Hedgehogs are cute-looking animals. However, their appearance is quite deceiving. Tattoos depicting hedgehogs are not as popular, but no less attractive than images of other creatures. Despite its thorns, the meaning of this kind of image is not always associated with aggression and self-defense. Like most tattoos, the image of a hedgehog has many meanings. Some of them originate from myths and legends of different nationalities. Moreover, all the legends are quite ambiguous regarding the image of hedgehogs.

Hedgehog. What is he hiding?

The common hedgehog is a small mammal. Its length is only 20–30 cm. The animal weighs less than a kilogram. The hedgehog's nose is elongated and wet. Moreover, it is never dry. Some species of this mammal have large ears. The spines, an invariable attribute of the hedgehog, do not exceed three cm, on the sides - no more than two.

Hedgehogs are omnivores. Despite the fact that for many, the image of this mammal is closely associated with mushrooms and berries, which the hedgehog carries on its back, worms and caterpillars also make up the animal’s diet. Males are quite aggressive, jealously defending territory and females. A hedgehog tattoo, a photo of which can be found below, can mean power, property, and aggression.

Cute hedgehog tattoo on girl's leg

The benefits and harms of hedgehogs for humans

Like most animals, a hedgehog can be both beneficial and harmful to people. For example, hedgehogs are carriers of a number of diseases. Encephalitis, which is generally considered to be transmitted by ticks, can be acquired by humans and from hedgehogs. This is due to the fact that a number of such dangerous insects live on the skin of hedgehogs. Also, in a number of countries, hedgehogs are recognized as pests due to the fact that they destroyed the clutches of eggs of rare birds. The benefit of hedgehogs is primarily that they destroy the larvae of field pests, for example, chafers.

Colored sketch of a hedgehog tattoo in a hat

Did you know? Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals. They see poorly in daylight, but have a heightened sense of smell. The speed of these animals is quite high. Many residents of country houses are frightened when they first hear a loud stomp. These cute little hedgehogs walk in a way that is hard to imagine. Hedgehogs can also swim and build burrows. From October to April, hedgehogs hibernate, after which they begin active battles for females. A hedgehog tattoo, the meaning of which is described below, can depict males in a fighting mood.

Hedgehog tattoo with apple and leaves on arm

The meaning of the hedgehog tattoo

A tattoo with the image of such an ambiguous mammal carries several basic meanings:

• aggression. This is due to the fact that the hedgehog itself is an evil animal. He often scares people with his teeth, which he boldly exposes to the enemy;
• desire to isolate yourself from the outside world. The thorn has always been considered a symbol of protection from human influences. Thus, a hedgehog tattoo, the sketch of which is difficult to imagine without needles, can signify a person who wants to protect himself from negativity. The owner of this type of tattoo is most often closed from others and hides his emotions;
• diligence, hard work. In a number of countries these qualities were attributed to the mammal;
• openness and friendliness. According to Chinese teachings, having a hedgehog in the house can attract new friends, good luck and happiness. Therefore, a tattoo with this creature can carry the same semantic meanings;
• wisdom – this is the quality that feng shui gives a hedgehog. Therefore, a person who chooses such a tattoo considers himself quite erudite, striving for knowledge.

Beautiful hedgehog on the forearm

Place of application and style of tattoo

In most cases, the area where it is best to apply such a tattoo is not indicated. Eg, a large image will look beautiful on the thigh, lower leg, lower part of the neck. A small design will decorate the wrist, shoulder, back of the hand. It is worth noting that paired designations of hedgehogs are encouraged. It is believed that this can bring even more happiness and love. The tattoos themselves can differ radically in style. For example, a hedgehog can be depicted in black and white and in an aggressive mood. And some I choose color sketches in which the hedgehog appears as the hero of good fairy tales.

Hedgehog with berries and flower

I got a tattoo with a small but stylish hedgehog on my shoulder. The sketch turned out very cute. The hedgehog is somewhat reminiscent of the cartoon character “Hedgehog in the Fog.” He is just as sweet and kind. I chose this image for two reasons. Firstly, my boyfriend has been calling me this affectionately for a long time. Secondly, it seems to me that, like me, this animal is cute and sociable.

Tatyana, Dnepropetrovsk.

Cute simple hedgehog tattoo

The place of the hedgehog in mythology

There are different ideas about the image of a hedgehog. For example, the Ancient Slavs believed that this was a very wise animal. The gods consulted with him to arrange the world in a better way. For many peoples, symbolism depicting hedgehogs was considered a strong talisman against evil forces.

Did you know? Thanks to the cartoon “Hedgehog in the Fog,” many began to pay attention to these cute animals. Often wild mammals of this species are associated with the main character of Soviet animation. But not many people know that this work has received about 30 international awards. So, the people of Japan revere this cartoon, believing that it is one of the 150 best fairy tales in the world. Therefore, this cartoon still remains a favorite among many generations.

Beautiful hedgehog tattoo with strawberries and daisies

According to one legend, the origin of hedgehogs is quite sinister. According to these legends, the devil combed his long hair, throwing torn pieces from the comb. The heaps thrown nearby turned into hedgehogs. That's why A hedgehog tattoo can also have a dark meaning., referring to this legend. Although the same Slavs believed that the thorns of this animal could frighten evil spirits, not letting them into the house.

For me, my favorite cartoon remains “Hedgehog in the Fog.” After him, I became fascinated by the image of this animal among various peoples. I didn’t think that everything was so contradictory! I decided to get a tattoo quite recently. But I had no problems choosing a sketch. I got the tattoo, trying to attract happiness to myself in the Japanese manner. The tattoo is simple but funny. My hedgehog with a knot on the back. This indicates my penchant for travel.

Alina, Kazan.

Hedgehog tattoo with flowers

The charming animal has earned wide recognition among connoisseurs of tattoo culture. The image was popularized by the cartoon “Hedgehog in the Fog”, which became an allegory on the philosophy of detached contemplation of the world.

A significant contribution was made by cute illustrations from Hollmark postcards and a photo of the Japanese pet Azuki. The tattoo is suitable for people with a peaceful character who appreciate the bright colors of life and humor. Tattoos are worn by men and women regardless of age.

The meaning of the hedgehog tattoo

A hedgehog tattoo can improve the mood of the most malicious pessimist. The drawing on the body signifies the owner’s attitude towards the world around him.

He is peaceful, contemplating what is happening, like on the big screen in a movie. This position allows you to make the right decisions with minimal effort.

Popular hedgehog tattoo meanings:

• friendship;
• fun;
• trips;
• love for the new and unusual;
• curiosity;
• easy character;
• the ability to appreciate simple joys;
• positive attitude;
• optimism.

With the arrival of tattoos, the culture of the hedgehog style began to be combined with ornamental oriental designs. Since one of the meanings of a hedgehog tattoo is fertility and health. The needle-like cover is painted with large petals, the curls and lines filling them add fluffiness.

When looking at the touching face of a hedgehog, the viewer has an association with fun and cheerfulness. By complementing the drawing with balloons, hearts or flowers, the artist enhances this effect. The hedgehog is worn by people who have managed to find a balance between an adult approach and childish spontaneity.

Who is suitable for hedgehog tattoos?

So the hedgehog tattoo suits spontaneous natures. She emphasizes ease of character and love of adventure. It is worn by people who have not lost faith in miracles and fairy tales.

The tattoo is playful in nature, which provides ample opportunities for playing with images. For example, a hedgehog with a monocle and a glass of beer will create a strong association with good manners and a love of tasting.

A hedgehog on balloons or with a heart balloon leads us to the idea that the owner is a dreamer. Cartoon hedgehogs evoke warm associations with childhood, comfort and home warmth.

Realistic hedgehog faces or whole figures will make you smile and improve your mood. Despite his touching appearance, the hedgehog knows how to actively defend his life and interests. The artist’s skill will allow him to convey the expressive facial expressions of this creature. You can reinforce the feeling that your character is lively and courageous.

Place of application and style of tattoo

For muzzles and compact compositions, small open areas of the body are suitable. These areas include the wrist, instep, or forearm. Most often, the drawing is applied on the hands. The shoulder, shoulder blade or inner side of the biceps are selected for the tattoo.

If the design is supplemented with elements and requires more space, choose the waist area. For example, a hedgehog tattoo in the fog will look good on the side or in the ribs area.

The curled up hedgehog is stuffed in the area above the chest, on the back in the waist area. Men prefer the wrist, instep and calf.

Cartoon ones can be hit anywhere. Colorful realistic works are printed on the shoulder blade. They decorate the area above the knee and on the side of the thigh. Girls especially love the areas above the crook of the arm on the inside.

Silhouettes of hedgehogs are laid out along the line of the radius on the back of the forearm. Single or paired designs can be placed on the wrist. Creative individuals pay special attention to graphic works. Hedgehogs are complemented with flowers and decorated with berries or mushrooms.

A hedgehog is an ideal design for tattoos or scars. The needles fit into the lines of the scars. Airy hairs and shades of wool will eliminate the effect of old paint.

To ensure that the sketch fully suits your image, think about the attributes for the drawing. The charming hedgehog will be kept company by the gifts of nature. They will take the place of needles creating an original design for the image.

The image of a hedgehog in the style of realism looks advantageous. Rich colors and a skillfully composed composition will decorate the skin with a picture. You can use drawings from Soviet postcards or cartoons as images. A photo of Azuki the hedgehog will serve as a model for creating a touching image.

Video - hedgehog tattoo

Hedgehog tattoo It’s not common today, but like many other designs it still exists. The peak of the appearance of the hedgehog tattoo was the release (1975) of the famous cartoon “Hedgehog in the Fog,” which received an award at the Cannes Film Festival. For many, this cartoon became a cult cartoon, quotes from it acquired symbolic meanings, they began to imitate it and even erected a monument to the Hedgehog (Kyiv 2009). Apparently that's why hedgehog tattoo most often found in a cartoon version, being a complete copy of a cartoon character.

Hedgehogs have inhabited our planet for a long time, and naturally, they managed to leave a certain imprint in the myths, epics and fairy tales of different cultures.

The ancient Sumerians depicted the hedgehog as an emblem of the Mother - Goddess Ishtar.

Christians associated hedgehogs with theft and atrocities, believing that just as a hedgehog steals fruit, the Devil steals human souls.

In many cultures, the hedgehog was associated with the sun, its spines with the sun's rays.

In Africa and Asia, hedgehogs symbolized agriculture, and images of a hedgehog with lots of fruit meant that the year was fertile.

In a modern interpretation hedgehog tattoo symbolizes both belligerence and defenselessness. Due to the ability of hedgehogs to resist snakes, mice and other crawling creatures, hedgehog tattoo often symbolizes the fight against evil.

In Russia, we are taught from childhood that hedgehogs are cute and kind creatures. They are found in almost every Soviet cartoon, playing the role of positive characters.

With the exception of a copy of a cartoon character, there are hedgehog tattoo in the style of realism. What matters is how the hedgehog is depicted. If the hedgehog's needles are deliberately highlighted in the tattoo, then such a tattoo will carry the meaning of a warning about danger and aggression. If hedgehog tattoo looks pretty cute, in combination with apples or mushrooms, then such a tattoo will carry only positive energy.

More often hedgehog tattoo is depicted as small, mainly on the arms, shoulders and shoulder blades. There are no gender preferences in choosing this topic, because hedgehog tattoo can be found on both men and women.