What does a Laurel wreath tattoo mean? Storing bay leaves.

The desire for triumph, glory and global achievements - all this symbolic image laurel wreath tattoo. Despite such a positive interpretation, the tattoo has a contradictory meaning. What meaning does it carry in itself, what sketch to choose to attract fortune to life?

Laurel in history and myths

The laurel is traditionally considered a symbol of victory, and even the word “laureate” is literally translated from Latin as “crowned with laurel.” The plant was respected and revered in ancient times. In Rome, it represented peace after victory over enemies. That is why laurel wreaths were awarded to the best warriors for their services in battles and battles. Emperors also decorated their heads with sprigs of the plant as a sign of power, glory and honor. Another meaning of laurel is piety and chastity. By the way, in Christian religion it symbolized martyrdom and immortality.

The ancient Greeks had a myth about the patron of the arts, the god Apollo, and the nymph Daphne. Apollo fell in love with the girl and began to woo her, not suspecting that she had taken a vow of chastity. Daphne had to turn to higher powers for help, and the gods turned the nymph into a laurel tree. Since then, the plant has become a sacred symbol of Apollo and the highest reward for outstanding artists.

Who is the tattoo suitable for?

A laurel wreath tattoo in modern body art means determination, vanity, wisdom, glory, and courage. A person with a similar body pattern is a maximalist by nature and sets high goals for himself. He achieves what he wants by any means, strives for universal recognition, respect and glory. Belief in victory, an extraordinary mind, and self-confidence help such a person on the path to his dream. His goal is not just to live the life of an average person, but to achieve unprecedented heights and climb to the top of some Olympus.

Musicians, writers, poets, dancers, actors and other people creative professions A laurel wreath tattoo is often applied as an amulet. The image gives them inspiration, hope for the fulfillment of their desires, and helps them in their career. For the tattoo to have magical properties, it should be applied to closed areas of the body. Such a tattoo is equally relevant for men and women.

The meaning of a laurel wreath tattoo in prison is somewhat different. Such a tattoo indicates that the person is serving a sentence for a crime he did not commit. This interpretation of laurel is taken from Christianity, where the plant is a symbol of martyrdom.

Application technique

The laurel wreath is considered to a greater extent male symbol, so it is advisable to choose a sketch in black and white. You can choose the graphic style. It is quite simple and concise, but at the same time modern. The image is done using black ink and shading only. Suitable for a small drawing inner part arms, wrist, chest, neck, ankle.

For lovers original ideas Old school technique will do. Despite rich colors, wide contours and clear lines, the tattoo does not look provocative. Tattoos can be supplemented with ribbons or inscriptions to add meaning. Best places for applying large-scale compositions - back, shoulder, leg, thigh or lower leg.

A selection of photos of tattoos with a wreath

Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Apollo and Daphne. 1622-1625

≈ Laurel tree / Laurel wreath / Laurel branch / Laurels /

Greek daphne, lat. laurus

Bot.: Ordinary laurel(Laurus nobilis), a small tree (2 to 5 m) or tall shrub of the laurel family (Lauraceae). The perennial leaves are oblong-lanceolate and have wavy-folded edges. The berry-shaped fruit is oval, black. Asia Minor is considered its homeland. The essential oil contained in its leaves and fruits determines its value as a seasoning (leaves) and medicinal (fruits).

Of the various laurel trees (among which cinnamon and avocado are found), the oldest and most resilient symbolic meaning has a laurel with small leaves - Laurus nobilis - from which the crown of the winner was made.

Since Greco-Roman antiquity, the laurel, its branches, laurel wreaths and garlands have been a symbol of glory, victory or peace. The triumphants wore a laurel wreath; the ships of the winners were decorated with laurels. On especially solemn occasions, the entire people were crowned with laurels. The words laureate and, possibly, bachelor (baccalauratus) come from the custom of decorating the heads of people who have succeeded in science or art (elevated to the degree of doctor) with laurels.

Since bay leaves never fade, remaining green, laurel has become a symbol of eternity, renewal of life and immortality. This meaning is more typical for a laurel wreath or garland.

The laurel's association with chastity seems to date back to its dedication to the Vestal Virgins and Diana.

The idea of ​​involvement in fertility in one sense or another is characteristic of all plant symbolism.

Victory, outstanding achievements in literature

Psychology

The laurel tree is a symbol of victory over oneself and the fruitful world that is its result; or victory over ignorance and fanaticism.

There is no achievement without struggle and victory. Therefore, the laurel expresses the unity of the hero with the motives and fruits of his victories.

Freemasonry

During initiation into the 4th degree of the Master's secret, laurel and olive wreaths are laid on the altar.

Art

A girl with laurel branches growing from her hands - Daphne.

A laurel grove grows on the top of Parnassus, the abode of the muses.

IN portrait painting a laurel bush or branch indicates that the model is a literary or artistic figure.

Emblematics

The laurel bush was the emblem of Lorenzo de' Medici (1448-1492), with the motto "Ita ut virtus" (Latin - "Such is virtue", i.e. unfading, like the evergreen laurel).

Laurel wreath nailed to a board.

It's reliable.

It is necessary to carefully preserve the respect and honor that we receive as recognition of our great deeds or valiant deeds.

Bay tree.

Few will reach me.

The symbol is a reward for great and heroic deeds.

Laurel tree with branches cut off, except for one branch at the top.

I grow on a tree that has known triumphs.

A symbol of respect for the memory of our ancestors and those who raised us.

Laurel tree struck by lightning fire.

My ancient rights do not protect me.

A symbol that nothing can protect us from the wrath of Heaven.

Laurel wreath.

This is the crown for learning and valor.

Poets and conquerors were crowned with laurel. Poets - because this tree was dedicated to the god of learning and poetry Apollo. (See Fig. 6 in Table 34)

Thunder and lightning over the laurel.

Virtue is bold.

In the fury of storm and thunder,

When other trees have already fallen,

Only evergreen laurel

He boldly goes towards his destiny.

So, not knowing dangers and fears, he behaves

Whose armor is virtue.

While the immoral, terror-stricken

They tremble with every insignificant blow.

A dead bay tree stump that has released a fresh sprout.

I take life from his death.

A symbol of death as the beginning of life, happiness and health, and life as an ever-living hope for immortality, which we can find because our main parent died for us - the greatest conqueror of death, Christ, crowned with laurels.

Laurel supporting a vine.

Not for yourself, but for the benefit of others.

A symbol of today's way of life, where one person suffers hardships, while the other has benefits and advantages.

Laurel and sun.

I am always held in high esteem.

A symbol that virtue and work, crowned with success, flourish forever. So the laurel is a sign of completed work, which can withstand any blow and withstand any shock.

Laurel wreath.

The first Roman emperors did not wear crowns, but decorated their heads with a laurel wreath, which, as has been repeatedly stated, is a symbol of victory and royal power. IN Ancient Rome Orators and poets also aspired to own a laurel wreath (See Figure 13 in Table 48.)

Laurel wreath.

For those who wish and who deserve it.

When the time of trial is over,

You will receive the crown you rightfully deserve.

Laurel and myrrh branches.

One complements the other.

A symbol of good deeds that have true value and dignity, which will always accompany and reward each other. A laurel branch was rewarded for valor. The myrrh branch was used during triumphs and festivals to decorate and impart a noble scent to the triumphant crowned with a laurel wreath. In fact, during major triumphs called ovations, myrtle branches were used rather than myrrh sprigs.

Bay tree.

(See Figure 6 in Table 34 and Figure 3 in Table 37.)

It is impossible to take tribute from him without bitterness.

Great and glorious things cannot be accomplished without overcoming difficulties and solving problems. Likewise, one cannot advance along the path of accomplishment without suppressing one’s passions and lusts, which is no less difficult for us than picking bay leaves, which makes one’s hands taste very bitter.

Laurel branch.

I don't change until I die.

Symbol of constancy.

Laurel wreath nailed to a board. //It's reliable. It is necessary to carefully preserve the respect and honor that we receive as recognition of our great deeds or valiant deeds. [SE-II, tab.53-13, p.331]

Laurel tree.//Few will achieve me. symbol of a reward for great and heroic deeds. [Emblemata-2; table 8-3, p.137]

Laurel tree with branches cut off, except for one branch at the top. //I grow on a tree that has known triumphs. a symbol of respect for the memory of our ancestors and those who raised us. [Emblemata-2; table 10-2, p. 145]

Laurel. //This is a crown for learning and valor. Poets and conquerors were crowned with laurel. Poets - because this tree was dedicated to the god of learning and poetry Apollo. According to Ovid, Apollo's beloved Daphne was turned into a laurel. (See Fig. 6 in Table 34) [SE-II, Table 23-11, p. 200]

Thunder and lightning over the laurel. //Virtue is bold. In the fury of storm and thunder, When other trees have already been defeated, Only the evergreen laurel boldly goes towards its fate. Thus, not knowing dangers and fears, the one whose armor is virtue leads. While the immoral, struck with horror, tremble at every insignificant blow. [SE-II, tab. 25-9, p. 209]

A dead bay tree stump that has released a fresh sprout. //I take life from his death. a symbol of death as the beginning of life, happiness and health, and life as an ever-living hope for immortality, which we can find because our main parent died for us - the greatest conqueror of death, Christ, crowned with laurels. [SE-II, tab.45-6, p.298]

Laurel supporting a vine. //Not for yourself, but for the benefit of others. a symbol of today's way of life, where one person suffers hardships, while the other has benefits and advantages. [SE-II, tab. 26-6, p. 212]

Laurel and sun. //I am always held in high esteem. a symbol that virtue and work, crowned with success, flourish forever. So the laurel is a sign of completed work, which can withstand any blow and withstand any shock. [SE-II, tab.30-9, p.228]

Laurel wreath The first Roman emperors did not wear a crown, but decorated their heads with a laurel wreath, which, as has been repeatedly stated, was a symbol of victory and royal power. In Ancient Rome, orators and poets also aspired to own a Taurus wreath (See Fig. 13 in tab. 48.) [SE-II, tab. 34-6, p. 247]

Laurel wreath. //For those who wish and who deserve. When the time of trial ends, you will receive the crown you rightfully deserve. [SE-II, tab.59-2, p.353]

Laurel and myrrh branches. //One complements the other. a symbol of good deeds that have genuine value and dignity, which will always accompany and reward each other. A laurel branch was rewarded for valor. The myrrh branch was used during triumphs and festivals to decorate and impart a noble scent to the triumphant crowned with a laurel wreath. In fact, during major triumphs called ovations, myrtle branches were used rather than myrrh sprigs. [SE-II, tab.35-9, p.253]

Laurel wreath. (See Fig. 6 in Table 34 and Fig. 3 in Table 37.) [SE-II, tab. 48-13, p. 311]

Bay tree. //It is impossible to take tribute from him without bitterness. Great and glorious things cannot be accomplished without overcoming difficulties and solving problems. Likewise, one cannot advance along the path of accomplishment without suppressing one’s passions and lusts, which is no less difficult for us than picking bay leaves, which makes one’s hands taste very bitter. [SE-II, tab.53-14, p.331]

Antiquity

Victory, triumph, truce and peace. Being evergreen, laurel symbolizes eternity and immortality.

A sacred plant in the cult of the solar gods. Hence the varied use of its branches and leaves during triumphs and worship among the Greeks and Romans.

Laurel wreaths and branches were depicted on coins and gems as attributes of Jupiter and Apollo.

During sacrifices, priests wore laurel wreaths and burned laurel branches along with the sacrificial animals: their crackling was considered a good omen.

Holiday garlands and wreaths were woven from laurel leaves.

Award for "Apollo's favorites" - poets.

“The crowning of poets, actors or winners with a laurel wreath did not mean a tribute to the external, visual sanctification of the act, but a recognition that this act by its very existence speaks of the recognition of victories over the negative and pernicious influence of passions.”

Dedicated to Apollo.

The myth of the transformation of his beloved Daphne into a laurel bush was intended to explain the connection between God and this plant.

A symbol of magical power, it is a plant of soothsayers and sorcerers. With its help, Apollo made predictions; laurel groves surrounded the temples of Apollo. The Pythia at Delphi chewed laurel leaves as she sat on a laurel-crowned tripod. In addition to chewing laurel (laurel eaters), diviners also burned it before making a prediction.

Bay leaves were credited with healing powers and the ability to cleanse spiritual defilement. Bay leaves were used in the ritual of cleansing from spilled blood. So Apollo cleansed himself with laurel after killing the dragon-serpent Python and Orestes, who killed his mother Clytemnestra.

For centuries, the goddess Nike (Victoria) has been depicted holding a laurel wreath, which she places on the head of victorious heroes. It also symbolized the peace that follows victory over the enemy.

In the Pythian games, laurel was awarded to the winners.

Laurel was also sacred to the god of ecstasy Dionysus (along with ivy),

Resurrection, renewal, glory and honor

Dedicated to Jupiter: it was believed that the laurel tree (the only tree planted by man) was never struck by lightning and, moreover, saves from it. Also dedicated to Juno, Diana, Silvanus.

Since the laurel was dedicated to the Vestal Virgins, who took a vow of chastity forever, it personifies purity.

Victorious messages and weapons were wrapped around the laurel and folded in front of the image of Jupiter.

It was considered a protective plant: at Ludi Apollinaris (Latin - festivals in honor of Apollo), the original purpose of which was to prevent the epidemic, spectators wore laurel wreaths.

Christianity

Borrowed from ancient culture as a symbol of victory Christian faith over death.

Eternity and chastity. In early Christianity, a symbol of eternal life or new life that will come thanks to the redemptive acts of Christ.

St. Paul contrasts the incorruptible crown with which a Christian ascetic is crowned with the perishable crown that is received by the winner in the lists (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

A laurel wreath also symbolizes martyrdom.

Illustrations

Gnostic gem depicting Janus crowned with a laurel wreath. (Rome).

Laurel, whose wood resists lightning. W. H. von Hochberg, 1675

A laurel wreath tattoo signifies victory, union, strength, great torment, confidence, aspiration, and triumph.

Meaning of laurel wreath tattoo

Nowadays, the “laurel wreath” tattoo is gradually gaining popularity. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the image itself is quite aesthetic and effective, simple in execution technique and at the same time very eloquent. The main meaning of the symbol has always been “victory”, “knowledge”, “reward”, but let’s talk about those meanings that could have passed us by.

The image of a laurel wreath is quite popular in creative environment. Laurel leaves in the form of a wreath have always been a reward for the best poets and musicians. This tattoo may play the role of a special symbol that attracts good luck in creative endeavors for those who consider themselves a creative person.

The wreath at the same time denotes a symbol of the eternal and constant, and at the same time, loyalty to goals and values.

It is curious that in ancient times the laurel wreath was taken as a symbol of torment. Therefore, he was depicted as people being blamed for the sins of others. Because of this, the meaning of this symbol in places of detention is usually chosen by people who were wrongly convicted and forced to serve a sentence for a real criminal.

Not so often, but sometimes a wreath of laurel leaves is associated with memory and eternal life. Laurel - its leaves are evergreen, so the connection with immortality is inevitable. This idea is connected with the fact that in ancient times a wreath was associated with a sign of union - between the living world and the other world, where people found peace, and they also believed that with its help the connection between generations in the family was strengthened.

It is also interesting that in different peoples and cultures, the laurel wreath is a talisman. I really believe that this image can save a person from dark forces, and among other things, protect against illness, and the owner will become strong in spirit and body. At the same time, there is an opinion that a wreath will make you be confident and not afraid of anything.

People who have tattoos, they gravitate towards the continuous study of their soul, where main goal is to identify the aspects that determine them later life, and force you to conquer new heights. A stubborn desire for victorious triumph distinguishes tattoo bearers from the rest of the people. It was not for nothing that emperors wore wreaths made of these leaves. The one who chose this tattoo as his symbol does not want to live a stereotypical life, but to live as a realized person whose dreams soar upward.

Truly brave and self-confident people can choose this tattoo without hesitation, because its meaning fully corresponds to the character of the owner. This composition from the leaves of a noble plant will definitely inspire you to strive for heights.

A tattoo in the form of a wreath will indicate that a person is doing his best to make his dreams come true. The owner will definitely have a serious incentive to not stop and achieve what he wants. The bearer of a tattoo strives for triumph with all his guts, and there is nothing more important than victory in any struggle. For this he is ready to go to the most extreme measures.

If a person does not remember such courage, you should think about the tattoo more carefully. On the other hand, those who have overcome the fear of getting a tattoo have already taken a step towards their pedestal.

Among the Celts, Germans and Italians, oak was revered as a sacred tree. From them these ancient customs passed on to the Romans. Evidence of this can be seen in the “civil wreath” that was awarded to a soldier who saved the life of a Roman citizen in battle. The wreath, accompanied by the inscription “O.C.S” (“ob cirem servatum” - “to the savior of the [Roman] citizen”, Lat.), can be considered one of the most ancient military distinctions. We find the same wreath of woven branches in much closer times on the Order of the Oak Crown, established by the ruler of the Netherlands, when this grand duchy was still under Dutch rule.

However, the primacy in the symbolic representation of military valor and, as a rule, noble origin, was gradually won from the oak by the laurel (in Italian - “alloro”), the sacred tree of Apollo. It is not for nothing that the laurel is called the noble laurel (Laurus nobilis). Not only victorious generals during a triumph were crowned with a laurel “triumphal” wreath, but also emperors, and also, and most of all, poets.

As for the laurel wreath

In coats of arms, the laurel appears in the same variants as the oak, but unlike oak trees, separate laurel wreath leaves are much more common, not to mention the laurel wreath. Even more often you can find an image of a laurel on “speaking” coats of arms (Laurenti, Lauri, Loro, Loredano, the latter surname is a derivative of Loreto = Lauretus).

Family coat of arms of the family Puccini (Pistoia) “Alternating gold and red pillars and green laurel wreath

laurel branch, a hawk and a curved Turkish saber - this is what is depicted in the coat of arms of the Marazzi family, which is presented on this page. He appears to proclaim openly aggressive intentions: glory to you if you fight bravely with weapons. The idea is exactly the opposite of that symbolized by the images of a dove holding an olive branch.

The olive (Olea europea) is a symbol of peace, but also of victory, since victory precedes and ensures subsequent peaceful existence.

In addition, the olive also signifies chastity - and nowadays marriage announcements are decorated with a garland of wreaths made of olive branches. In Ancient Rome, the olive wreath was also awarded to those who indirectly contributed to the victory, as was the case with Lepidus (Lepidus is the common name of the Aemilian family - Note per.).

The fact that the dove appeared to Noah with an olive branch in its beak could be considered an accident if Greek mythology there was no more detailed and subtle explanation for it: Kekrop (founder of Athens. - Note. Transl.), choosing a name and symbol for the city, hesitated between the olive of the goddess Athena and the horse of Poseidon. In the end he settled on the name and gifts of the goddess. Poseidon's horse symbolized war, while the olive symbolized the oil trade, which flourishes only in years of peace, and peace is always preferable to war.

Personal coat of arms of Dunson-Richardson Carrer (York, UK) “Dissected: on the right, quadruple: in the first and fourth fields an ermine with three black double sashes, a blue head with a silver leopard (Carrer); in the second and third golden field there is a red belt, accompanied on the sides by three laurel branches natural colored band on the right, two at the head and one at the end (Rondell); left: three green in a silver field laurel leaf(2, 1) pillar (Folais)"

In the traditions of many European peoples a symbol of triumph and victory is a laurel branch. To understand why this happened, you need to look at history. Ancient world and trace the path that an ordinary tree made - from a simple plant to a symbol of victory.

Greek legends

Myths Ancient Greece link this triumphal symbol with Apollo - god, patron of the arts and competitions. According to legend, one day Apollo fell in love with the nymph Daphne and began to persistently pursue her. The beauty tried to escape. When Apollo had almost caught her, Daphne, raising her hands, turned to her father, the god of rivers Peneus. He turned her into a slender tree. The saddened Apollo wove a wreath for himself from the leaves of this tree, in memory of And the tree was named after the unfortunate nymph. Translated, Daphne means laurel. To this day, laurel gardens and groves grow on the island of Delos, where, according to legend, the god of beauty was born. Well, the decoration from it became an indispensable attribute of the image of Apollo.

Winners symbol

Since then, the laurel tree has been inextricably linked with the name of Apollo. Since, in addition to the arts, Apollo patronized sports competitions, the laurel wreath began to be awarded not only to skilled composers, singers and artists, but also to the winners of the Pythian games, the venue of which was the Cryssaean plain. From Greece it was inherited by the Romans. The triumphal symbol of the laurel began to be intended not only for the winners of sports competitions, but also for heroes who distinguished themselves in military campaigns. The Romans used the laurel to follow a military victory. This award was given to a warrior for special merits - for example, for saving a comrade in battle, being the first to enter an enemy fortress, for a successful assault on an enemy city. The goddess of victory Nike always held in her hands a triumphal symbol - a laurel wreath, which was placed on the head of the winner.

Legend had it that the laurel was Jupiter's favorite tree, and it was never struck by lightning. In peacetime, it served as an indispensable attribute of holidays and sacrifices glorifying the supreme god of the Romans. The symbol of triumph was minted on coins depicting Apollo and Jupiter. Yuri Caesar wore a wreath to all ceremonial events. Is it true, gossips it was claimed that the laurel wreath helped to hide the balding crown of the emperor.

Laurel among early Christians

The early Christians borrowed many symbols from the symbol of triumph - the laurel branch, which was also not forgotten. In the aesthetics of early Christianity, laurel symbolizes chastity, purity, health and longevity. Evergreen leaves perfectly symbolized eternal life which will come after the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God. Christ was also often depicted with a laurel wreath, as the One who conquered death. Some early Christian martyrs were depicted with laurel wreaths. Laurel was also revered as a plant widely used in medicine and cooking. In an era when spices were worth their weight in gold, bay leaves were truly a precious gift that could be presented even to a king.

Laurel in heraldry and faleristics

The symbol of immortality from theosophy migrated to the coats of arms and insignia of well-born aristocrats. In heraldry, laurel, like oak, is a symbol of fearlessness and valor. Golden leaves on a red background symbolized the fearless heart of a brave warrior. The triumphal symbol became especially popular in France, and was decorated with the coat of arms of the French Republic. After this, the laurel took pride of place on the coats of arms of many states. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, laurel wreaths adorned the state signs of such countries as Brazil, Guatemala, Algeria, Greece, Israel, Cuba, and Mexico.

Medals, orders and insignia of many countries around the world are decorated with evergreen laurel leaves. After all, throughout the world this plant is a symbol of glory, victory and military valor, which means that awards should contain this triumphal symbol in their image. The most honorary awards of European states contain images of laurel leaves.

The meaning of the laurel wreath today

Until now, the laurel wreath adorns the winners of various artistic and music competitions. The title “laureate” literally means “decorated with laurel,” which means a winner worthy of wearing this symbol of triumph. Photos of modern laureates show that today they are not decorated with wreaths, like the ancient winners. It’s just that the insignia of scientists and musicians certainly contains images of laurel leaves. According to some sources, the scientific title “bachelor” also comes from the name of the laurel branch.

Thus, from the ancient past, the laurel has safely come to our time, almost without losing its symbolic meaning.