Raven tattoo on arm. Meaning of a crow tattoo. What does a raven and raven tattoo mean?

In ancient Greek culture, the raven was a symbol of fertility and longevity. This bird was considered the patron saint of travelers. The raven was often considered a sacred creature - a messenger of fateful events.

Scandinavian tribes also treated these birds with respect. Northern peoples considered the raven as a symbol of intelligence and long memory. The Romans generally associated ravens with the birds of tomorrow, comparing the croaking sound to the consonant Latin word meaning “tomorrow.”

Interestingly, Christianity perceived ravens as a negative sign. Birds were considered pests and supporters of Satan. Crows were contrasted with doves, symbolizing peace and prosperity. However, in holy scripture It is often told how crows helped travelers in their difficult journeys.

Chinese culture sees the raven as a symbol rising sun and revival. The Japanese even associate these black birds with loyalty and family values. The peoples who inhabited Africa interpreted this symbol in approximately the same way.

Modern interpretation of tattoo

If we consider the raven symbol as a tattoo, then it is worth noting that such body designs are most often used as the personification of loneliness, wisdom, and longevity. However, raven can also mean afterlife. This symbol is loved by supporters of occult practices. That is why you need to approach the selection of a tattoo design with knowledge of the matter. The smallest details can radically change the interpretation of a tattoo.

Tattoos for guys

Men's raven tattoos are most often tattooed in places such as:

As a rule, guys prefer monochromatic tattoos made in black or dark blue. Large body designs are less popular than small ones. However, today many original sketches have been developed for large-scale tattoos on the entire body.

Tattoos for girls

Girls are more reserved about tattoos with ravens than guys, since this symbol has pronounced masculine roots and personifies masculine qualities, such as wisdom and restraint. Girls who are more prone to emotional impulses of the soul rarely decide to get such a tattoo. However, there are a number of places where such a body pattern will look great. Among them:

Among the original ideas for a tattoo with the image of a raven are the following:

  • Raven wing on the entire forearm;
  • Lonely flying raven on the back;
  • A complex composition with the presence of a bird of longevity.

It is also possible to combine a picture and an inscription. In matters of choice of style there is no consensus, but it makes sense for supporters of non-standard body painting to pay attention to sketches made in trash polka style.

Celebrities with tattoos

Celebrities who have had a raven tattooed on their bodies include singer Ash Costello and popular tattoo artist Megan Masacre.

In the minds of most Russian-speaking people, a tattoo in the form of a black raven is associated with death and otherworldly forces, as this is commonly believed in Christianity. After all, crows feed on carrion, and during the raging plague epidemics in the Middle Ages, when people died in crowds right on the streets, and there was no time to take their bodies, crows scurrying around the corpses presented a truly terrifying sight. This interpretation of the raven has survived to this day. But in Japan, on the contrary, the raven is a symbol of family happiness and comfort. So fans of Japanese culture and anime can interpret crow tattoos in their own unique way, in a positive way.

General meaning of tattoo

Raven is a bird that few people love. As a rule, men put such tattoos on their bodies, and very rarely women. Most often it is performed in black and white, often with skulls. You can also see tattoos that have bright and colorful notes, these could be the eyes of a bird, bunches of rowan berries or other berries.

Raven tattoo in different nations

Each country has its own characteristics of a bird so severe at first glance. So, for example, the crow is personified with the following:

  • The ancient Celts, one and all, considered the bird a harbinger and symbol of evil. As a rule, a raven is a bird that can live for many years, eating only carrion and garbage, which is why people have such a distrustful attitude towards this bird. Many people personify it with wind and loneliness. For the first time, the raven became not just a bird, but also a symbol among the ancient Celts. Various sources indicate that these people associated the meaning of the crow tattoo with the image of the goddess of battles Morigan or the gods of death and war. Since then, the bird is still considered a sign of Satanism, evil, dark forces and suffering. The Celts also considered the raven sacred important symbol, which was used in magical rituals. In this regard, the image acquired another designation - prophecy, a person’s ability to predict the future.
  • In Christianity, the raven is considered an assistant of the devil and they also do not like this stern and dark bird. But Christians sincerely believe that the crow helps those people who have chosen hermithood, but even because of this they do not consider the bird a positive character. If we talk about Russian fairy tales, the bird is associated with sorcerers and wizards who personify evil and deceit. As for the meaning of the crow tattoo among the Slavs and Christians, they still considered it a gloomy and even suspicious animal, an avenger and a pest, and was also associated with suffering and pain. They acted as minions of Satan and often opposed the white dove, which was considered the messenger of God. There is also a belief that crows live next to sorcerers and witches. On the other hand, birds could be good companions. They saved the prophet Elijah from death due to thirst and hunger in the desert. Due to the large size of the bird, its terrifying croaking and inedibility, the Slavs treated it rather warily.
  • Egyptians consider the raven a symbol of aggression and malice. Among the Egyptians, the designation of a crow tattoo is not so positive. For this people, birds foreshadowed evil and destruction. Residents Ancient China crows were symbols of power and strength; in this country there is even a legend according to which the sacred bird lives in the sun and is a sign of the rising and setting of the sun. Later, the raven also became the emblem of the Shui Dynasty. In Japan, the bird is still considered a symbol of strong family love.
  • Canadians and Indians associate the crow with rituals and shamanic religions. Among the Canadian Eskimos and Indians, the bird was almost the main shaman and was even considered the first ancestor of these people.
  • In Scandinavia, ravens are the companions of the god Odin. In Scandinavian mythology, there is a mention of the god Odin being accompanied by ravens in his battles and wars. According to northern residents, this bird is very intelligent and has an excellent memory. Odin's ravens Hugin and Munin have acquired a positive meaning in the tattoo: one bird symbolizes reason, wisdom, and the other - memory. Crow tattoo The Scandinavians believe that these birds accompanied the god Odin in wars, and endowed him with a clear mind and excellent memory.
  • Some countries consider ravens to be harbingers of death and the other world.
  • In ancient Rome, the crow meant hope for tomorrow and faith in everything favorable and good. Hope - this is the concept that the ancient Romans put into the raven, because its cry is very reminiscent of the Latin “tomorrow”. An equally positive meaning of crow tattoos can be found among the ancient Romans. It seemed to them that the bird’s cry was similar to the Latin word “kras” (“tomorrow”), so the image of this animal could mean hope, faith in a better future. The neighbors of the Romans - the ancient Greeks - also endowed the raven positive features. He was the messenger of the gods Athena and Apollo, because of this the inhabitants Ancient Greece treated him with respect. The Greeks also considered the bird a symbol of fertility. It is also worth mentioning that quite often the crow is considered the wisest and is called a prophet. According to the beliefs of the ancient Greeks, the raven is a symbol of fertility and a faithful companion of wanderers. He was even the messenger of Apollo and Athena themselves, ancient greek gods, and therefore inspired honor and respect.
  • The Chinese consider it a symbol of masculinity and determination.
  • Africans consider ravens to be the surest harbinger of humanity. The bird was also a sacred helper for magicians among Africans. It was believed that killing such an animal would certainly cause bad weather. For some peoples, the raven can also be a positive symbol, so it can easily be argued that such a tattoo has a contradictory meaning.
  • The Japanese represent birds with love and family well-being.

Styles

In order to decide on the style of the sketch, there is no need to even watch a video of how a crow is tattooed or study a whole gallery of photographs of the owners of the design on the body. You just need to come to a tattoo parlor, contact the artist and study a little of the catalog he presents. It is not at all necessary to understand what style the tattoo artist uses in his work; you can simply choose any option you like and tattoo it. If you are looking for a specific technique, we offer you several interesting options for your sketch.

Realism- one of the most common. It’s quite easy to evaluate the quality of a master’s work; you just need to compare his drawings with real life. If even the smallest details are taken into account in the sketch, and the raven looks like a real one, you can trust the tattoo artist.

If a raven tattoo means a symbol of aggression and hatred for something, then you cannot find a better option for a sketch than trash polka. It is easy to recognize this technique among others: it is distinguished by the use of only two colors (black and red), some carelessness and gloominess. The sketch often contains many sloppy strokes of paint.
Those wishing to get a small and neat tattoo can be advised to pay attention to such styles as minimalism, graphics, and dotwork. Such techniques are also often decorated with watercolor elements. This combination makes the picture brighter and less ominous. Minimalism is ideal for girls who want to wear a small but significant tattoo on their body.

Tradition- a style that can be considered individual for each nation. In world culture, tradition is one of the American primitive techniques. However, it cannot be denied that traditional ideas different nations are different, and the Scandinavian raven tattoo will be completely different from its Russian or Chinese “brother”.

The meaning of a crow tattoo for men and women

For men:

Crow tattoo for guys. A guy who has or dreams of getting a raven tattoo most likely wants to show his masculinity by being like the ancient Celts. A similar tattoo is also common in various subcultures that lean toward otherworldly themes. In this case, a raven stuffed on the body will mean death, suffering, or a connection with the devil and devilry. A lot depends on the overall picture: if a raven is depicted against the backdrop of a cemetery, crosses, or sitting on a “bald” tree, the tattoo has a negative connotation, but, for example, a nesting raven is a good sign.

For women:

Women do not strive to express aggression or find negative elements in the sketch they like, indicating bitchiness, cunning or suffering. The meaning of crow tattoos for girls most often lies in the desire to have a strong family or to emphasize their wisdom, rationality and patience.

Interesting fact!

In fantasy books with a mystical slant, you can often read about terrible magicians - necromancers who resurrect the dead, or witches who bewitch all the guys with their love spells. A raven on their shoulder is their constant attribute. But every girl is a little bit of a witch at heart, so why not get a raven tattoo on your shoulder area?

Compatibility

A tattoo with a raven can be classified as a design that does not require additional elements, since the main meaning lies precisely in the image of the bird. From photo men's tattoos with the image of a raven it is clear that combinations with plants, other animals or objects still occur. The image can be supplemented with feathers, a watch, a key, a skull, a geometric or floral pattern, a heart (the most common option is a combination of a bird and a wolf). Some craftsmen offer clients to hang an amulet around the raven’s neck for good luck. Occasionally, the drawing is supplemented with an inscription, which may include lucky number or a significant date.

Depending on the size of the image you want, the crow tattoo can be done on different parts of the body. The raven looks especially expressive on the back or chest. It is important to mention that there may be slight difficulties in applying it. Drawing the thin feathers on the wings requires an experienced hand, so if you want the tattoo to turn out good quality, choose a professional tattoo artist with extensive experience. If you are printing a solid image, the shading should be done without spaces. Acceptable circular movements or shading. In this case, an inexperienced technician can severely damage the top layer of skin.

Bottom line

Today it is widely believed that the raven is a symbol of wisdom, longevity of loneliness and secret knowledge. Also, the image of this bird can mean the pain of loss. Despite the huge number of different beliefs and interpretations, true meaning A raven tattoo is determined only by its owner. Ask your master draw an individual and unique sketch for you Raven tattoos!

Among the tattoo designs, most of them depict animals, birds, insects and other creatures. Such drawings are used to emphasize the quality of character that a person possesses, or to add missing confidence and strength. The image of a raven is shrouded in special mystery. What should you know about this tattoo?

Three Crows Tattoo

Raven - a symbol of good or evil

Crow tattoos are quite common among tattoo art lovers. Of particular interest is associated with ancient beliefs. Our ancestors associated the raven with dark forces. Drawings in black and white are common. Other colors are very rarely added to the sketch. Popular areas for applying such a pattern are the shoulders, chest, and back.

The raven is a bird that is distinguished by its strength and fairly large size. A characteristic feature is the intelligence and wisdom of the bird. Representatives of all cultures and at all times have revered this bird, felt a sense of fear, and sometimes remained impassive. Despite this, the bird always evoked radically opposite emotions. It is a symbol of darkness and sun, good and evil, enmity and wisdom. Many owners of this tattoo associate the raven with a trusted advisor.

Raven, clock, tree, moon

Raven in the cultures of the world

The crow tattoo, the meaning of which is varied and contradictory, is represented in the cultures of almost all peoples of the world.

Legend has it that the raven is a bird that lives for about 300 years, terrifies people and feeds on carrion. This representative of birds occupied a worthy place in the cultures of all peoples of the world.

The ancient Celts associated the raven with death. The jet black bird was part of magical and satanic rituals. She was always placed near the goddess Morigan and other deities who symbolized death and enmity.

Ancient Egyptians They believed that the raven signified aggression and evil, so they were afraid of the bird and avoided its image.

IN Christian religion The raven is considered an accomplice of the devil, as well as a harbinger of problems and bad weather. But the main book of Christians, the Bible, testifies that the prophet Elijah was saved in the desert by a flock of crows. Birds saved the hermit from certain death.

This is interesting!

In Russian folklore, for example, in fairy tales, the black bird also acts as a supporter of evil, witches and evil sorcerers. It is an essential symbol of black magic.

The ancient Romans attributed the opposite meaning to the raven. For them, the bird embodied hope. Such associations were caused by the fact that the raven's cry is similar to the Latin word "kras" (tomorrow).

IN Chinese mythology and the Crow religion is the embodiment of qualities such as determination, reliability and resilience. According to legend, the sun is set in motion by the raven bird.

Peoples of hot Africa They identify the bird with a person’s faithful assistant.

The Eskimos believed that the raven was the main shaman, the progenitor of humanity.

Open key from a raven, tattoo on hand

Tattoo meaning

Crow tattoo designs are performed in combination with other additional elements, which, in turn, make the meaning of the tattoo deeper and give it a special meaning.

Body designs depicting a magical bird are most often associated with wisdom and prudence. Also, this design is applied to the body by people who experience loneliness and the pain of loss. loved one.

Important!

Since the meaning of a raven as a tattoo is quite controversial, only the person who will wear the tattoo can choose a design, taking into account personal preferences and feelings, as well as their attitude towards the bird.

A photo of a raven tattoo, depicting a raven together with, conveys the threat of death and destruction. If the skull is replaced with blooming roses in which a bird nests, such a tattoo will become a symbol family well-being and happiness.

Crow tattoo with abstract inserts in the form of red lines

I think the raven is a really cool tattoo. After all, this bird is quite popular among all nations. After all, there is some truth in them. I believe that the raven is a mysterious and extraordinary bird. Therefore, when choosing a tattoo, at first I was afraid to look funny, but everything turned out just fine. The tattoo gave me strength and power, which was so lacking at times.

Alla, Kazan

One bird on a branch reflects loneliness, several birds or a flock of crows is an emblem of aggression and war.

If a bird holds something in its beak, the owner of the tattoo seeks to demonstrate the strength and qualities of a predator. Such a person will never become a victim of others.

Tattoo of a raven that flies over the skulls

Tattoo color

The meaning of a tattoo depends not only on the elements of the design’s composition, but also on the color scheme. The most common black and white version of the sketch. The color of the bird's feathers changes the symbolism of the tattoo. A pitch black raven is perceived as a concentration of negativity and negative energy. Even the smallest elements white in plumage radically change the meaning of the tattoo in a positive direction.

Christmas tree and spruce in the reflection of a raven

Who gets raven tattoos?

Important!

When choosing a raven tattoo, you should carefully consider the combination of all elements. Don't miss a single detail. Every little detail can radically change the interpretation of a tattoo.

The tattoo has a unique design, so it can be done in any style of the client's choice. Both men and women can apply such a design to the body. If the tattoo design is chosen wisely, taking into account personal preferences and character, the tattoo will become a spectacular accent of the personality. A crow tattoo can be placed on almost any part of the body.

Clear head of a raven, with open beak

Even though I'm not crazy about this bird's "song", I spent a lot of time studying the symbolism. To be honest, I like the image itself, but the bird in real life always made me sad. There were some concerns about this. But everything went as well as possible. IN difficult situation a certain resilience and self-confidence appears. Besides, everyone now admires my tattoo. Thanks master.

Kirill, Orel

Video: different raven tattoos

Crow tattoo designs









Raven tattoo on shoulder

Sinister and gloomy, the raven is always associated with death, evil and otherworldly forces, and the tattoo evokes analogies with Satanism, which, in truth, does not prevent it from remaining one of the most popular motifs in tattoo art.

The symbolism of the raven somehow changes with the era. So, in the culture of Ancient Greece he is also a prophetic bird, a servant of the gods, a guide to the kingdom of eternity; V Ancient Rome it is a symbol of hope, since the loud croak is similar to the Latin word “kras,” which means “tomorrow.” It is also believed that the raven brings war and death due to its feeding on carrion and its connection with Irish goddess the Morrigan war, as well as beliefs where they fly to battles and peck out the eyes of fallen warriors.

According to Scandinavian legends, Odin has two raven companions, who are the personification of thought and memory. During the day, they collect information drop by drop from all over the world, and in the evening they sit on the shoulders of the owner, telling about everything.

Interpretation of crow tattoos in the 21st century

The meaning of a crow tattoo does not change in any way depending on who wears it - a man or a woman, and is individual - it depends on other elements of the sketch, as well as what you think. If it is definitely decided that the raven will be central, we advise you to carefully read all the composition options in order to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation.

The tattoo is depicted in mystical roles; its companions in the drawing are:

  • Celtic signs
  • flowers
  • landscapes
  • animals (for example, wolves).

The semantic spectrum is very broad, from death and the path to afterworld to intelligence and witchcraft, as well as longevity.

The basis of this interpretation is the raven's life cycle, which tends to be three hundred years; It is especially interesting that wisdom is also associated with a long life expectancy, although the main message for such an interpretation was still the same norse mythology- the all-seeing Hugin and Munin.

Also, such a tattoo may indicate a person who lives alone, who has withdrawn into himself or simply a self-sufficient introvert, and to generalize, this designation can be described as a hermit.

What tattoos does it go with?

The raven is a versatile image that easily connects with others and can serve as an interesting addition to the overall composition. In this type, the leader will be the bird itself, and most often you will see it on:

  • surrounded by roses
  • with feathers
  • runic pattern in a circle
  • with a clock

which symbolizes time and transience, and the bird as a guide and long-lived antagonist.

For such tattoos, the style is attractive, which, with its combination of bright scarlet and all gradations of black, with deliberately careless strokes, from which the spirit of rebellion and revolution emanates, has gained many fans of all genders and ages.

Positive and negative meanings

As mentioned above, a tattoo only wears what the author put into it. However, some drawings, even in isolation from the original plan, are obtained with bright, clearly expressed symbolism, intuitively understandable to everyone, and varying from benevolent to sharply negative.

  1. For example, a raven and a skull mean devastation and chaos, and there is no difference in the position of both “heroes” of the tattoo.
  2. The flock is undisguised aggression, and the one sitting lonely on a branch is loneliness; and here the deep foundation is that despite their long life, these birds do not always find a mate.
  3. A raven building a nest, holding roses in its claws will have a diametrically opposite meaning - this is a clear desire for happiness, family and stability.

The main part is the color, which can radically change the tattoo. A little life hack: if you are visually attracted to the concept, but do not like the dark meaning it carries, add white to the plumage or even paint the raven a snowy color, this will allow the light content to dominate.

Who wears a raven tattoo?

This tattoo is universal, it is suitable for both men and girls. As usual, the woman’s raven’s habitat is like a witch’s advisor, and the young man’s is the chest or back, where the raven spectacularly settles in, spreading its wings in imitation of flight.

Where is it most often applied?

Peculiar favorites for getting a crow tattoo:

  • shoulder
  • back
  • breast.

A little less common is a raven on the forearm, as well as a tattoo on the lower back, and rarely on the arms and wrists. The determining criterion for choosing a place is a sketch, since it is not possible to place a drawing everywhere without changing the size, while preserving the idea down to the smallest detail.

Meaning of Crow Tattoo in Prison

In the zone, this tattoo has an unambiguous meaning. It is simply deciphered:
“RAVEN is a thief - he is born of hatred alone” and an allusion to cunning and deceit, which is essentially a direct characteristic of thieves.

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Video on the topic