Chinese characters for tattoo. Meaning, translation: love, luck, happiness, wealth, dragon, health, money, life. Ancient pictures

Chinese characters are popular all over the world as images for tattoos due to the aesthetic appeal of traditional calligraphy, which has long distinguished itself as an independent art form. The images have a semantic load and sacred meaning, as they can serve as a kind of talisman for the wearer.

The meaning of Chinese characters in the art of tattooing

Chinese hieroglyphs have been used for tattoos since ancient times. The significance of such an image on the body and the attitude towards it in society has changed. Tattoos with hieroglyphs-pictograms were used by priests in special rituals, including for imparting qualities to their owner and even for a kind of treatment.

During the Confucian period, tattoos were banned.

At that time, their application was associated with "causing damage" to the human body, which was recognized as a divine gift. In the Middle Ages, tattoos were done on the face of criminalsin order to warn respectable citizens that they are facing a criminal personality (the more often a person was sent into exile, the more inscriptions were made).

This punishment was called body piercing and the memories of it in Chinese society are still alive, so it is not accepted to put hieroglyphs on the face.

But even when the tattoo was a sign of social outcasts, the genre continued to develop and was popular. The 12th-century adventure novel River Creek (水滸傳) is replete with tattooed "noble bandit rebel characters" who were also martial artists.

One of the legendary characters in the book wore a dragon tattoo that wrapped around the body 9 times, and the other had tattoos of beautiful flowers. Other the popular book "The Tale of Yue Fei", has changed the concept of a tattoo as belonging to a criminal environment or to the lower class.

The owner of the sacred tattoo with the hieroglyphs "fortitude, loyalty and devotion to the country" is the main character of the novel - the commander Yue Fei from the rich Song dynasty. Tatu decides to make Yue Fei his mother in order to direct her son on a certain path in life and as a talisman-amulet.

The real historical prototype of the hero of the novel (the commander of the 12th century) won popular love as a person who contributed to the restoration of the professional army of the south and the development of martial arts. Perhaps this fact is associated with the special popularity of tattoos-hieroglyphs among warriors and martial artists, which has survived to this day.

Chinese tattoo hieroglyphs, pictures in the oriental style in the 20th century among Europeans became popular thanks to the presence of US and British ships in Hong Kong. Sailors were regular customers of Chinese tattoo parlors, but not only because of their love of exoticism and talismans.Tattoos on the body of naval personnel were fixed and were supposed to help identify the body in case of death.

Fortunately, most of the sailors returned home alive, taking with them the original "Chinese souvenir" in the form of a tattoo.

In modern China, tattoos are associated with several concepts at once: fashion, talisman, martial arts, underground, crime. At the same time, criminal tattoos are, for the most part, pictures, the meaning of which is known only to a narrow circle of people, and it is almost impossible to apply them in a regular salon.

Fashionable tattoos with hieroglyphs, often written in the traditional style, are applied by young people under 30 as decoration and to emphasize individuality. Tattoos are sometimes accompanied by images even in 3D, and Europeans like such graphics on the body more.

The names of the signs of the zodiac according to the Chinese horoscope and even lines from poems are popular.

As a talisman, hieroglyphs are applied to certain parts of the body (various areas of the arms, legs, collarbone, neck, back), since the location of the inscription is important for activating the action of the tattoo. Such symbols are designed to attract wealth, love, happiness, health and even get rid of bad habits into the life of the carrier.

Among martial artists, both hieroglyphs with separate words, mottos, and images of animals are popular.qualities of which the athlete wants to acquire. Tattoo can carry information about the school of martial arts or be associated with the "pseudonym" of the master.

Many musicians and artists who create works of modern art cover their bodies with a whole carpet of tattoos. The attitude in the artistic environment to tattoos can be conveyed in the words of the fashionable Chinese artist Zhuo Dan Ting, who became the first female owner of the famous tattoo art studio in Shanghai:

"... it is an art form that you can wear and see every day ...".

What does the localization of the tattoo say: on the leg, arm, shoulder, back, abdomen

Chinese hieroglyphs for a tattoo should not only be chosen with a deep understanding of the meaning of the symbol, but also be located on the body of the wearer in certain places in order to bring the desired effect.

Tattoo color

Chinese hieroglyphs for a tattoo can be traditionally chosen in a tattoo parlor in black, but there are also images using color, and the so-called "pure" colors, of which there are 5 in Chinese culture.

Each color has its own symbolic meaning, which must be taken into account:

1. Blue green (for the Chinese it is one color) - symbolizes the wind, embodies the element tree, the propensity for growth and development.The shade of green is associated in Chinese culture with the birth of a new life. Blue-green is considered the most "fickle color" and can mean both the color of the sky and wisdom, and the element that brings destruction.
2. Red is the color of fire and sun. Symbolizes joy, upward movement. The power of the sun and fire is capable, according to the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom, to scare away evil, protect, bring harmony and joy into the house. Red is associated with good omens, success, celebration, profit, vitality, enthusiasm.
3. Yellow represents the earth element and related properties: fertility, constancy, stability, inviolability, eternity. Yellow is the color of gold, and as a result, success and prosperity.
4. White in Chinese culture is associated with the element metal and with the end of the cycle (in the fall), going beyond the edge of the world of the living. The inconsistency of the symbols associated with white is due to the fact that it was both the color of mourning and the color of amulets from the inhabitants of the other world.
5. Black is associated in traditional Chinese culture with the element water., associated with mystery and mysticism, the unknown, the ability to remember everything and change. Therefore, the color symbolizes wisdom, the desire for knowledge, immersion in the study of the mysteries of life.

In a tattoo, colors are used to give more strength to images and hieroglyphs (for example, there may be a red outline of symbols to reinforce their favorable meaning).

Tattoo ideas: hieroglyphs and their translation

Most of the symbols for tattoos are auspicious hieroglyphs from Feng Shui, which are used to wish well or attract good luck.

Video about the meaning of popular Chinese characters used in tattoo:

Happiness

幸 福 consists of two parts, each of which can be depicted separately, as it has its own meaning and sound. The first character, 幸 (shin) means happy, prosperous, and the second - 福 (fu) means "blessing", "joy", "prosperity", "peace". That is, the hieroglyph reflects the Chinese idea of ​​happiness, as of God's blessing for well-being in all spheres of life.

The image is designed to bring the wearer happiness and good luck in the very area in which he asks from the higher powers.

Great happiness

喜 喜 is a double-written hieroglyph "joyful" (si), which also means "fun". It is considered a powerful talisman that brings growth in a variety of areas, from childbirth to business success. It is recommended for application as a talisman for success in family relationships or affairs related to partnerships, since it is a pair sign.

Love

愛 (ai) consists of four components: claw, roof, heart, paws. That is, in it you can find a symbolic description of love: "a feeling that pierces the heart, settles in it and does not give an opportunity to escape." They use the image as a talisman to attract love, search for a soul mate, harmony and joy in family life, and strengthen marriage.

Eternal love

永 愛 (yong ai) consists of two parts. The first element means "long", "endless". This element contains the key water with the value current long. The hieroglyph is used as a talisman to strengthen love and friendship, gives mutual understanding to partners, brings a new wave of feelings into the relationship of spouses.

Wealth

富 (uh) contains such parts as abundance and building, that is, it depicts wealth in the house. This hieroglyph attracts not only material values, but also spiritual wealth associated with the acquisition of knowledge about life. It is considered a good talisman for business success and well-being.

Material wealth is also symbolized by the hieroglyph 錢 (money), which is also used to attract wealth.

Prosperity

繁荣 (fanrong) hieroglyph, consists of two parts, the first symbol means "numerous", "in large numbers", the second - "glory", "honor", "popularity".It is used as a talisman to attract not only material well-being, improvement in business, but also the accompanying honor and respect, good fame about a person, about his business.

The stylized spelling of the first character 繁 is often used to protect against failure in any area.

Abundance

The hieroglyph resembles a bowl of ears (symbol of a rich harvest). This image is used to attract the energy of growth into any sphere. You can add a second symbol with the image of the "object of desires", which will enhance the effect of the sign. The hieroglyph is also a talisman against poverty and decline.

Power

力 (whether) - looks like a strong hand pointing down. It is believed that the symbol fills with internal energy, cheerfulness of its wearer, gives confidence in himself and his actions. The tattoo mascot will also give strength for the implementation of creative plans, present new ideas.

Joy

樂 (yue, le) - is interpreted not only as “joy”, but also as “pleasure”, “fun” and “music”. The talisman is designed to fill the carrier with positive emotions, help live easily, heal from sorrows.

Health

Character 健康 (jian kang) brings to the owner the greatest value - good health. Helps to solve problems with poor health, overcome mental crisis. Health in the broadest sense of the word.

You can find the first symbol separately, as a wish for recovery during treatment.

World

Chinese character 和 (heipin), which means “peaceful”, “good-natured”, calm ”, is applied to give a person peace of mind and also as a talisman for good, even relations with others.

the beauty

The symbol 美 (mei) is very popular as a tattoo for women., which is often applied along with the image of flowers that represent purity. The talisman is designed to provide the owner with beauty and health. Previously, the hieroglyph meant "peaceful", as it combined the image of a man and a lamb (literally "meek as a lamb").

Independence

獨立 (doo li) means literally "standing apart", free from force, influence, authority. There are options for stylized writing. It is used as a talisman to get rid of addiction, bad habit.

Courage

Symbol 勇 (yong) - “courage”, combines elements of “courageous” from above and “strength” from below. Tattoo gives courage, stamina and bravery to its owner. Often applied with the symbol 气 (si) for energy.

Dream

Hieroglyph 夢 (lesser) - "dream" is one of the most popular symbols for drawing, as it symbolizes movement towards a dream. But there is another meaning of the sign: "sleep", "illusion" and a hidden message - to take the transience and impermanence of life for granted.

Fulfillment of desires

如意 (ruyi) literally means "quality of desire". The message contained in this symbol on the tattoo reads: "May your dreams come true!" In Feng Shui, it is believed that having presented his friends with images of this hieroglyph, a person wishes them the fulfillment of all aspirations and in return receives the fulfillment of his hopes.

Beautiful ancient Chinese tattoo pictures

The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire are more willing to tattoo images than inscriptions. Tattoos with animals, flowers, birds, mythological creatures and abstract symbols are popular among the Chinese.

Each image symbolizes certain concepts:

• Phoenix is ​​a symbol of fortitude and desire to live.
• The dragon personifies power and might.
• Tiger - dignity, power, deceit.
• The turtle and the snake are a symbol of thoughtful comprehension of truths.
• Lotus is a symbol of purity and wisdom.
• Carp is a symbol of wealth.
• Monkey - strength, courage and luck.
• Yin and Yang are harmony.

Proverbs in Chinese

Chinese hieroglyphs for tattoos, you can choose not only from single symbols, but also apply short sayings or proverbs that serve as a motto for a person or express life principles.

For instance:

• 善有善报 - Good will be rewarded for good.
• 人 逢 喜事 精神 爽 - Joy inspires a person.
• 一步 一个 脚印 儿 - Every deed done leaves a trace.
• 执 子 之 手. 与 子 偕老 - Live together until old age.
• 兵不厌诈 - All is fair in war.

Keys in hieroglyphs

As can be understood from the analysis of the composition of some of the above hieroglyphs, simple symbols can be part of complex ones (for example, strength and courage 力 and 勇). Chinese hieroglyphs are classified according to the elements that classify the word in the category of some objects, concepts, that is, according to keys.

In total, in the traditional system of such "keys" (also called radicals) there were 214, in the modern version there are 201. In symbols for tattoos, the radicals "man" 人 and "strength" 力 were often found. You can find characters in the pivot table of hieroglyphs.

Preparation for tattooing

To make a tattoo of hieroglyphs, it is recommended to choose a master specializing in the oriental style so that the outline of the characters is accurate. Before applying the image, you must select a sketch from the proposed options or order an individual drawing from the master.

You can come with a photo of the desired tattoo.

In order not to remove the tattoo, sometimes they make a temporary version at the request of the client. If necessary, depilation is carried out before application. Do not take pressure-raising drugs or drink alcohol before tattooing.

How is a tattoo done, how long does the procedure take?

Immediately at the beginning of the procedure, the skin is treated with a special disinfectant (solution or gel). Next, local anesthesia is examined - an aerosol is sprayed onto the skin. Then the drawing from the sketch is transferred to the body area using special paper.

The working time depends on the complexity of the image, the number of characters, the style of graphics. The need for additional anesthesia is discussed with the master in advance. Tattoos are done quickly. The procedure is performed with a special machine with thin disposable needles. The paint caps are also used 1 time.

The master must wear sterile gloves!

Skin care after tattooing

After tattooing, there is local redness of the skin or blood may come out. It usually takes 2 weeks to heal after the procedure. At this time, there is no need to injure the skin with excessive sunbathing (or solarium), mechanical or chemical influences. You can treat your skin with a delicate cream with antiseptic properties.

If after this period there is pain and inflammation, you need to see a doctor.

What Chinese-style tattoos should not be done?

Symbols for tattooing should be chosen, avoiding hieroglyphs with the meaning: decline 下降, illness 病, death 死亡. Also not recommended to display numbers (especially 4!) and symbols of subordination. You should not get a tattoo with a name in Chinese, if there is no reliable information about what each graphic symbol separately means.

Chinese hieroglyphs used for tattoos, in compliance with ancient traditions when applied, can add luck and well-being to a person's life.

Article design:E. Chaikina

Useful video clip about Chinese characters for tattoos

A plot about the meanings of Chinese hieroglyph tattoos: