Bear - what does it mean in various "teachings"? Bear tattoo meaning.

State symbols are the hallmark of each country, giving an idea of ​​state values, priorities and policies. The three main attributes of symbolism are the coat of arms, the anthem and the flag. In addition, many countries also have birds or plants. What symbols of Russia exist now? How did they come about and what do they mean?

Flag

Now it is impossible to imagine a country without a flag. Nevertheless, in Russia the first flag appeared only at the end of the 17th century, when our first military Russian ship, the Eagle, went to sea. Imitating the strong maritime powers, whose ships had long sailed under the state flags, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich ordered the banner to be raised on the Russian ship as well. According to some historians, the first flag of Russia was white-blue-red, similar to the current one, only with a golden double-headed eagle. Later it was proposed to replace the blue and red stripes with black and yellow or orange. But the proposal was rejected because color scheme The flag reflected the peculiar symbols of Russia. In the pictures, it seemed like this - white snow covering most of Russia in winter, blue and red - the colors of the clothes of Russian men and women on a holiday. This type of flag was canceled only in 1918, and in 1993 it was restored again by Yeltsin's decree. Now it White color means peace and freedom, blue - stability, and red - the fatherland, the power of the state and the blood shed for the country.

Coat of arms

In addition to the flag, other symbols of Russia are very significant. The photo of the coat of arms, approved in 2000, shows a golden double-headed eagle with spread wings and three crowns with a ribbon. In his paws on his chest is the coat of arms of Moscow. The eagle is depicted against the background of a red French shield. This picture can be deciphered in such a way that Russia is patronized by the Holy Trinity. does not threaten anyone and cares only about the inviolability of their lands. All intentions of Russia are pure and directed against universal evil. The country is obedient to the law and adheres to justice. The modern coat of arms was created on the basis of the old one, donated to the king Ivan III Vasilyevich by the Pope of Rome in 1452. The gift was timed to coincide with the marriage of the Russian tsar to the Byzantine princess Sophia. Then the coat of arms symbolized independence. Two eagle heads meant power over the east and west of the empire, and crowns were deciphered as double power.

Hymn

Some foreign ideologists, who are unkind to Russia, believe that only the bear is the symbol of our country. But one of our main symbols - the national anthem - proudly sounds at official ceremonies, during the awarding of our athletes at the Olympics and on many other occasions. Its text and music are based on the anthem of the Soviet Union. The very first Russian anthem appeared back in 1816. Prior to this, all celebrations were accompanied by church hymns. The text of the first anthem was the poem "Prayer of the Russians", written by Vasily Zhukovsky. Later, Alexey Lvov composed the second anthem, widely known as "God Save the Tsar". In the turbulent 1917, the provisional government replaced it with the French Marseillaise. The revolutionaries made the Internationale their anthem. The text has since been changed twice. The modern anthem of Russia was approved by the president in the last days of 2000 and sounded on New Year's holiday.

The bear is a symbol of strength and courage

The anthem, coat of arms and flag are the most important symbols of Russia. The bear was chosen as the animal symbol of our country. This was not done by chance, because the clubfoot in the Russian open spaces has always been considered the king of the forest. Much later, from the southern countries came the fashion to call a lion. Our brown bear looks like a clumsy lump, capable of only roaring and ruining the hives. In fact, this is an intelligent beast, which has no equal in strength in the northern latitudes. No wonder the ancient Russians revered the bear. They made multiple totems and believed that such a talisman would definitely protect them from enemies and give them strength in battle. In Russia and other northern countries there was a bear cult. The hunters sought not only to enlist the help of the forest lord, but also to connect his spirit with their own. For them, it was the bear that personified strength, courage and nobility. The symbol of the beast also became the protector of the whole family.

Fictional myths about Russia and its bears

Curious facts in their history have all the symbols of Russia. The bear, for example, according to some foreign historians, became our symbol solely because of the backwardness and stupidity of the Russians. In the XIV-XVI centuries, in the developed European countries, Russia (Muscovy, as they said then) seemed like a wild country where only barbarians live. The work of the famous Austrian ambassador and diplomat Herberstein "Notes on Moscow Affairs" contributed a lot to this. In this essay, he wrote about the fact that in Russia bears walk right along the streets, break into houses and force people to flee. It is possible that some such cases took place, since the “Notes” narrated about the unusually frosty and hungry year of 1526. Then the animals driven by hunger could appear in the cities in order to find food. However, many copyists of Zapiski filed these isolated cases as a common thing for the whole country, firmly reinforcing a negative image of Russia among readers.

Rehabilitation of the Russian bear

The foreign public calmly accepted the main symbols of Russia. The bear, on the other hand, remained for a long time as a standard of rudeness and backwardness of Russians. Even now, especially in England, the image of Russia is associated with a clumsy forest animal to emphasize the negative attitude towards the country. However, they have long been rehabilitated. A significant role in this was played by circus performances in which bears demonstrated their intelligence and outstanding abilities. It is worth noting that not all foreigners associated the Russian bear with sluggishness and cruelty. So, Frederick II, the Prussian king, at one time warned not to wake up a sleeping Russian bear. He meant that the Russian people, like Toptygin, are good-natured and harmless until you offend them. If, God forbid, this happens, he turns into an aggressive and powerful defender of his interests.

The bear is a symbol not only of Russia

The bear is a symbol not only of Russia. It is depicted in Bern, Lithuanian Samogitia, many Russian cities. His image was placed on their coats of arms by knights and nobles. Thanks to the bear, the city was named Bern. And the Celtic bear (arktos) served as the name of a vast territory - the Arctic.

The bear is even present on the coat of arms of the Pope! Such an honor was given to the wild beast thanks to the legend of Saint Korbinian. According to its text, when Corbinian was traveling to Rome, a bear jumped out on the road and killed the saint's horse. As punishment, Korbinian ordered the beast to accompany him to Rome instead of the slain animal. The bear complied. The meaning of the symbol on the coat of arms of the pontiff is the victory of Christianity over paganism. That's how much different interpretations has a bear, a symbol of Russia. Pictures of this beast depict it in different poses, or even only a part - half of the body or one head. But its meaning remains the same - power, courage, courage.

Olympic bear

The whole world still remembers the cute teddy bear that became the symbol of the Moscow Olympics in 1980. Some countries so hated Soviet Union or they were afraid of him, that they refused to participate in competitions at all. The image of a smiling kind bear in many ways helped foreigners to feel confident in a territory alien to them and to change their attitude towards the Soviet people. After the Olympics, the bear became associated with peace, goodness and justice, because everything was fair at the competitions. Of course this historical fact is not the reason why the bear is a symbol of Russia, but he made a small contribution to his choice. Russia is often associated with Moscow. The touching bear, a symbol of the famous Moscow Olympics, to which many Western ideologists gave political overtones, no doubt remained in the memory of people from different countries. He seems to say, they say, look, Russia is not at all dangerous, but open to friends and hospitable.

The bear is a symbol of the Russian lands

As already noted, they have their own history and their own importance all symbols of Russia. The bear, in addition, is a symbol or is depicted on the emblems of many Russian cities. In Perm, a monument was even erected to him. As the creators joke, so that foreigners do not doubt, bears really walk the streets of Russia. And in Norilsk, the bear is not only depicted on the coat of arms with the key to the city in its paws, but has also become a living symbol of the city in the form of a small bear cub. The bear is also depicted on the emblems of Khabarovsk, Yekaterinburg, Syktyvkar, Yaroslavl and other Russian cities, because this beast is loved and revered. And also because the bear is strength, courage and protection.

The meaning of a bear tattoo directly depends on how and in what context this beast is depicted.. You can see him as kind, obedient and wise, or you can draw him as angry, ferocious and furious.

But in general, a bear tattoo has the following meaning: resurrection and new life(from the property of waking up after a long hibernation), courage and power, confidence and courage, fertility and motherhood(bear), power and tenacity, charity and peace.

The bear has been considered for many years national symbol Russia. In this country, many stories and legends are associated with it. A bear tattoo with a grin in Russia always means male courage. In the cultural tradition of the ancient Celts, the bear is a symbol of the power of the moon. And since the moon is a female symbol, it is directly related to childbirth and motherhood. The Celts respected and revered the bear, its image became the emblem of all Celtic warriors. In China, the bear is associated with the masculine principle, personifies strength, dominance and masculinity. Among the Japanese, it is revered as a symbol of wisdom and justice, associated with patience and charity. In the mythology of the Romans and Greeks, the bear became the representative of the goddess of hunting and fertility - the eternally young Artemis.

The American Indians gave the bear the role of an all-powerful and fearless beast that could defeat a tornado and any other natural disasters. The peoples of ancient Scandinavia associated this animal with incredible ferocity of battle and blind aggression. He was also one of the incarnations of the god Odin, and the ancient German warrior god Thor. In Christianity and Islam, the bear is viewed more as dark force, cruel, vindictive and greedy. In one of bible stories King David of Israel fought a bear. And in Western art, the bear often represents the sin of gluttony. It is also known that bear tattoos were applied to the bodies of Indian rajas and Egyptian pharaohs, as a symbol of perfect and undeniable sole power, ordinary people these countries, such a tattoo was not available. In alchemy, he became a symbol of the original substance, chaos, which must be put in order.

The bear is a unique animal. He is respected for the fact that although he looks big and ferocious, inside he is always kind and affectionate.. Therefore, the meaning of a bear tattoo is so diverse. Separately, you need to highlight the tattoo with the image of a polar bear. This beast often means loneliness and the desire to survive, no matter what. It symbolizes fearlessness, love of life and a strict character. The polar bear is a symbol of the country of Russia and America. Among the northern peoples, the meaning of a polar bear tattoo is expressed by hunting luck, courage and bravery.

The coat of arms of the Ural city of Perm depicts a walking bear. Why did the Bear become a symbol of many cities in Russia and Europe? And in the rest of the world, where these animals are found, the Bear is treated more than respectfully.
For all The bear is a symbol strength. The bear is the largest and strongest animal in northern Europe.
This is the personification of mighty strength, power, vitality. This is a beast that can take care of itself!

The bear may appear clumsy, good-natured, and lazy. Such a bummer. And his nickname in Russia is condescendingly affectionate - Bear clubfoot.
But do not bully the Bear - in an instant he is able to become dexterous, fast, vicious and furious, besides possessing incredible strength and power of the beast.
By the way, The bear is a symbol of Russia! Not in vain wise people advised various invaders not to touch, not to bully, not to try to capture Russia. It always ended badly. For the invaders.

For people, the Bear has always been a symbol of rebirth and new life, because. disappeared in the winter, going into hibernation, and in the spring reappeared alive, and the she-bear also came out of the den with the cubs in the spring!

The bear is the oldest king of animals and the owner of the dense cold northern forests. In the north-east of Europe, the Bear is respectfully called the Master of the forest, the Master of the taiga, or simply the Master!
Archaeologists find a bear cult among all Finno-Ugric and almost all European peoples.
The bear is a symbol brave Hunter, Ancestor, Ancestral Elder, Progenitor, Patron Spirit.

In Europe, the cult of the Bear was spread from the Elbe to the Urals.
The image of the lion, as the king of animals, came to Europe later - from the warm Mediterranean countries. But even now there is a bear in the coats of arms of many European cities - Madrid, Berlin, Bern, Yaroslavl, Perm ...

In the coat of arms of Perm, the Bear carries a Bible on his back - this initially symbolized the victory of Christianity over the paganism of the local Finno-Ugric peoples.
The white (silver) color of the Bear is a symbol of well-being and prosperity.
The bear is also a symbol of unity and harmony with the outside world. The Walking Bear in the coat of arms symbolizes forward movement, confidence in the future.
So that, The bear is a great symbol of Perm!

And in modern history used Bear as a symbol. For example, the Bear was a symbol Olympic Games 1980 in Moscow.

Another example. On stock exchanges, in international currency trading, players who bet on depreciation are called “bears”. Their symbol is the Bear, which presses prices down with its paw.
There are other characters of the animal world, but more on that in another article.

Bear- contradictory symbol, it is associated simultaneously with good nature and rage, with heroic strength and clumsiness, with gluttony and maternal tenderness, in the Russian tradition bear personifies the king of beasts, which in the language of competition means good luck and victory. The image of the bear, built largely on the perception of Russians by foreigners, today is increasingly associated with self-determination.
Bear symbol - totem, is associated with the awakening of the forces of nature, the transformation of male energy, matrimony, the transforming power, can be in a long hibernation, and then wake up, transform.

The old Bear cults in Europe arose not only because the Bear was the largest forest animal and the most desired prey of the ancient hunter, but also because of the great strength, crushing power and some fundamental constancy, which was reflected in this King of the Northern Forests. Needless to say, the ancient ritual of hunting in modern times is no longer the same as before, when hunting was primarily understood not only as an act of hedonistic and empty pleasure, but as a necessity for survival in the harsh conditions of antiquity and as a sacral-magical and respectful relationship between hunter and beast.

The hunter sought not only to master the supply of meat, but also to comprehend Spirit of the Beast, absorb it, connect with your own Spirit. And physically killed, but not humiliated by the stupid extermination, Spirit of the Beast repaid him the same. The Warrior took the name of the Beast for himself, as if compensating for the life of the beast in his own life.

He acquired great fame in the eyes of his family, the nobility of a warrior, the courage and spiritual qualities of a mighty enemy defeated in a fair fight. And the Beast became not only the spiritual guardian of himself, but also the guardian of the whole family, in whose ranks the glorious Hero was born.

It is here and nowhere else that one must look for the cradle of the formation of the subsequent elite, the courage, bravery and nobility of which raised it in the eyes of the Ancient peoples in all corners of our World. Courage, wars, trials and the harsh world of Antiquity tempered this elite and Spirit of the Patrons helped them. Ideograms and simple drawings turned into heraldic symbols, heroic first names turned into surnames... The ancient secret primary meaning was lost, but it remained somewhere deep in the depths of our ancestral memory.
Anthropologists claim that the cult of the Bear was spread from the Elbe to the Urals.

In Germanic tradition, the bear is associated with Odin (Wotan). His "furious army", Asgardreid, was very real, it was made up of the living dead who dedicated their lives to Odin. But only death can make them full members of the true Asgardreid, when the Father takes them to Valhalla. Einherii dressed, as you know, in wolf and bear skins. The cult of Asgardreid was male. Berserker - "indomitable bear" they called those who showed their courage by killing a bear with their own hands. They ate the heart of an animal and dressed in bear skins - this gave them the opportunity to take on the form of an animal and fight with the strength and fury of a bear. The berserker could fight without a weapon, he took it away from the oncoming enemy, so initially the weapon was, as it were, unnecessary. Mandatory was the strength of the spirit and faith, as an intangible component of strength. According to the description, the berserker jumped in military equipment for 5 meters

The role of the bear is obvious in the cult practice and mythology not only of the Germans, but also of the Slavs.

People's memory saved from totemic times, knowledge about the connection between man and the bear, in his half-spirit-half-animal ancestor. Hence the half-bear-half-man of Slavic fairy tales - "Bear's Ear", "Medvedko", "Vedmid",

"Medvedovich", "Medvedyuk". Possibly older than epic heroes. A Slavic berserker riding a bear, turning into it himself, receiving power from the Forest and its God, the power of the Dead and the Fallen, the waters and fires of the underground. The Slavs called their warriors berserkers differently - roars, screaming warriors. According to one version, the word knight came from the word "rykar", and not from the German "reiter" - a rider. The most famous Slavic berserkers are Ragdai Udaloy, who went alone to 300 soldiers, Olbeg Ratoborich, Demyan Kudenevich, as well as the soldiers of Prince Svyatoslav and three hundred soldiers of the Temple of Sventovit Arkona. It is no coincidence that these images in epics and fairy tales terrify the servants of the Christian cult.

V Ancient Greece The bear was considered a cult animal of the goddess Artemis. Sacred dances in honor of Artemis Brauronia were performed by priestesses in bear skins.

Artemis was dedicated to the month Artemision - March, the time when the bears came out of hibernation. If for the Indo-Europeans the bear was revered with their inherent religiosity, i.e. was not considered evil, then in the Jewish, biblical tradition, he brought death and destruction. In the Old and New Testaments, the image of the Bear is drawn - a terrible fantastic or even apocalyptic beast (Dan. 7, 5; Apoc. 13, 2), however, like everything that comes from the North.