When the Europeans brought African slaves to America, they did not know that the slaves also brought their religion. many practiced vodun, which evolved into different religions collectively called voodoo.
Voodoo uses voodoo dolls and magical symbols which have become a very popular subject for voodoo doll tattoos. Before you simply head to the tattoo parlor to get a voodoo doll tattoo, you may want to gain a better understanding of its history and meanings.
the story of the voodoo doll
The voodoo doll comes from louisiana, which was influenced by cultures that used the mississippi river. The practice of making voodoo dolls to cast a curse or drive away evil spirits dates back to before religion crossed the seas.
A family would make a statue to house a spiritual enemy. For good reason, today it is common for the doll to represent family, safety, protection, guardianship, and high power.
While the doll offers protection to the wearer, many caution that the power of the doll should not be abused or taken lightly.
the meanings of voodoo dolls
If you are obsessed with black magic and the idea of being able to cast spells on others, voodoo doll tattoos may be the perfect theme for you. In addition to the doll being able to ward off evil, it can also attack evil if told.
Today this doll represents pain and curses. Many choose to show their wrist being impaled with pins or knives, which in turn will cause significant pain to enemies.
Placing these items impaling the doll represents that this person does not forgive easily, plots revenge and is unwilling to compromise when attacked.
ritual symbols and tools
When it comes to voodoo doll tattoos, many wearers like to enhance the visual appeal by adding some ritual tools and symbols. These symbols not only make the image more attractive, but they come with additional meaning that can change the overall theme of the design. Just like the different branches of witchcraft or shamanic religions, the use of stones, swords and wands play an important role in the imagery of exceptional tattoo designs.
For these wearers, dolls and ritual tools symbolize a person who no longer wants evil in their life, someone who tells others to stay away, or someone who seeks additional protection for themselves and their their families.
The popularity of voodoo doll tattoos grows each year as horror movies become a part of mainstream media and attract a new audience each year. many are just drawn to cool designs and don’t associate the design with tradition or ancient rituals, they just like bones, skulls, fire, axes, swords and pins to make their design more intimidating.
For those who just want a bit of voodoo flair, or for shock, they design the image in a way that it may scare those who are close enough to look at the voodoo doll.
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