differ from each other. They are deprived of the right to choose and meekly fulfill certain obligations that Allah has imposed on them. Also in Islam, it is much easier for divine messengers to lead a sinless lifestyle, since they do not feel the desires that are inherent in human nature. In turn, a devout Muslim is required to constantly refrain from sins.

Angels in Islam have the following names:

• Jabrail (the main messenger of Allah);
• Michael (commander-in-chief of the heavenly army);
• Israfil (Doomsday bugler);
• Malik (keeper of the gates of hell);
• Harut (tempter);
• Marut (sorcerer-tempter);
• Munkar (companion of the dead);
• Nakir (companion of the dead);
• Malak al-maut (angel of death).

In Christianity, angels, as in other world religions and cultures, are messengers of God and direct executors of his will. But unlike the Islamist interpretation of angelic nature, the servants of the Christian god are free to choose. Therefore, they can voluntarily choose whom to join in the future: to God or to the devil. In addition, angels, like ordinary people, can sin, they can be tempted. A striking example of this is Lucifer, the angel of light. Once he was seduced by glory and pride, he wanted to become higher than God himself. For this he was expelled from the ranks of the heavenly host and is henceforth considered a fallen angel, a servant of Satan. Satan himself often takes on his guise.

In Christianity, there are such angels:

• Anael;
• Gabriel;
• Samuel;
• Michael;
• Sashiel;
• Raphael;
• Cassiel;
• Uriel;

This "eight" includes the main servants of God who rise above the rest of the heavenly army. Often God Himself takes on the guise of one of them.
In the service of the devil are such fallen angels:

• Samael;
• Beelzebub;
• Python;
• Belial;
• Asmodei;
• Lucifer;
• Satan.

Angel Tattoo Ideas

The image of the divine messenger on the body will suit both boys and girls. However, angels are different. Accordingly, an angel tattoo will have different meanings depending on what you want to express with it. For example, the devil's servant, Lucifer, adorned on the body, can be a symbol of a soul that rushes between light and darkness, but cannot take any particular side.

In turn, the plump and rosy-cheeked Cupid (cherub) can become a symbol of the amorous and windy nature of its owner (or possessor). After all, as you know, this golden-haired prankster is able to bring a person both great joy (mutual love) and terrifying sorrow (punish with unrequited love). To choose the most suitable angel tattoo style for you, we offer several interesting options.

Engraving

Perhaps one of the most unusual tattoo styles, since the drawing is somewhat reminiscent of medieval engravings on coins, armor, weapons. This technique is characterized by clear lines of black color, which form a whole picture. Such works are specially performed "semi-antique" in order to emphasize the connection of the image with the culture of the Middle Ages. A guardian angel tattoo will look good in this style. It can be an angel with a sword, which seems to protect you from the insidious intentions of your ill-wishers. It was believed that close people become guardian angels, who, after death, protect a person dear to them from various hardships of life.

Oldskul

Initially, this style was considered characteristic of sailors. Researchers of tattoo art argue that old-school works first appeared in the XNUMXth century among seafarers, people who are harsh, but very pious, if not superstitious. Giving their lives into the hands of Almighty God every time another dangerous voyage was ahead, the sailors believed that a tattoo depicting their loved ones would save their lives, because they have someone to live for, which means they need to fight to the end.

A characteristic feature of old school is bright colors with little or no shades. Sometimes such work resembles a child's drawing. In the modern world, when observance of the canons is not at all necessary, tattoo artists resort to the old school technique not only for depicting anchors, mermaids and naked women. The image of angels looks very cute and innocent. in old school technique... Usually these are cherubs, who since the Middle Ages have been portrayed as rosy-cheeked and plump toddlers, thus emphasizing their childish innocence and spontaneity.

Black and white realism

It is not surprising that black and white technique was taken into a separate style, because this is a real art - to depict a person, an animal, or a beautiful flower only in black, fully conveying the play of shades and shadows. The style is notable for its complex execution, with a relatively poor palette of colors. Nevertheless, such works are often sensual and poignant. Often, a tattoo of a fallen angel in a hood is depicted in a similar style.

The owner of such a drawing often expresses his grief over the loss of a loved one (sometimes through his own fault). Here, as it were, there is a parallel between the repentance of the fallen Lucifer and the owner of the tattoo. In a black and white palette, a tattoo of angels and demons looks very symbolic. Sometimes they are depicted in warlike poses, and sometimes embracing or holding hands. By this, the owner of such a work shows either the harmony of his soul (the unity of the guardian angel and the demon tempter), or, on the contrary, the struggle between good and evil.

Angel compatibility with other symbols

In modern tattoo art, innovation and the desire to break outdated canons are welcomed, because it is known that the love of tattoos is the lot of rebels. That is why angels in tattoo sketches rarely appear before us as some kind of divine creatures. Often, masters and their clients attribute very human traits to them. It can be sadness, remorse, lust, etc. Some men depict attractive angel girls from the back. A sword with wings can mean a warlike spirit and freedom at the same time.

Such a tattoo will look harmonious on both a guy and a girl. In addition, the image of a guardian angel on the hand is suitable for tattoo lovers of any gender: such a drawing can become a talisman in a difficult period of life, as if reminding that help is always there. And lovers of piquancy can be delighted with the tattoo of a graceful girl with horns and angel wings.

Angel symbolism

In world religions, God is called differently, but philosophers argue that whatever you call him, he alone lives in the heart of each of us. We can observe the unity of world religions in their interpretation of the angelic essence. The difference between the mentality of the inhabitants of the East and the West differs only in the severity of the canons. Thus, angels in Islam do not have the right to choose between good and evil, while Christian messengers are free to choose their own path. Which interpretation is better is up to you. Nevertheless, the image of an angel in each of them is the bearer of all human virtues, which each of us wants to correspond to.

Photo of tattoo with angels on the body

Photo of tattoo with angels on the arm