Scorpion tattoos have several distinct meanings. Since scorpions often live in hot and tough areas, the image of a scorpion shows a person has strength and is able to live through tough moments. This may be why people get scorpion tattoos, to show they are able to make it through difficult situations, and stay strong. The scorpion represents power and force, and proves that size does not matter. Scorpions are small creatures that have fierce stings. Maybe this is why some people choose to get a scorpion tattoo to show that although they may appear feeble, they can actually hold their ground.
Tattoos look awesome in color, but may look tougher in black ink. The choice is yours, but color tattoos often give a softer appearance and add more detail. Take the scorpion tattoo that is in the picture. The green design not only adds a touch of style but actually may contribute to the symbolism of the tattoo. Green is associated with the earth realm. It represents materialism, and to some extent the mortality of all living things. So, if your interested in a cool design, the scorpion tattoo may be the one that fits the bill for you. Just remember to carefully consider the size and placement of the tattoo before you get it inked.
Scorpion tattoos have a long and diverse history throughout the world. This is particularly true in Africa, Asian and the Middle East. It is a fierce and respected animal and it’s symbolism is a direct reflection of that. It’s symbolism can be directly viewed through the eyes of many religious faiths. There’s plenty of scorpion tattoo imagery found in religious references. The Bible describes the Israelites trampling Scorpions as a metaphor for victory over the ‘venomous attacks of the devil’. In Buddhist mythology, a ninth century king dreamed of Scorpions the size of yaks, which he took as a sign to stop persecuting monks.
You can still see the Scorpion on woodblock prints and wheel charms in Tibet and other Buddhist cultures. As a protective feature, it was also found on sword handles and personal seals, or in temples as guardians of the holy Dharma. Buddhists intended the scorpion to be a symbol of pacification, which turned menacing at the first sign of anyone intending harm. The scorpion has another facet more helpful to humans. Praying to the Egyptian Scorpion goddess was said to ease the pain of childbirth. It also stood as a symbol of maternal self-sacrifice. But, regardless of your personal symbolism behind the scorpion tattoo it’s still an imposing addition to any ones collection of tattoos.
Before getting a scorpion tattoo there are a few things that you need to keep in mind about this creatures historic symbolism and inherent nature. Because it strikes without warning, delivering a painful venomous sting from its hiding place, the scorpion is an emblem of treachery, hatred, envy, danger, pain, death, wickedness, and fear. In Christian art, the scorpion especially represents heresy and Judas, the betrayer of Christ. Its image may be found on the shields and banners of Roman soldiers in pictures of the Crucifixion.
Being the antithesis of the bee which serves its queen and nourishes humans with its honey, the scorpion kills its king and is ever ready to poison and sting the children of God. Because they rejected the King of the Jews, the scorpion served as an anti-Semitic symbol of the Jews during the Middle Ages. In symbolism the scorpion’s sting tends to be fatal. The ancients believed that its bite was most painful and its venom most potent during the months of October and November while the constellation Scorpio reigns in the sky. The scorpion tattoo doesn’t just have negative connotations, it also has a positive one. It is the symbol of power and strength that few other tattoos can match.
If this scorpion tattoo is meant to be life size then it will make one very large tattoo indeed. It would have to go on someone’s chest I would say. But maybe it’s just big so we can see the detail of the artwork better. But I don’t believe that to be the case. Tattoo samples are generally drawn as the size they are meant to go onto the skin so this one would either partially wrap around someone’s arm or will take up a large area of space on their stomach or their back.
A scorpion tattoo is viewed by others that you think you are rough and tough so don’t be surprised if your scorpion tattoo brings you a little trouble, because it just might. If you are not a Scorpio you really have no business wearing a scorpion tattoo unless you enjoy being challenged, because sooner or later that is exactly what will happen. I could be wrong but to me wearing one of these is like putting out a challenge to anyone and everyone. Of course that won’t happen if your tattoo is very small or it is in a place that is not immediately visible to everyone else. |
6 Jan 2009
