The most popular toys in Russia are the Matryoshka nesting doll. These dolls are the most meaningful Russian souvenirs since the time they were made as toys in 1890. With their colorful clothes and cute eyes, telling the story of a faraway time, they became one of the greatest symbols of the Eastern European country. Men and women tattoo this magnificent wooden dolls first of all because of their design and second because inside, they hide the most beautiful meanings.
The Meanings Of The Matryoshka Doll Tattoo
Mother Love
The word “Matryoshka” means “little mother”. It represents a mother who is taking care of all of her children by keeping them inside. The matryoshkas are always wooden, and you can separate them at the middle and inside you will reveal the same doll but smaller, and inside the smaller one there is even smaller one and it goes on and on to the last one, the seventh one, which is whole and it can’t be separated. The last one it’s just a tiny wooden doll that is dubbed as the heart of the mother. Sometimes is compared with the heart of Russia. The matryoshka is the mother of the country and all the other dolls are the citizens. With that said, this is a perfect choice for a tattoo for women.
Feminine Side
The woman is always a guardian of her loved ones, taking care of everything and it is very respectful if a man adds a matryoshka tattoo. It can be connected with his mother, sister or wife/girlfriend that he loves. According to some tattoo artists, women who add this tattoo explain it just like that-it is the best choice of a tattoo to express their feminine side. Women are gentle, kind, loving, and most of the time they add a heart in the middle of their matryoshka tattoo to show all that to the world.
Life
This doll can also represent life. The smaller dolls inside can be our memories, lessons learned, experiences that we collect through life and the smallest one deep inside can represent our wisdom. Also, it can mean that the person who inks it has a strong character and that you have to move slow, layer by layer before they can accept you in their hearts.
The Amazing Designs Of The Matryoshka Tattoo
Traditional
The most common are traditional designs. They are dressed in Russian folk costumes and have headscarves that mark Russian tradition. The most creative part is the belly area and is usually decorated with flowers, heart or portraits of entire families.
Modern
The modern designs of these dolls are the most interesting. Over time, these dolls have changed depending on the current folklore tradition in Russia. At first, they were all the same designs but today, seven different dolls with different designs can be seen. Each doll is unique which can mean that we are brothers and sisters all over the world and we accept and care for each other. There is also creative freedom where the doll can represent anyone. There are tattoos in the form of a matryoshka with celebrities, the character of a loved one, cartoon characters, movies, and TV series. In this case, the sky is the limit, and you can choose who you want and turn it into this wooden doll.
The Best Body Placement Of The Matryoshka Tattoo
Usually, it can be seen inked on the upper part of the arm and also it can be implemented into a sleeve. Imagine what sleeve can be tattooed if you love Russian culture and old Russian stories. However, this doll always looks like it came out of a fairy tale and any design you choose will not be a mistake. There are small dolls of this type that are tattooed with simple lines and are usually inked on one of the fingers or behind the neck.
The other interesting thing is that you can decorate your matryoshka tattoo with whatever you want. Thousands of designs jump out of the traditional design, and we can see a space matryoshka, oriental matryoshka, cartoony matryoshka and many more. Some people tattoo all seven dolls on their backs or chest or along the whole arm. Mostly the additions around these tattoos are some things that are connected with Russia like snow for example or notes from a well-known Russian song. But you can add anything that you like.
About this specific tattoo, you must do a little research before you pick your favorite design. It has a lot of background and it is good to know its story.
Let’s check out some stunning Matryoshka Tattoo designs:
