Deer also appear as wonderful messengers and guides, showing the heroes the path to their goal. Deer are credited with healing powers, especially the ability to seek out medicinal herbs. IN fine arts a deer wounded by an arrow and holding a bunch of medicinal herbs in its mouth is a symbol of love longing. The deer also symbolizes caution and keen hearing.

However, as a result of observing the habits of this animal, the symbolism of loneliness associated with the deer arose - both in European and Japanese traditions.

Among the American Indians and some Asian peoples, an adult male deer is a solar emblem of abundance; its branched antlers symbolize the Tree of Life, the sun's rays, Longevity and rebirth (the antlers change periodically). A young deer can be a symbol of defenselessness.

In China, deer is associated with wealth and good fortune, the word “deer” there is a homonym for the word “abundance”.

In Christian art, the male red deer represents hermitage, prosperity, and purity. Mentioned as the enemy of the snake, which can be lured out

Deer is the patron saint of the Siberian peoples

from cover with your breath, and then trample. In Christian iconography, a deer trampling a snake is a symbol of the destruction of evil, and in the Bible there is a comparison of a deer thirsting for water with human soul thirsty for God, which is why the male deer often symbolizes piety. It is in this meaning that the deer is depicted on baptismal fonts, as well as in religious painting- drinking at the foot of the cross. The deer also symbolizes Christ, who seeks out the devil in order to destroy him.

The white deer was a favorite badge English king Richard II; when he ordered that every inn should have some kind of sign, many took his white deer; this emblem is still often found on pub signs.

The female deer is found less frequently as a symbol, usually as a companion to the lunar goddesses of the hunt, including the ancient Greek Artemis (Diana). It can also symbolize feminine in initiation rites.

The deer was a sacred animal in the Greek mysteries of Bacchus, and participants dressed in deer skins. Since the deer was associated with the worship of the Moon goddess, Bacchic orgies took place at night.

The deer was often a tribal figure (totem) among peoples Central Asia, hence the legend that Genghis Khan’s ancestors were a wolf and a deer. U North American Indians, who lived northwest of the Great Lakes, deer was also considered one of the totems. For example, among the Hurons (southeast of the Great Lakes) there was a clan of Deer.

Some tribes of the ancient Germans were also called by the names of animals, among them there was a tribe called “Young Deer”.

The Khanty and Mansi peoples decorate their national clothes various kinds of embroidery, among which a canonized ornament called “deer antlers” was established.

Thus, from ancient times, the deer not only provided people with food and clothing, providing the opportunity for survival, but also acted as a strong magical intercessor, who, having struck the ground with its ringing hoof and flashing its golden horns in the distance, was ready at any moment to come to the rescue and protect from trouble, protect from evil. Perhaps it was precisely for these qualities that people endowed with a beautiful, proud and strong animal that they began to call him the Noble Deer.

Deer is one of the most common patron spirits and assistants of shamans Siberian peoples. The beginning shaman imagined himself as a deer, imitated its habits, began to snort like a deer, and this process of “entry of the spirit into the shaman” lasted a long time, sometimes two or three years. After this period, the shaman made himself a mallet for the tambourine. Having stuck it into the ground, the initiate sang shamanic songs. In a dream, a deer appeared to him, from whose skin he needed to make a tambourine. The tambourine is perceived as the shaman’s deer, on which he “rides to the upper world to the spirits.” The tambourine depicts the animals and birds that protect the shaman. Some shamans, for example the Evenks, in addition to the tambourine, also have a ritual costume symbolizing a deer, and a staff in their hands.

To the imagination of a northern Slav, each thundercloud seemed to be a deer driving the chariot of Perun the Thunderer (an ancient Slavic deity, an analogue of Elijah the Prophet) across the heavenly sea-ocean. Christian tradition or Zeus-Jupiter - in Greco-Roman). From Ilya’s day in Rus' they stopped swimming, saying: “from Ilya’s day the leaves on the trees turn yellow, and in rivers and lakes the water cools down because on that day the Deer swam across the river and cooled the water.” The same idea is reflected in German legends about “sunny” deer.

The Celts believed that the deer was the chief animal in the magical herds of the gods (this is what may have led to the tradition that Santa Claus travels in a reindeer sleigh); some Celtic gods wore stag antlers.

Many Hittite, Sumerian-Semitic and Shinto deities also rode deer.

In alchemy, both male and female deer often act as symbols of transformation, which is associated with the myth of Artemis, who turned the hunter Actaeon into a deer because he saw her while swimming naked.

In heraldry, a deer is always depicted in profile, running, walking or lying down.

A deer tattoo is a symbol of purity, self-confidence and strength. Since ancient times, these graceful noble animals have been revered and loved by man. For the Scandinavian peoples, the deer was a symbol of the Great Mother Isa. The Celts also revered deer - for them, the image of these animals meant rebirth and longevity. According to Celtic beliefs, deer are the main animals in the magical herds of the gods (by the way, this may have led to the tradition according to which the wizard Santa Claus travels through the sky in a reindeer team). IN medieval Europe this animal was considered a sign of strength and justice. In China, the word “deer” is consonant with the word “abundance”. This animal is believed to bring good luck and wealth. The deer also symbolizes longevity for the Chinese (as well as the Japanese).

The image of a deer is closely connected with Christian culture. For example, a deer trampling a snake signifies the destruction of evil. The deer is also a symbol of piety and self-sacrifice. Often antlered deer Christian culture symbolized Jesus Christ.

Tattoos with the image of a deer have been applied by the American Indians since ancient times. For them, the image of the branched antlers of a deer was identified with the sacred Tree of Life, and they called the beast itself a symbol of the sun, rebirth and the cyclical nature of life - this is reminiscent of the annual change of antlers on deer.

A deer tattoo carries positive energy. It expresses self-confidence, nobility, calmness and fortitude. This sign is also characteristic of wanderers and travelers; it symbolizes noble loneliness. By getting such a tattoo, you get yourself a good guide along the path of life.

The symbol and emblem of abundance is the image of an adult male deer. That is why men usually choose a tattoo with the image of a deer. Even in ancient times, the image of a deer was associated with male sexuality and passion. Deer expresses male strength. However, girls often get such a tattoo, only instead of a male deer they choose a female deer, then the tattoo symbolizes timidity, gracefulness, beauty, and, in addition, unconditional love and kindness. Representatives of the fair sex also get a tattoo with the image of a fawn. The symbolism of fawns coincides with the symbolism of the deer, but there is more tenderness, purity and naivety in it.

Today, tattooing is considered one of the most popular jewelry bodies. Some people, when choosing a design, are guided by their tastes and preferences. For others, each tattoo has certain meaning. In any case, drawing a picture on the body is now not considered something terrible and shameful. Applying patterns to the body can be called art.

What does a deer mean: tattoo

Before getting any design on the body, many people are interested in what exactly it symbolizes. Currently, the deer is a symbol of purity, kindness, loyalty and beauty.

This animal is also a symbol of masculinity. After all, in real life a stag may engage in mortal combat simply for the sake of being a guide for several stags.

Deer tattoo for men

Currently you can find large number people who chose such a noble animal for their tattoo. The deer, whose meaning lies in masculinity and determination, has conquered many men's hearts. Large antlers also symbolize the sexuality of the partner.

Why do creative people choose deer?

Pay attention to the person creative profession. Most often he is refined, graceful and somewhat timid. This is exactly how one can characterize a deer. Such people have unique soul and a unique worldview. Their goal is to give beauty to this world.

The same can be said about such noble and beautiful animals. Therefore, a deer is a tattoo that reflects a person’s creative potential.

Deer tattoo for a girl

Deer is a tattoo that is especially popular among the fairer sex. Girls who paint a deer on their body are trying to symbolize purity, beauty and wisdom. This pattern also characterizes peace of mind and positive energy.

Tattoo: deer in a triangle

Very often such an image of an animal can be found among young people who consider themselves hipsters. In this case, a portrait of a deer, taken in a triangle, is drawn on the body. This symbol speaks of the uniqueness of a certain group of people.

Where is the best place to apply an image of a deer?

In fact, such a tattoo will look great on any part of the body. Most often, deer can be found on the legs, arms, torso or back. Some girls make a small design in the neck area. Here you can express your imagination as you please.

Deer in different cultures

Deer - a tattoo that is interpreted differently among different nations peace. Let's look at the most popular values:

Among the Celtic peoples, a design in the form of a deer symbolizes longevity;

Europeans most often use this symbol to express sexuality and masculinity;

According to Scandinavian mythology, the image of a deer on the body is a special sign, indicating that the person who has it is a messenger from heaven and must serve humanity;

- the peoples of the North believe that the deer is a symbol of wisdom, energy and vitality;

The Chinese who wear a deer tattoo believe that this sign will bring them good luck and financial well-being. And here is an animal painted in white- is a symbol of purity, longevity and intelligence.

Execution Methods

On at the moment can be found huge amount designs for a deer tattoo or come up with your own sketch. In this case, imagination can be limitless. In this case, the drawing can be made in either black and white or color.

A deer tattoo is a great choice for both women and men. Using this symbol, you will not only decorate your body, but also give it special energy. The main thing is to believe in it, and the deer will bring you happiness.

Tattoo meaning deer

Deer are creatures extraordinary beauty. They look noble and majestic, but not without reverence. The deer tattoo always has a favorable meaning. This animal personifies wisdom and unity with nature, peace and beauty of the world. As a tattoo, this symbol is suitable for both men and women.

Story

To begin with, it’s worth saying that deer are unusually smart and have a keen sense of environment. They know how to find medicinal plants and heal themselves, which is a rare phenomenon in the animal world.

In Japan, the deer is a symbol of light and goodness. The composition with him is usually combined with a slain serpent, personifying evil. There, the deer is considered an almost ideal creature, which defeats enemies not with the help of force, but through extraordinary caution and good reflexes. By the way, Christians revered these animals in the same way, attributing to them the ability to defeat evil on their own or foretell victory for others ( we're talking about about a male, horned and majestic). It has also been known since ancient times that deer hear very well.

IN Chinese The hieroglyph deer correlates with the word wealth, so the animal is revered there as a symbol of abundance. Seeing a deer was considered a good omen: your endeavors will be accompanied by good luck. But in the East, the deer were comparable to the dawn. It was believed that near deer the world was cleared of the torpor of sleep, and life began to bubble around. Deer also personified the moral purification of man, his spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Among the Indians, the deer was sacred and two-faced. In one case, it is a symbol of a passionate lover who does not know refusal, is jealous and ardent. In another, he personified a just and strong man (something like the image of knights, only in the Indian way). But most often, the deer in the culture of Native Americans is the image of life itself.

In northern Russia, people are very dependent on deer. It was a beast of burden, food, and material for clothing and crafts. Therefore, they worshiped this animal as the personification of vitality, the will to survive and fertility (usually referring to a woman). Deer antlers are a separate matter. In their culture they are the tree of life and are also often associated with the rays of the sun.

Bottom line

It is believed that a deer tattoo has no meaning. It will not characterize you in any way, it will change your character for the better:

• You will become purer in your intentions, more noble;
• You will develop a sense of compassion;
• You will react to violence (both moral and physical) much more violently, and a sense of justice will be a constant companion;
• Sophistication and beautiful features will be much more obvious, so you will become more attractive to the opposite sex (respectively stronger sex it is necessary to stuff the male, and the weak part of humanity - the female).

Prison interpretation

Oddly enough, this magnificent creature is sometimes found in criminal circles. The meaning of such tattoos varies greatly, it all depends on the location and composition. In some cases, a fleet-footed deer may reflect the wearer’s love for freedom and a clear desire to get away from the place of imprisonment. In other cases it is a symbol of the fact that the person was sitting “in the north.” One can interpret such a tattoo as the presence of a code of honor in a person who behaves nobly in those cases when he considers it necessary.

The deer is an auspicious symbol associated with the Sun, sunrise, light, purity, renewal, rebirth, creation and spirituality. Due to the resemblance of deer antlers to branches, the image of a deer is associated with the Tree of Life. In addition, deer antlers symbolize the sun's rays and fertility. An adult male deer is a solar emblem of abundance.

Like the eagle and the lion, the deer is the eternal enemy of the snake; symbolically it is associated with the sky and light, while the snake is associated with the night and life underground. A deer in a fight with a snake symbolizes the conflict between positive and negative, light and darkness.

Like the eagle and the horse, the deer is a mediator between heaven and earth, a messenger of the gods. Hittite, Sumerian-Semitic and Shinto deities rode on deer; deer were harnessed to the carts of Time and Christmas.

Most characteristic features deer - swiftness, grace and beauty; Maybe that's why deer are associated with poetry and music.

IN medieval art in the West, the deer symbolized solitude and purity, and in Japanese poetry - loneliness and longing for love.

U Chinese means happiness and longevity, white deer- the male symbolizes Shou-Xin, the god of longevity. In addition, deer is associated with wealth and good fortune; the word “deer” in China is consonant with the word “abundance.”

Ancient Mayans called themselves Ah-Maya, “people of the Deer.” This animal was considered the main tribal ancestor and therefore a sacred animal. The Mayan constellation Deer (Capricorn) was associated with the new year, the next stage in life. This month it was recommended to focus only on earthly concerns. It was believed that as soon as one manages to live through the month of active Deer, it will be like this for the whole year. It was believed that those born this month are distinguished, on the one hand, by their connection with traditions, and on the other, by the desire for something new, to improve the existing. During this month, the ancient Mayans turned to priests for predictions or engaged in divination themselves.

U Celts deer is a symbol of the Sun, fertility and vitality, dignity, masculinity, speed, mediator between the world of gods and the world of people. The Celts believed that the deer was the main animal in the magical herds of the gods. Deer antlers were considered a symbolic representation of tree branches. The branches of the horns, like branches and leaves on trees, were considered symbols of rebirth and reproduction. The Celtic god Cernunnos, associated with the cycles of death and rebirth of nature, was depicted with branched stag antlers or with a stag and a bull standing at his feet. The legends feature a white deer, which for the Celts was a mystical animal that came to earth from the Other World and possessed the gift of wisdom and omniscience.

IN German-Scandinavian mythology four deer pluck the leaves of the world tree Yggdrasil. In addition, the deer Eiktürmir (“oak-tipped horns”) and the goat Heidrun eat its leaves while standing on the roof of Valhalla.

IN Greco-Roman tradition deer is an attribute of Artemis (Diana). Enraged by Artemis, the hunter Actaeon was turned into a deer because he saw her bathing.

IN Christian symbolism the deer represents religious enthusiasm and zeal, as the converts thirsted for knowledge "...as a deer longs to reach a cool stream to drink." It is in this sense that the deer is depicted on baptismal fonts, as well as in religious paintings - drinking at the foot of the cross. In Christian iconography, a deer trampling a snake is the emblem of a Christian fighting evil. Some saints are depicted with a deer as their attribute, for example a deer with a crucifix between its antlers is the emblem of St. Hubert.

IN alchemy the deer together with the unicorn signify the dual nature of Mercury, philosophical mercury. Alchemists see in the ancient myth of the hunter Actaeon, transformed by the goddess Artemis into a deer, proof of the possibility of transforming metals.

U Slavs the deer was considered the personification of ancestors. According to legend, he could perform various miracles and speak in a human voice. In ancient carols, deer, like horses, carry the souls of the dead to other world. The deer was considered a royal animal: it rules over all horned animals.

Deer often appears in heraldic images where “means grace and moderation.”

Words are tormenting trumpets,
thundering in the deep forest, -
watching, calling to each other rudely,
Where will I carry the flame?
But what do I care about the greedy barking of Diana,
do you catch stomping and flying?
My soul is a huge deer -
The maddened dogs will be shaken off!
Will shake off - and along the burning path
will rush with its horns wide open,
through the black thickets of the night
to the fiery shores!

Vladimir Nabokov