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It is associated with masculinity, fiery emotions like anger and love and naturally, warm colors like orange and red. The alchemical element of fire is represented by an upward triangle in alchemy. Also called, the four classical elements and the four elements of matter, the symbols representing these elements were commonly used in alchemy. The ancient Greeks believed everything in the universe was made of four basic elements fire, water, earth and air. The Four Classical Elements In Alchemy: Fire, Water, Earth And Air Here is how it looks like:Īccording to their belief, the four corners of the square in the center surrounding the circle represents the four classical elements and the circle represents the fifth element these elements create, that is, the totality, the way to reach beyond the physical world and venture into higher realms. The philosopher’s stone is represented with the symbol known as ‘the squared circle’, which contains the four classical elements within according to some hermeticists. That is why it is a central element in alchemical symbolism. Alchemists believed that this elixir could be made of the philosopher’s stone.Ĭreating the philosopher’s stone is the magnum opus, the Great Work and the ultimate goal of every alchemist. There are symbols that represent the sea and symbols of the land, stability, travel etc.It was also closely associated by alchemists with the elixir of life, a liquid that was believed to rejuvenate its user, bring them youth and even grant them immortality. Today, Tahitian tattoos signify ones ancestors and interests.
![symbol 4 elements tattoo symbol 4 elements tattoo](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/35/65/c3/3565c322d41882bbffb20196ef8d36c6.jpg)
For example, the tattoos of warriors would incorporate symbols different than those of fishermen. There were symbols specific to certain families and symbols unique to various roles. There are different symbols related to those elements. In ancient Tahitian society, tattoos represented one’s genealogy and social rank. For each symbol there is a sacred ceremony. I happen to be one of them.Īll symbols in Tahitian tattoos are based on the 4 elements (Ocean, Earth, Wind, Fire). There are only a handful of artists left in Tahiti who still practice this art form. Traditional tattooing was banned in 1986 by the Tahiti-based French Ministry of Health due to the difficulty in sterilizing the wooden and bone equipment but was allowed again in 2001.
#SYMBOL 4 ELEMENTS TATTOO SKIN#
It takes two artists to do a traditional tattoo - one to stretch the skin and the other to do the tat-tau-ing. The tools are made specifically for you, used only on you. These “needles” are placed on the skin and the handle is tapped with a second wooden stick, causing the skin to puncture thus inserting the pigment.
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The tools consist of a comb with anywhere from 3-20 needles and are carved from bone, shell or shark’s teeth. Traditional tattoo involves the creation of traditional tattooing tools called tatatau.
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Tautau was the sound made by tattooing - tat tat. The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word tautau. Traditional Tahitian tattoo is the tattoo practice originally invented by my ancestors. Today, Tahitian tattoo has again gained recognition as a highly respected art form and is sought by travelers the world over. Fortunately the art of tattooing was well documented and it is only in recent years (since 1981) that tattooing has enjoyed a renaissance. Considered to be a sinful glorification of the skin, the missionaries strictly forbid tattoo. It wasn’t until the arrival of the missionaries that this art form was nearly killed. Captain Cook and others returned from the Pacific with tales of exotic islands, of “savage” cultures indulging in erotic dance and bizarre rituals. With the arrival of Europeans, came a dramatic change to both tattooing and the culture in general. Tahitian women were also tattooed – it was an indication of a girl’s sexual maturity. Tattooing was generally begun at adolescence, and would often not be completed for a number of years. As such, chiefs and warriors generally had the most elaborate tattoos. It was a sign of wealth, of strength and of the ability to endure pain. Tattooing indicated ones genealogy and/or rank in society. It was an integral part of ancient Tahitian culture and was much more than a body ornament. In ancient Polynesian society, nearly everyone was tattooed. The origin of the English word ‘tattoo’ actually comes from the Tahitian word ‘tatau’ and goes back as far as 1500 BC.