The art of tattooing is extremely popular nowadays. A tattoo is an opportunity for self-expression, a desire to be different from other people. Some ancient peoples believe that a real tattoo itself chooses its owner. But if it is just a drawing, the meaning of which lies in external beauty, and not in a deep meaning, then the unity of the tattoo and its owner will not happen.

Bull tattoos are quite popular now among both young people and older people. The meaning of the design is quite varied, but all opinions agree on one thing - a bull tattoo is the original symbol of male potential. But the picture of a bull can also have a slightly different meaning.

The bull, in some cultures, acts as a powerful generator of animal, penetrating power. And the tattoo of this animal should give its wearer just such natural, unbridled energy. The ability to pass through any obstacles with your head bowed low.

In men

Masculinity and unstoppable power were mentioned earlier, but the drawing of a bull on the body has another meaning, no less important. To obtain good offspring in their herds, farmers specifically purchased a special type of bull - a breeding bull.

A bull tattoo also means the sexual energy of the masculine principle; it shows that its wearer is a real male and has all the qualities of a representative of the animal world. After all, strong fertility is a distinctive male trait.

There is another interesting interpretation of the bull tattoo. Sometimes the drawing is not done in the classical style. The bull can be depicted in the style of a minotaur - a creature with a human body and a bull's head. The meaning of such a picture is one - the minotaur symbolizes the defender, the one who will stand like a rock until the last. For real men, such an interpretation means a lot.

Among women

Girls very rarely prefer to put a drawing of a bull on their body; this animal is quite aggressive. The weaker sex with such a picture looks strange, to say the least. But there are exceptions, because in the modern world women have equal rights.

In prison

But in places not so remote, there are not several interpretations of the “tattooing” of a bull. A bull tattoo in prison means that its owner, by order of representatives of the highest hierarchy, is able, using physical force, to deal with those people at whom the finger is pointed. Such people are real fighters. The tattoo is not particularly sophisticated; it is performed as a sketch and carries with it not beauty and a pleasant appearance, but a certain meaning.

Each design can have a specific meaning for its owner, a meaning that no one puts into this tattoo. It is not necessary to choose a tattoo according to the description that people once determined; you can simply decide what exactly this picture will mean for yourself. Only the owner of the tattoo will see the meaning of his picture and put into it the meaning that he has determined for himself. To do this, you can simply take a close look at the sketch of the future tattoo.

Animal images have always been one of the central themes in tattoo art. If most animals can equally accurately reflect both male and female nature, then the meaning of the bull tattoo, which we will talk about today, is relevant exclusively for men, which is very logical.

Myths and folk beliefs

For almost all peoples whose mythology included the image of a bull, this animal symbolized masculinity, fertility and solar energy, which gives life.

Ancient Greece and Rome

The supreme gods of the Roman and Greek pantheons were inextricably linked with the image of the bull: these powerful animals were sacrificed to Jupiter, and Zeus the Thunderer himself turned into a bull. The god Dionysus was often depicted with a bull's head, symbolizing masculinity. The sexual symbolism of this animal was also quite strong: bulls also took part in the festivities in honor of Dionysus, known for their large-scale orgies. Also, everyone has probably heard about the Minotaur - the fruit of unnatural love between the wife of King Minos Pasiphae and a bull.

China

In the Celestial Empire, the bull symbolizes the arrival of spring, because seasonal field work begins with plowing, for which it was indispensable. The ox is also the second animal of the Chinese zodiac. He was endowed with a strong character, patience and scrupulousness. It is believed that the year in which he rules must be full of difficulties and trials that require hard work.

India

In India, a cow and a bull personify the feminine and masculine principles and are considered sacred animals. According to Indian mythology, the god Shiva travels on the bull Nandina. This animal is also considered the embodiment of justice.

Africa

In the myths of Ancient Egypt, there is a celestial bull - the son of a celestial cow and the father of the calf that she gives birth to. Many African tribes have similar legends. Thus, in the legend of the Kiziba people, one of the first women gives birth to twins: a bull and a heifer. The ritual identification of a man and a bull is characteristic of the pastoral peoples of Nuer and Rwanda.

Interpretation of the symbol in modern tattoo culture

The meaning of a bull tattoo is directly related to ancient cults and beliefs:

• Masculinity. This refers to the totality of all physical, behavioral and mental characteristics that are considered to be purely masculine. The owner of such a tattoo may want to tell others that he is strong both physically and spiritually. He can be a formidable defender for his loved ones, but he is merciless towards his enemies and aggressive when his interests are affected.
• Sexual energy. In addition to the fact that the image of a bull personifies male sexual energy and attractiveness, it is believed that such a tattoo can increase potency, if, of course, you believe in the supernatural power of drawings on the body.
• Leadership. If two fighting animals are depicted, such a plot suggests that the owner of the tattoo is constantly struggling to take a leadership position in all areas of life.
• Control. If a saddle is depicted on an animal, such a bull tattoo means that its owner has taken control of his animal instincts, he is able to restrain his emotional impulses if necessary and be guided by cold logic.
• Perseverance. Often the image of a bull is associated with perseverance, sometimes not even entirely reasonable. The owner of such a tattoo is used to finishing everything he starts and struggling with all the difficulties that arise along his way. However, often, instead of going around an obstacle, he is ready to smash through it with his head.
• Emotional maturity. Since the bull is the personification of a strong masculine principle, such an image is suitable for men with an already formed worldview. It is unlikely that a young guy who has not yet decided on his life priorities can be associated with such a formidable animal.
• Zodiac sign. Many choose the image of this animal to emphasize the qualities that define the sign of Taurus under which they were born.

Features of the image of bulls in tattoo art

Realistic images of a mythical minotaur on the arm or on the back look very cool if the work is done by a talented craftsman specializing in this area. Realism is considered one of the most difficult styles to execute, so a large-scale realistic tattoo will definitely not be cheap, but you shouldn’t save money so that you don’t have to regret it later.

Works in the new school style look interesting. For example, a tattoo of an angry bull on the shoulder, made in dark colors, will definitely convey the emotions that you would like to express with the help of this design. The red burning eyes of the animal, steam escaping from the nostrils, and the earth flying out from under the hooves will create a truly aggressive and furious composition.

Trash polka is also a very suitable style for a bull tattoo. Such works exude a rebellious spirit, dark romance, and nonconformism. Careless broad strokes of red and black paint will add expression and originality to the image.

Not only living animals become characters in tattoos. Bull skull tattoos are popular, the meaning of which, among other things, is associated with death and eternity. Such works look gorgeous in monochrome. It is worth considering options for sketches in the ornamental style if you are planning a large-scale bull tattoo; the back, chest, shoulder or thigh in this case will be the most suitable places. Ornamental tattoos usually require careful detailing; if too little space is allocated for the work, the artist will have to make the details too small, over time they can blur and turn into a solid, inconspicuous spot. There’s nothing you can do about it, these are the characteristics of our skin.

Works in dotwork or linework styles will also look good. Simple and laconic, such tattoos look great on the forearm, shin, between the shoulder blades, and on the neck.

When choosing a place for a future tattoo, consider the features of the sketch, such as shape and size. Large horizontally elongated designs will look harmonious on the chest or upper back, round ones - on the shoulder, thigh, shoulder blade, and vertically elongated ones look great on the shoulder, forearm, lower leg, ribs, thigh.

Photo of bull tattoo

On the shoulder

Bull skull

Bull head

On the hand

On the back

Men's

On the chest

One of the most famous mythological characters is the Minotaur. Half-bull, half-man, born from the sinful union of Queen Parsifaya, the wife of King Minos, and a representative of the large-horned. This wonderful bull was sent by Poseidon in honor of one of the great festivals. It was decided to hide the terrible creation from human and divine eyes, and therefore it was hidden in the labyrinth.

One day, during the games, the son of Minos won, but one of the inhabitants of Athens could not stand this and killed him. Then the angry king went to war against Athens and won. As a trophy, he ordered Athens to send 7 boys and 7 girls every 9 years as sacrifices to the minotaur. One of the victims was Theseus, the son of the Athenian ruler, who volunteered to stop the payment of the horrific tribute.

Minos' daughter, Ariadne, saw a handsome young man and fell in love with him. Since she knew that it was impossible to get out of the labyrinth on her own, she gave Theseus a ball and a sharp sword. It was Theseus who grabbed the Minotaur by the horn and killed him.

It is clear that in the legends the Minotaur appears as an evil, lonely monster who, in general, is not to blame for his existence, much less for the fact that he was locked in the labyrinth because of his appearance.

Meaning of tattoo

The image of a minotaur on the body is typical of closed people who only know what they want in this life. With such a drawing, the owner seems to warn that his instincts prevail over reason.

By the way, aggression in this case is aimed not at attack, but at defense. Still, closed people are quite lonely, and they are ready to defend their loneliness. A Minotaur on the body means that the wearer is a persistent person, ready to do anything to achieve a goal.

A tattoo with an ancient Greek creature speaks of the owner’s leadership qualities. It is perfect for athletes, wrestlers, and owners of large companies. The main meanings of tattoos are power, strength, fear and suppression. A tattoo can also mean:

• love of mythology and history;
• loneliness;
• incomprehensibility;
• fight against established rules and traditions;
• personal tragedy;
• betrayal of a loved one;
• stubbornness;
• fearlessness.

The last meaning of the tattoo is if the minotaur is depicted in battle with a crowd of warriors.

The Minotaur is a male image. Representatives of the fair sex choose such a pattern extremely rarely. It is usually depicted with accompanying items, such as a nose ring. This emphasizes the severity of the object. By the way, some people like to depict entire scenes where the minotaur falls into the hands of a victim.

How they portray

The Minotaur is usually depicted in dark colors; it is very rare to see a colorful drawing. At the same time, the tattoo is drawn very carefully to emphasize the meaning of the design. They are usually stuffed on the back or shoulder, where you can give free rein to your imagination and depict the character in all its glory.

A tattoo with the image of a minotaur means animal instincts, perseverance, will, protection, danger, aggression, introversion, loneliness, secrecy, strength, determination, self-confidence, resilience, power, struggle, fear, suppressed desires, destructiveness, masculinity, sexuality, masculinity, leadership.

The meaning of the minotaur tattoo

Tattoos depicting mythical characters are gaining great popularity. Tattoo wearers often associate themselves with fantastic characters, seeing in them similarities with themselves.

Bearers of tattoos with the image of the Minotaur are difficult people, often on their own, secretive. They recognize that animal instincts take precedence over human qualities.

From the myths of Ancient Greece, we know that the Minotaur is a terrible monster and lord of the labyrinth, from which it is almost impossible to escape. His appearance inspires incredible horror and fear. The Minotaur’s mother is Helios’ daughter Pasiphae, and his father is a snow-white bull sent to earth by Poseidon.

The union of a man and a bull was not the most successful decision, since it resulted in the creation of evil, which they preferred to hide from human eyes on the island of Crete.

Every seven years, seven young boys and girls were sacrificed to the Minotaur. But brave Theseus was able to defeat the monster and get out of the labyrinth thanks to the help of his beloved Ariadne.

The main meaning of a tattoo with the image of the Minotaur speaks of the prevalence of the animal aspect in a person. The owner of such a tattoo in any emergency situation in which it is necessary to make a second decision can easily turn off fears, doubts and rush into battle.

Thus, he displays the most animalistic behavior. He can be unpredictable, dangerous and show signs of aggression.

Often an introvert chooses such a tattoo. A closed and secretive person. In appearance, he may look like an impenetrable rock; he is not used to sharing his emotional experiences with anyone. In this way he strengthens himself.

The bearer of a Minotaur tattoo is a very strong and self-confident person, possessing manipulative skills and occupying a leadership position in society. He has a thirst for power and will never tolerate disrespect. He has iron logic and always achieves his goals.

A Minotaur tattoo will give you self-confidence, perseverance, and will reveal the strength hidden within you. Often such a tattoo is associated with the manifestation of not just power, but tyranny.

Due to often repressed emotions and hidden dark thoughts, people who choose Minotaur tattoos find themselves very dangerous when angry. They often complement their body art with an image of a girl subjugated or suffering in the hands of the Minotaur.

To create a greater effect, the tattoo design is complemented by mixing different colors and red is chosen as the main one, since it identifies blood and unbridled aggression.

Bulls are given special attention in many world cultures. This is the personification of male energy and strength, and messengers of the gods, and faithful guards of great women. In modern European traditions, bulls are most often associated with just one of the signs of the eastern calendar. But despite the animal it remains. What could a “bull” tattoo mean and who would it suit best?

Bulls in mythology and beliefs of the peoples of the world

Large is a symbol of energy and primordial strength. In the cultures of various peoples, bulls were companions and servants of the gods, and in some myths similar deities were mentioned, who were half people and half bulls. Moreover, despite its menacing appearance and impressive muscle mass, this animal rarely personified the messenger of evil forces. Much more often, the bull was given the role of a fair and principled servant of higher powers. In Ancient Rome, these animals were sacrificed to the sun god; their blood was considered a special substance, symbolizing renewal and the beginning of a new cycle. In Iran and India, the “bull” tattoo is found quite often, because the inhabitants of these countries believe that this animal is a symbol of fertility and prosperity. It is believed that the furious one has immense and tireless energy. Just remember modern bullfighting.

Bull tattoo: meaning and designs

Today, the image of such a powerful and formidable animal for tattoos is most often chosen as an excellent option for decorating a large muscular body, especially if the owner of a “bull” tattoo associates himself with this animal or dreams of being more like it. What exactly to depict is a matter of personal taste. Some choose sketches of the animal's head, drawn with all the details, while others limit themselves to schematic images. The silhouette of a bull or the entire body, depicted as naturalistically as possible, looks no less impressive. In any case, such a tattoo will become a bright symbol of all the best masculine qualities of character. And most importantly, the “bull” tattoo will perfectly complement the image of any brutal representative of the strong half of humanity. Such a body image is also suitable for those who were born in the year of this animal according to the eastern calendar.