Mandala Tattoo is native to Hinduism and Buddhism. Asides being aesthetically pleasing; the mandala tattoo is a sacred symbol hence making it a religious symbol. Not just an ordinary tattoo but a work of art made from simple geometric shapes i.e., triangles and circles.
However, a single glance at a mandala tattoo you will see circles rather than triangles and this is because of the synergy of the combined basic shapes to make a single artistic pattern. This is a great tattoo design or style choice for individuals who appreciate ancient art. There are some mandala designs that represent cosmic bodies e.g., Tue Stars, Universe, & the Sun.
Mandalas have existed longer than tattoos and their meaning is truly inspiring. “Mandala” is actually Sanskrit for “circle” and they’re composed of shapes and symbols that are formed outwards from the center following a circular pattern.
Mandalas are the symbol of eternity, balance, and perfection, and it’s a unique design that’s meant to inspire a sense of harmony and well-being. These symbols are mostly seen in religious sites and they’re also a main feature of the artwork of different religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
In Christian churches mandalas can be seen incorporated in the window designs made of stained glass that are so iconic. In the Hindu religion, mandalas are used in the designs of prayer and meditation rooms because they’re linked with focus. And in Buddhism, mandalas are often used in meditation and rituals because they symbolize balance and they’re also a reflection on eternity.
Mandalas are mesmerizing symbols and mandala tattoos often have the appearance of a flower. They also use many floral and circular elements and mandala tattoos can represent life and femininity, as well as growth and rebirth. The spiritual origins of mandala give mandala tattoos deep meaning and that’s why they’ve become so widely popular.
The Meaning of Mandala in Different Cultures
To understand why mandalas hold so much meaning, it’s important to look at what they represent in so many different cultures. For example, in the Egyptian culture mandalas were used as a tool for meditation because of the force and energy they transmitted. They were also a common element of home decoration to attract positive energy and to create harmony in the home.
For the Chinese, mandalas are used to attract wealth and prosperity as well as good health. In Native American tribes they’re used in embroidery accompanied by animals and feathers. They’re used as amulets against evil spirits and to promote courage.
Indians, on the other hand, have their own version of mandalas, which are called Yantras and they’re a bit different. In Yantras, triangles, squares, six-pointed stars and other shapes are combined to make outstanding designs.
In Buddhist tradition, Tibetan mandalas are composed of geometric elements and figures such as deities or Buddhas to represent the mediation between the cosmos and the world. They’re mostly used in rituals that focus on the triumph of consciousness over materialism, and are then discarded once they realize their purpose.
In modern times, since the late 60s and the 70s, mandalas started to be created freely and they were part of the hippie movement. Years later, mandalas are used for their artistry and many modern artists create their own mandalas freely. That’s why modern mandalas, which are mostly used for mandala tattoo style, have little resemblance to original Orient mandalas.
Mandala Tattoo Design
Mandalas are all about symmetry, and mandala tattoos are no different. When tattoo artists design a mandala tattoo, they start from a fixed point, the center. The core design is the base of it all, and it’s based on an idea which is provided by the client or it can be chosen by the artist. The idea behind the center of the mandala is usually an existing image or shape. When that’s done, the tattoo artist starts working on the layer surrounding the center while taking into consideration the angle of rotation and the number of points.
People all have different visions for their mandala tattoos so the elements included in the design may vary, which makes every mandala design unique, but the construction will always have the same symmetry. Mandalas are abstract designs, so expect your tattoo artist to discuss your mandala tattoo at length and be prepared to describe what you want your tattoo to be like. It’s important that your idea for your mandala tattoo is clear, otherwise it would be difficult for a tattoo artist to express that in the design.
Mandala Tattoo Trends
Because mandalas are adopted by so many different cultures around the world, you will never run out of inspiration. The patterns used for mandala tattoos can be either tribal or floral, they can have a single form or be divided, they can be circular, square or triangular, and they can have bright colors or be done in black or white. In other words, your mandala can be as unique as you want.
Henna art is a great source of inspiration for mandala tattoos as well, and flowers are always a good muse because they have a natural symmetry to them that helps artists with the mandala design. Mandalas will have a ton of detail, so be prepared to determine what those details will look like so you can be happy with your mandala design.
Elephant mandalas are quite popular because elephants are a symbol of strength and power. It’s also viewed as a symbol of fortune, luck, material growth and also rain. Flower mandalas are also quite common because flowers naturally have the same symmetry and overlapping circles mandalas are known for. Flowers represent the existence of creation and they’re also a symbol of enlightenment. They’re also associated with food health and mindfulness.
Circle mandalas are super common as well and they’re incredibly attractive as designs. In many cultures, circles symbolize unity, oneness and wholeness, and they also symbolize motherhood. In mandalas, circles symbolize new beginnings and completion of something. Circle mandalas can have many color combinations, patterns, and shapes.
Last but not least, geometric mandala tattoo designs have a great spiritual symbolism. They’re based on a circle, then other designs are included to add more meaning to the mandala. Just like traditional mandalas, geometric mandalas must start from the center. That means that geometric shapes must radiate from the center outwards to create the mandala and to achieve the right effect.
Final Words
Mandalas have been here for a while, so it’s no surprise mandala tattoos are so popular. They have a deeper meaning and they can be customized to your purposes and beliefs however you see fit!