Deer is an auspicious symbol. Tattoo meaning deer or what does a deer tattoo mean

Each animal, one way or another, is reflected in folklore, but, perhaps, none of them carries such a symbolic load as the deer - one of the most beautiful animals in Russia.

The deer family today contains fifty-one species with many subfamilies. Representatives of different families differ significantly in size: from the size of a hare (pudu deer) to the size of a horse (elk), and in habitat: Eurasia, America, Australia, New Zealand.

There are also common features, uniting all deer. Almost all of them, with the exception of the water deer, have branched antlers, which are shed and regrow annually.

Some species prefer to live alone, but usually deer live in groups or herds, the number of which is different types various.

Basically, herds are built according to the harem principle. One male, the leader, leads a family of several females with cubs. During the mating season, the famous “deer fights” flare up, fights between males, in which the weapons are not only antlers, which grow just in time for the mating period, but also fangs.

In all world cultures, deer is the personification of light, purity, rebirth of life and creation. This is a symbol of the sun, sunrise, the great Tree of Life. An adult male is also an emblem of abundance; he is likened to a king and is considered the royal prey during the hunt.

The deer is the eternal mediator between earth and sky. It is no coincidence that Santa Claus arrives on reindeer; this is not just a common mount of the northern regions. These are also echoes of pagan myths about Sumerian-Semitic, Hittite and Shinto deities who used to travel exclusively on deer. In many fairy tales, the Lord of Time or Old Man Time also travels on reindeer.

In the Middle Ages in Europe, the deer symbolized the purity and purity of solitude. IN Japanese poetry- loneliness and torment of love.

In the Chinese epic, the white deer is the embodiment of the god of longevity Shou-Xin. Having an image of a deer in your home means longevity, good luck and wealth.

The ancient Mayan tribes also revered the deer. Ah-Maya – means “people of the Deer”.

The Celts considered the deer to be the main animal in the herds of the gods. The branches of its horns are nothing more than symbols of rebirth and reproduction. Among the Celts, the god Cernunnos was in charge of the cycles of seasonal rebirth and death of nature, who was depicted with luxurious antlers, and often in the company of a deer or bull. In Celtic legends, the white deer is a messenger from the other world, but not hostile to people, but bringing wisdom and omniscience.

The Scandinavians have the Yggdrasil tree in the center of the universe, the branches of which are nibbled by four deer. On the roof of Valhalla (the Scandinavian paradise where heroically fallen warriors feast eternally with the supreme god Odin and the Valkyrie maidens) stands the deer Eikturmir, whose antlers are oak-tipped. He is accompanied by the goat Heidrun.

In the myths of Ancient Greece, the deer is the companion of the goddess of hunting Artemis. According to the myth, this is the hunter Actaeon, who spied on the bathing goddess, for which he was turned into a deer.

Christians often depict deer on baptismal fonts, or drinking from a spring at the foot of the cross. This is due to the fact that converts to the faith are as thirsty for knowledge as a deer dreams of drinking from a cool stream. A deer trampling a snake is a symbol of a Christian conquering evil.

In alchemy, the deer signifies the philosophical mercury and the dual nature of Mercury.

Among the ancient Slavs, deer was able to perform miracles, give gifts, speak human language and was the personification of ancestors.

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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 Sun rays, 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, the white male deer 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, a 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 Due to its tree-like appearance and the periodic renewal of its antlers, the deer was a symbol of life rejuvenating again and again, rebirth and the passage of time. In ancient northern mythology, four deer hide in the crown of the world tree Yggdrasil. There they eat buds (hours), flowers (days) and branches (seasons). 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 meaning 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 - the emblem of St. Hubert.

IN alchemy the deer together with the unicorn signify the dual nature of Mercury, philosophical mercury. Alchemists see in ancient myth about 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 the other world. The deer was considered a royal animal: it rules over all horned animals.

Deer antlers symbolized the rays of the sun. In antiquity, deer was considered the enemy of poisonous snakes, and deer skin was considered an amulet against snake bites. The deer sucks the snakes out of their holes and, to protect himself from their poison, drinks water from the spring within three hours: then he will live for another five years. “If you have a snake in your heart and you hate it - this is a sin, then hurry to the springs, to the veins of the Holy Scripture and drink living water...and do not die because of sin.” All this also repeats the text of the medieval book about animals (bestiary). Deer opened miraculous power dictam herbs (lat. dictamnus, Dictamnus), so if they are hit by hunting arrows, they use this plant to heal wounds.

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

The deer symbol is very ancient, it is present in all historical traditions. It is always a blessed symbol of rebirth and renewal, strength and nobility, courage and purity, piety and piety - a symbol human soul, but also a symbol of a warrior.

Deer in Slavic mythology

The image of a deer played in the life of the Slavs special role, they classified him as a royal animal, and was endowed with fantastic features. He was called “wonderful”, “wonderful beast”, “tour”. According to legends, he was able to perform various miracles and speak in human language.

Among the Slavs, deer was considered the personification of ancestors. Deer carried the souls of the dead to the other world; many of their images were found on the walls of ancient ritual caves.

The Russian north has preserved the image of a deer in architecture, carvings, embroidery, fairy tales, and epics. IN Russian museums The richest collections of fabrics embroidered with patterns, the main element of which is a deer, have been collected.

The deer was a symbol of the Slavic goddesses Rozhanitsa - mother and daughter, giving birth to all living things. They were depicted on embroideries in the form of two deer or horned female figures. Images of this horned deity most likely decorated the homes of the Slavs, and the tradition of hanging deer antlers inside the house may have more ancient roots than we think.

A male deer, especially during the rutting period, was the embodiment of strength, courage, determination and prudence at the same time. An elegant and timid female could engage in mortal combat while protecting her cub. Man has always admired the strength and beauty of the deer and felt its superiority over himself.

And the antlers of a deer had a completely amazing effect on a person. In beauty and greatness, they were compared with the sun, they were the personification of life and its renewal. Horns have played one of the most important roles in religious rituals for many millennia. The Magi appeared in horned headdresses.

The image of a deer is imprinted on many household items: spinning wheels, clay vessels, toys. It is known that flour from deer bones was sometimes added to the clay for these vessels. folk toy They continue to sculpt in the form of a deer even now in the Russian North and in the central part of Russia.

In Russian embroidery, two deer with a tree in the center were depicted as sacrificial deer at a sacred tree. According to legend, a deer descended from the sky, came with a fawn and sacrificed it himself, wanting to give people food.

On Ilya’s Day in Rus' they stopped swimming - “The deer dipped its hoof in the water - you can’t swim.” “It does not knock, does not rattle its hooves, But the deer flies like a red-hot arrow, The deer has silver hooves, The deer has red-gold antlers. -Where are you flying, young deer? “I’m running, I’m flying to the river water... The deer needs to step its hoof into the water.” Chill the silver water with that hoof.”

Deer is a creature associated among the Slavs with the sun. Songs about golden-horned deer were recorded in Russia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Deer is an animal endowed with divine symbolism. It closely intertwines features of not only folk and pagan, but also Christian origin.

Deer in Christian tradition.

According to Bulgarian belief, it is forbidden to kill a deer, because there is a deer that wears a cross on its antlers; killing such a deer threatens a person with death. The image of a deer with a crucifix on its antlers and the idea of ​​a deer as a servant of God are associated with Christian tradition. IN Ukrainian fairy tale the angel takes the form of a deer. Belarusian riddle about a deer: “He lived and was not in church; he died, he was not praised, but he was a God-bearer.”

The symbolic deer is depicted on tombs, icons, baptismal fonts - drinking at the foot of the cross. There are known symbolic representations of Christ in the form of a deer in combination with a cross, and an image of a deer with a crucifix between the horns.

Deer is a symbol of hermitage, piety and purity in Christian culture. It symbolizes Christ and is associated with the soul striving to hear the word of Christ: “As a deer desires for streams of water, so the soul desires for You, O God!”

In Christian iconography, a deer trampling the ground is a symbol of a Christian fighting evil, an emblem of nobility and fortitude. “See: how a little deer devours a snake, Then he drinks the spring water, And now he is clean from the poison again, And the person here sees the meaning: He is washed with the water of baptism, He is fit for a sinless life.”

The special relationship of man to the deer is also manifested in heraldic images: the sun - abundance, laurel - glory and honor, lion - strength and courage. The deer also belongs to bright heraldic images and is a symbol of a warrior before whom the enemy is running, a symbol of the human soul thirsting for God and fighting temptations.

In Christian culture, the image of a deer was often interpreted precisely as an image of the human soul. This applies to both Byzantine and ancient Russian art.

The deer is also an emblem of a warrior, a symbol of male nobility. This emblem appears in knightly coats of arms warlike ancient peoples. Deer was especially popular in England and Germany. In Russian heraldry, a deer driving away a snake serves as the emblem of a warrior before whom the enemy is running. But not only Christianity reveres the deer...

Deer in Buddhism

Not far from the Chinese city of Sanya, one of the modern centers Buddhism, which has a deer park.

There is a legend in Buddhism that the creator of Buddhism, Shakya Muni, in one of his past lives was a deer - the king of all deer with luxurious golden antlers. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Buddha first expounded his teachings in the Deer Grove near the city of Benares (modern Varanasi) 7 weeks after he achieved awakening.

In the ancient capital of Japan, Nara, a herd of 1,200 sika deer has lived near old temples for more than 1,000 years. According to legend, the first emperor of Japan, Jimmu, descended from heaven and arrived in Nara riding a deer, and modern deer, descendants of that deer, are protected as messengers of the gods.

The deer is one of the most important symbols of Buddhism, and Buddha is often depicted with a deer.

Deer - European symbol of deity.

Among the Celtic tribes, the deer was a symbol of fertility and vitality. The deer symbolized the sun, renewal, creation, it was considered the first ancestor. Chief god Celts, Cernunnos was depicted sitting next to a deer, and the head of the god was decorated with branched antlers. The image of a male warrior with deer antlers on his head was a symbol of masculinity and military valor.

Deer was a participant ritual rites, since he was considered the lord of animals and had power over fertility, abundance and renewal. Deer appear as wonderful messengers and guides, showing the heroes the path to their goal.

The deer as a symbol of the Universe is mentioned in the Edda, the main work of German-Scandinavian mythology. The deer is a sacred animal in the Greek mysteries, the companion of the huntress Diana. The image of this noble animal is widely represented in art Ancient Greece.

Totemism

In the art of all nations there is an image of a mighty beast - the ancestor of the tribe, relative and patron. This phenomenon is called totemism and deer are represented very widely in it.

The ancient Mayans, for example, called themselves “ah-Maya” - “people of the deer”. The deer was considered the main tribal ancestor. The Huichol Indians also called themselves “deer people.” In Sami mythology, the wonderful deer - werewolf Mändash is a totem animal - the ancestor of the Sami.

The word “saka” among the ancient Scythians meant a male deer, and many Scythian tribes called themselves “Sakas”. This name is correlated in Iranian with the word “saka”, in Persian – “sax”, in Buryat – “saga”, in Russian “forged” and has the meaning “deer”.

The veneration of deer in such completely different historical traditions can hardly be called accidental. All this, one way or another, reflects the deep, largely spiritual connection of a person with a deer - a symbol of the noble soul of a person.

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 observations of the habits of this animal, the symbolism of loneliness associated with the deer arose - both in European and Japanese traditions.

U American Indians and some peoples of Asia, 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 (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 paintings - drinking at the foot of the cross. The deer also symbolizes Christ, who seeks out the devil in order to destroy him.

The white stag was the favorite breastplate of the 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 the feminine principle 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 ancestral figure (totem) among the peoples of Central Asia, hence the legend that the ancestors of Genghis Khan 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 the beautiful, proud and strong animal that they began to call it 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 Evenki, 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 was represented by a deer driving the chariot of Perun the Thunderer (an ancient Slavic deity, an analogue of Elijah the Prophet in the Christian tradition or Zeus-Jupiter in the Greco-Roman tradition) across the heavenly sea-ocean. 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.

Deer is a kind and positive animal. For a long time he amazed people with his strength and beauty, arousing respect and admiration. This is a kind of symbol of all wanderers and travelers, meaning noble loneliness.

Image of a deer with roses in color

What does a deer tattoo mean?

To some extent, deer is associated with mysticism. It is often compared to the "Tree of Life". He is also depicted next to a snake. In this case, it symbolizes the struggle between the forces of evil and good. If a deer tramples a snake with its hooves, then this personifies the victory of light forces over dark ones, the triumph of ideal concepts over material ones.

Deer is a symbol of goodness, benefactor, vital energy.

B&W image of a deer on the forearm

The history of the deer tattoo

What does a deer tattoo mean? In ancient legends and myths, the deer was a good divine messenger. Even in Christian stories, there is a story that tells of a deer that had a cross between its antlers. He was the sign and embodiment of God. In the holy scriptures one can find analogies between deer who are thirsty and people who thirst for holy truth and divine enlightenment. The male, as a sign of God's reverence, is often painted on baptismal fonts.

Important! Not all tattoos are meant to attract attention. There are also cosmetic tattoos or permanent makeup. It includes applying eyeliner, highlighting the contour of the lips, and tinting the eyebrows. Such tattoos help save on cosmetics, but correction is still necessary to maintain them in proper form.

Oak leaves against the background of a deer

Among the American Indians, deer antlers were associated with the tree of life. And they called the animal itself a symbol of the cyclical nature of existence and sunlight. Deer is an undeniably kind animal, associated with feelings of pity and love. He helps in finding true love.

As a child, I really loved the cartoon “Bambi”. When I grew up, I wanted to get a tattoo of this cute deer. I got a tattoo on my shoulder. Looks pretty nice.

Rimma, Volgograd

In Rome and Ancient Greece, the deer was a symbol of Diana. In Scandinavia, deer skin was used for sacred rituals. Reindeer is especially revered here because it is a rare animal. The Mayan tribes considered the deer to be the prototype of the god Tahil, the patron saint of hunting. The ancient Celts considered the deer to be the most ancient animal, so here it symbolized rebirth and longevity. In Europe during the Middle Ages, this animal was a sign of justice and vitality. The Chinese identified it with abundance, luck and material well-being.

In addition, deer is associated with:

• rebirth;
• music and poetry;
• beauty and grace;
• caution and self-confidence;
• originality and originality

The deer tattoo, the meaning of which has only positive aspects for girls and boys, arose a very long time ago, but has found its place in modern world tattoos.

Little deer tattoo in the grass

Deer tattoo in the modern world

Both women and men can apply deer to their bodies. In any case, it will look beautiful and original. The fair half of humanity, as a rule, choose a tattoo in the form of a female deer or a cute fawn. The meaning of the tattoo remains the same, but naivety, tenderness, timidity, and grace are added. But men prefer adult animals, which are a symbol of abundance. Today such a tattoo is rarely used as a talisman and a magical symbol. As a rule, this is a kind of addition to the existing image. Deer tattoo, photo of which is presented in the most different images, enjoys equal popularity among different segments of the population.

For me, a deer has always been a symbol of nobility, so with the help of such a tattoo I wanted to emphasize my positive qualities.

Misha, Omsk

Primitive sketch of a deer

How can a deer be depicted?

Typical qualities of a deer are beauty, grace and speed. The person who puts this animal on his body wants to demonstrate exactly these qualities to others. Another important quality of any deer is loneliness, because they prefer to live alone in the forest. An animal with horns, as a rule, is associated with the female gender, therefore it symbolizes grace, timidity, and gullibility.

Sometimes the deer is depicted as having antlers. Of course, such a tattoo cannot carry a positive meaning. It is chosen by people associated with demonic forces or people who look at this world with negativity. The deer tattoo, sketches of which can be found in any tattoo salon catalog, is also popular among creative individuals.

A kind of deer on the chest. Can be done in this style

Deer tattoo for creative people

A deer tattoo is a unique symbol creative people. Due to its beauty and gracefulness, this animal was often identified with various types arts - poetry, music, etc. If you are a representative creative profession or you are simply interested in art, then a deer can become your kind of amulet. Of course, it is not at all necessary to apply it in the form of a tattoo, but in this case it will have special magical powers.

Video: 25 deer tattoos

Deer tattoo designs