Traditional croatian tattoo

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Tattooing of the hands was a widespread tradition among Catholic Croatian women in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Ottoman rule centuries ago. This tradition originates from the places once occupied by the Turks and its purpose was to prevent young, Catholic women being kidnapped and converted to Islam. Tattooing symbols on the hand however dates even further back than that period. The custom was mostly revived during the reign and fear of the Ottoman Empire, when Christian symbols were used for protection. The cross also has its variations in the form of a small pine tree. The kolo circle , a motif taken from the kolo dancing in the villages, were also tattooed, which symbolised togetherness. According to historians, youngsters, usually girls, were being tattooed between the age of 12 and

Traditional croatian tattoo

Photo Credit: Traditional Croatian Tattoos. My interest in this topic started as a quite personal thing. As a tribute to my grandmother who passed away two years ago. I remember that I was impressed that my grandmother had a tattoo, and more over, that she gotten it when she was a young girl, about 9 years old. The story goes like this…. The Greek historian Strabo 1st century BC mentions tattooing as a custom of inhabitants of the area corresponding to present day Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, this phenomenon became widespread among the Roman Catholic population of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Ottoman rule of their lands — , and lasted up until 20th century, more precisely until With the creation of communist Yugoslavia , which part Bosnia and Herzegovina became after World War II, this practice of tattooing was not as desirable and it faced a sharp decline. The last recorded example of a person who had the traditional tattoo done with a traditional method is from the This was done so even if that happened, their children would have a permanent reminder of who they were and where they came from. The practice was even more common among young girls. Their parents hoped that tattoos of a cross or other Christian symbols would prevent Turkish men from taking them as their wives. Bosnian Catholic Croats used to tattoo their hands, chest, wrists or even forehead with the Christian symbols like small cross , but also many other motifs are present. There were special days during the year when tattooing would take place usually the time before Easter. Even today in Bosnia and Herzegovina you can find a lot of women who have these tattoos, but they were all born around the s and they are the last living generation to wear this impressive evidence of the fight that their ancestors undertook to protect their faith and origins.

The tattoos are a reminder of those times and for many they express belonging to the Croatian people and the Christian faith. How is it possible, when most articles prove that the tradition of tattooing among Croats flourished during the Ottoman Empire? Traditional Croatian Tattoo, traditional croatian tattoo.

Still, it is. Traditional symbols are connected to Christianity and the custom itself is even older and can be traced centuries back in history around these areas. A thousand years long tradition of tattooing their hands, to Croat women in Bosnia and Herzegovina still brings back memories. They had been tattooed as little girls, some obliged to and some expressing their wish. This tradition originates from the places once occupied by the Turks in the time of the Ottoman Empire. Its purpose was to prevent the kidnapping of young Christian women and their conversion to Islam. Still, the idea of writings and symbols on the body originates from an older period.

Tattooing of the hands was a widespread tradition among Catholic Croatian women in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Ottoman rule centuries ago. This tradition originates from the places once occupied by the Turks and its purpose was to prevent young, Catholic women being kidnapped and converted to Islam. Tattooing symbols on the hand however dates even further back than that period. The custom was mostly revived during the reign and fear of the Ottoman Empire, when Christian symbols were used for protection. The cross also has its variations in the form of a small pine tree. The kolo circle , a motif taken from the kolo dancing in the villages, were also tattooed, which symbolised togetherness.

Traditional croatian tattoo

Today, traditional Croatian tattoos are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with many people seeking to learn more about the history and symbolism behind these unique designs. During the Ottoman presence in Central and Southern Bosnia in the 15th and 16th centuries, tattooing became a significant cultural practice among Catholic Croatian women, especially in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The tattoos, particularly on their hands, were not just an art form but were seen as a mark of their Christian faith. They believed these tattoos would serve as protection, making them less appealing to Ottoman soldiers because of the visible display of their Christian identity. As the years progressed, the custom of traditional Croatian tattoos evolved, with many designs incorporating Christian symbols. Today, traditional Croatian tattoos remain popular, and many tattoo artists are dedicated to preserving this ancient practice, often blending traditional motifs with contemporary styles. Northern Croatia, with its picturesque rolling hills and ancient castles, is known for tattoos reminiscent of tribal patterns, possibly influenced by the ancient tribes that once roamed the area. The exact nature and specifics of these tattoos are hard to pin down, but they often feature intricate patterns, possibly reflecting influences from various cultures and times. The Dalmatian coast, with its rich maritime history along the Adriatic Sea, has tattoo traditions that mirror its seafaring past.

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Through a Facebook page named Traditional Croatian Tattoo and thanks to its founders who started exploring this custom, new forms of the symbols can be seen almost every day. All the more remarkable is the fact that it does not resemble the Latin cross. The next day or in a week the place of the tattoo would heel, was washed and the ink stayed in on the skin. Tattooing of the hands was a widespread tradition among Catholic Croatian women in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Ottoman rule centuries ago. Can you elaborate more about the style and what you like about it. II : — Interestingly, a very commonplace was also on the forehead. Yes, I only use single needles without any machine. I absolutely wanted to integrate this heritage in my art and explore it. Image: Traditional Croatian Tattoo.

Lauren Simmonds. September 3, September the 4th, — Traditions abound across Croatia and vary from region to region, they come in the form of everything from food to wine to folklore costumes and superstitions.

Tools Tools. Weekly price range:. The cross also has its variations in the form of a small pine tree. Its purpose was to prevent the kidnapping of young Christian women and their conversion to Islam. The kolo circle , a motif taken from the kolo dancing in the villages, were also tattooed, which symbolised togetherness. I remember that I was impressed that my grandmother had a tattoo, and more over, that she gotten it when she was a young girl, about 9 years old. The practice was even more common among young girls. The cross also has its variations with a sort of small pine trees. It is most common in central Bosnia and can consist of straight lines and zigzag patterns completed with dots, small crosses and twigs. Bracelet-like designs were sometimes tattooed around the women's wrists, either with crosses or a fence-like motif. The tattoos on my fingers were done by me and I want to do a big Croatian-Bosnian composition soon on my leg, by myself of course, because my arms are already full.