All about the tattoo "Ouroboros"

The symbol of Ouroboros exudes antiquity and mystery. The origin of this sign is not exactly known. The serpent devouring its own tail was simultaneously used by several peoples. This symbol can be found in almost all religions. Its meaning has changed over time, but the basic essence has remained unchanged over the centuries.

Before making the tattoo in question, you should find out the meaning of this unusual word and its many meanings. Turning to the Greek language, it becomes clear that "Uro" is the tail, and "Boro" is the food. This is fully consistent with what is depicted on the sign - a snake or dragon biting its own tail. Even modern historians disagree as to what caused the appearance of such a picture. In addition, no one knows from which culture the symbol originated.

Some believe that a snake that bites itself appeared in China. According to other historians, the sign originated from the culture of Ancient Greece. Such discrepancies are due to the fact that the symbol in question appeared in different cultures at different times. Most experts agree only that the first notes about Ouroboros were found in Babylonian myths.

Archaeologists regularly find household utensils, as well as works of art depicting a snake eating its tail. Moreover, such finds are found in different countries. For example, items with such a symbol were found in China, India, Greece, Egypt, as well as a number of Scandinavian countries.

Depending on the culture, the images of the Ouroboros may differ slightly. At the heart of each is a snake that coiled into a circle and devours its tail. Such a symbol looks a little scary or warning. However, a closer look at the sign shows its attractiveness.

The semantic meaning of Ouroboros differs among different peoples.

• In the countries of the West in ancient times, it was believed that a reptile curled up in a circle symbolizes the infinity of life. It was believed that after death the creature will be reborn, and after birth it will be destroyed.

• In ancient Greece, as well as among the Aztecsliving in the South American territories had a similar opinion about this symbol.

• Since ancient times, the Chinese have seen only positive symbolism in the sign of the eastern dragon. They believed that its owner becomes successful and reliably protected from the dark forces. In addition, for Asians, the Ouroboros tattoo was symbolized in a cyclical manner.

• In India, a snake, coiled in the form of a ring, was considered the prototype of the god Shesha, who holds the heavens. This symbol was considered an energy that remained in the world after the universe was created. In other words, the Hindus compared the Ouroboros to the original chaos. Moreover, their reptile does not eat its own tail, but turns around the Earth to protect it.

• In Scandinavia, the symbol was associated with Jermungand., who lives under the water column and wraps his body around the earth. Legends say that a snake can constantly grow, which prevents it from completely eating its own tail. The Scandinavians believed that Ermungand is a villain who wants to attack the divine Ragnarok.

• The inhabitants of Egypt had a reverent attitude towards Ouroboros. In their opinion, the creature was very powerful and could control both life and death. The Egyptians even had a legend: as soon as Ouroboros stops patronizing these processes, the world will simply collapse.

• Slavic peoples endowed Ouroboros with positive qualities. This symbol came to the territory of the ancient Russian lands thanks to the eastern and Scandinavian peoples. The Slavs believed that the snake carries good energy that is able to protect against evil spirits.

It is worth clarifying that in the Middle Ages, Ouroboros was highly valued. The creature was endowed with witchcraft capabilities, so the symbol was popular with alchemists, healers, magicians, soothsayers.

The Ouroboros sign has attracted the attention of modern scientists. Carl Gustav Jung from Switzerland studied it for a long time. He was engaged in psychoanalysis and gave a transcript of the symbol from this point of view. According to her, Ouroboros means darkness and self-destruction.

In the modern world, most of the meanings of Ouroboros are still the same. For most, it symbolizes cyclicality, a link between opposites (birth and death, light and darkness, the beginning and end of everything that exists).

For those who believe in justice, the Ouroboros tattoo will be a good talisman. A reptile will help someone to come to terms with cyclicality, remove fear of it, make them wiser when accepting various events. Do not assume that Ouroboros is a kind and positive amulet.

The main meaning of the sign is that any business entails consequences. In the event that a person does good deeds, then he will receive a good reward. If evil is done, then the return will be negative.

For a man and for a woman, the designations of the Ouroboros symbol do not differ. Most often they symbolize the following.

• Cyclicity that is visible throughout life. With this interpretation, tattoos can only be done by those who are strong in spirit, are not afraid of death and believe in rebirth.

• The unity of the beginning and the end shows that everything in this world is very closely connected. It turns out that the path has no beginning or end, since it is one.

• The relentless struggle can be with life's difficulties, the surrounding world, their own shortcomings.

• Life cannot be fully cognized as it is a divine creation. There will always be some secrets in it.

Since ancient times, people have been using tattoos as amulets, because the drawing becomes an integral part of the wearer. It is believed that a special bond is established with them, which allows one to fulfill the desired. Sketches of Ouroboros tattoos are very diverse. Among them you can find both simple ones with schematic graphics, and complex options with many details (scales, spikes, additional attributes).

Color solutions can also vary greatly, from black monochrome to multi-colored. There may also be differences in the clarity of the contour, the presence or absence of shadows (penumbra), blurring of lines. The central element of the idea of ​​the picture can be a snake or an Asian short-footed dragon. In this case, the shape of the body is found in the form of an eight, a circle or multiple weaves.

Among the various designs, the most popular is the simple Ouroboros in the form of a circle that swallows its tail. A symbol that resembles a pretzel or a generally accepted heart sign is a more complex design. In this version, more details are provided, for example: wings, scales, teeth. This design is sometimes called "Long-Long".

Ouroboros, symbolizing infinity, represents the figure eight. Sometimes it consists of not one, but several snakes or dragons. When there is only one reptile in the picture, it will be wrapped over itself. In the event that there are two snakes, then they are intertwined, like hooks, or intertwined with each other.

All of these options can be complicated by additional elements. For example, a snake can be complemented by an elaborate background or depicted as a skeleton or geometric shapes.

As a rule, Ouroboros in the form of a dragon is symbolized with courage, strength, luck. In some sketches, the dragon appears as a simple plan, on which colorful details appear in the form of claws, wings, eyes. Most people are afraid of snakes and give them negative connotations. However, this does not prevent the use of images of reptiles in tattoos. The dramatic appearance of a snake can bring brightness and expression to a tattoo.

The symbol Ouroboros looks original in the form of a circle. Moreover, you can leave empty spaces in it or fill them completely. Also, as an addition, the date of birth or the name of a loved one is suitable, which will be entered inside the circle. This option will make it clear that this person is special for the owner of the tattoo and is right in his heart.

The Ouroboros tattoo can be placed anywhere, as there are no strict rules for its placement. The drawing can be applied to a separate area of ​​the body or cover the contour, for example, on the wrist. Simple schematic patterns without penumbra and with a minimum of elements look better in a small size. This tattoo will look perfect as a bracelet.

Images, for which aesthetics are important, are best done in color with the addition of smooth gradient shades, shadows, partial shades. This will emphasize the originality of the tattoo. However, a significant part on the body should be allocated for it. It is optimal to place such a pattern on the chest, shoulder, forearm, collarbone, lower leg.

Ouroboros in the form of a circle with a drawing of the smallest details will look best on the neck.

Skilled artists are capable of bringing tattoos to life. It seems that the snake in the style of realism on the back can move to another part of the body at any time.

The serpent swallowing its tail is drawn with the smallest detail. Mysteriousness is given to it by symbols inside, understandable only to their bearer.

The tattoo amazes with its complex plot, and it is on it that the main emphasis is placed. The snake is drawn very schematically, but in this case the meaning is more important.

The snake looks very interesting against the background of bright flowers, branches and mushrooms and reminds us of the cyclical nature.

The magnificent dragon seemed to be created by a master using a simple pencil.