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Chicano tattoo designs for men. Chicago style tattoos. Inscriptions and dates in a Chicano tattoo

The Chicano style emerged around the 1940s and quickly caught on with Hispanics. Such images instilled fear in people, because they were worn by members of gangs and groups. From the drawing, it was possible to determine to which bandit clan its owner belongs. The presence of wearable drawings demonstrated their devotion to the gang and their principles.

The modern method of tattooing uses tattoo machines, at the same time they used a needle and ink. This made it possible to form the basic style inherent in the Chicano tattoo. Bright complementary colors were avoided in every possible way, and the lines were applied clearly and according to the model.

In general, the Chicano is an ethnic group living in the States in the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, the group split up. Its representatives settled in the territory of modern Colorado, New Mexico and Texas with Arizona. So no one could understand the meaning of the word "Chicano". Even today it is not known what it means.

The traditional images for a Chicano tattoo on the arm are Christ, the Virgin Mary and St. Lucas. With the development of this trend, images of Santa Muerte appear, which came from a Latin American religious cult. Of course, the Chicano style is gloomy, but it has a sublime meaning - love for the family and loyalty to one's surroundings.

Other times have come, and now Chicano tattoos can be seen in today's youth. During its existence, it has changed, so many add brighter colors to it, which were previously inapplicable.

Chicano - so semi-contemptuously in the past the Anglo-Americans called their southern Hispanic neighbors - Mexicans, for the most part who adopted European culture and the language of the Indians of Central America, or people who have mixed blood from marriages of Europeans, Indians and blacks. Actually, the nickname itself comes from the abbreviated and distorted Spanish word "mesicano" ("Mexican"). A significant number of former Mexicans ended up in the United States when, as a result of the Mexican-American War of 1846-48, extensive lands were taken from Mexico. And all subsequent years, fleeing poverty and hunger, many families from Latin America moved to the United States. Be that as it may, now the term "Chicano" is quite used to refer to the population of the Southwestern territories of the United States, which has Latin American roots. A similar name was assigned to the style of tattoos that appeared and developed in the Latin American environment.
Unlike other styles, the Chicano tattoo style is relatively new. In the art of underwear painting, he first made himself known in California, around the middle of the 50s of the 20th century. Since the Chicano tattoo style originates from the traditional tattoos of Hispanic offenders imprisoned in the United States, who had rather limited material for their application - only a needle and ink, the Black and Gray style (Black and Gray) is considered a classic version of this type of tattoo. Gray") - that is, various shades of dark color are used, where a huge number of shades of gray are achieved by adding water in different proportions.
Chicano-style tattoos have long been considered an indication of the criminal past of their wearers - that the person who has them served time in prison for crimes, and, possibly, continues to be a member of a criminal gang. Based on the criminal inclinations of such people, as well as the conditions in which they found themselves, initially the topics to which they turned did not abound in variety. But then, when the Chicano style began to gradually move away from the criminal environment, and become one of the areas of tattoo art, it was enriched with new plots that were not related to the prison sign system. Now this easily recognizable graphic style is very popular among young people, and not only among Hispanics, and no one already considers a person wearing such a tattoo as a dangerous gangster.
And now we should consider the most popular motifs used in Chicano tattoos.

The Meaning of Religious Symbols in a Chicano Tattoo.

Religion remains one of the most popular Chicano topics. Latin Americans have always been distinguished by their piety - sincere faith helped them overcome the hardships of life, endure the blows of fate, and hope for a miracle. Perhaps the high religious feeling is explained by the ardent temperament inherited from their ancestors - the Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors, who recklessly rushed to conquer the unknown overseas lands, and who carried not only the sword, but also the cross, spreading the light of Christian teaching among the pagans. Nevertheless, as we will see below, the pre-Christian beliefs of the Mexicans became part of religious rites, which was also reflected in tattoos.
A difficult, hard life in impoverished villages and urban areas for the poor pushed some Chicanos to crime, but this did not make them less religious people. In prisons, often deprived of the opportunity to attend church, or to have an image of the saints they revere, Chicano prisoners applied their images to their bodies. These were a kind of amulets that accompanied their wearer for life, and guaranteed him heavenly intercession. Among the tattoos of this kind, you can find the image of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, the apostles and various saints - those to whom, due to their nature, the owner attached the greatest importance, as well as angels, images of crucifixes and crosses of various shapes and other religious symbols. Christ, for example, can be symbolized by the image of a bleeding heart, entangled in a prickly crown of thorns with roses. The presence of such tattoos should have indicated the piety of their owner and the hope for the patronage of the holy ascetics, both in earthly affairs, and their intercession before the face of the Lord during the Last Judgment.

The meaning of the image of death, skeletons, skulls in Chicano tattoos.

Tattoos associated with religious ideas can also include images that are rather gloomy in content (as they are perceived by those who are little familiar with Mexican culture) - the classic image of Death, skeletons, skulls and bones. This, on the one hand, goes back to medieval European philosophical views about the futility of all things, the equality of all people before the Lord and retribution for earthly deeds at the Supreme Court, as well as faith in the future resurrection from the dead. On the other hand, features of the pagan cult of ancestors are visible here. For Chicano believers, death is just a transition to another world, which the pure soul should not be afraid of. But this other world is closely connected, according to their ideas, with the world of the living, and the dead can not only be on both sides of existence, but also help or harm their loved ones. Therefore, the dead must be treated with due respect. In Mexico, there is a holiday dedicated to the memory of the dead - the Day of the Dead, during which cemeteries are visited, processions of mummers with faces painted in the form of skulls are held, puppets are exhibited in the form of cheerful skeletons dancing and playing musical instruments. On this day, everyone is treated to delicacies in the form of skulls and skeletons made of sugar, cakes in the form of coffins, and so on ... This is a little like a day of sorrow, but more like a fun carnival, in which living people communicate with the souls of their ancestors.
So tattoos with the attributes of death most often do not carry a meaning that threatens the people around them, it is only a constant reminder to their owners of the transience of life and the need to repent for bad deeds, in the face of the inevitable Judgment of the Lord.
It is with the celebration of the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated in Mexico and among the Chicanos of the United States on the first and second of November (the dead children are commemorated on the first day, the deceased adults on the second), and with its invariable attribute - the skull (in Spanish it is called "calavera") is associated tattoo of the dead head, devoid of covers. The skull, as the most durable part of the skeleton and the receptacle of the mind, carries the meaning of perseverance, strength and faith in rebirth from the dead. Due to the use of sweet treats in the form of skulls and skeletons in the Day of the Dead celebration, the calavera is often referred to as "Sugar Skull". Since such defiant images generally fit into the nihilistic ideas of youth movements around the world, the calavera tattoo is very popular. Other symbols of death that often accompany the depiction of a skull are the snake, the raven, and the grave cross.

The meaning of the tattoo "Santa Muerte"

But perhaps the most impressive image associated with the cult of the dead is a tattoo called "Santa Muerte" - "Holy Death" - a bright business card of the Chicano style that immediately attracts attention. Despite the prefix "holy", you you will not find this character among the holy women revered by the Catholic Church. The prototype of "Santa Muerte" was the pagan goddess of death among the Indians - the Aztecs - Mictlancihuatl, so the attitude of the church towards those who adhere to this religious cult is not always positive, although it does not cause strong rejection, due to the similarity of ideas about the inevitability of death and retribution for sins. Initially, tattoos with "Santa Muerte" were in great demand among members of street gangs in the United States, consisting of immigrants from Latin American countries, primarily Mexico. Therefore, both the cult of "Santa Muerte" and the tattoo should be considered a purely Mexican phenomenon. Among gangsters, this tattoo was considered a powerful amulet that could protect its owner from death and serious injury. For people who are not connected with the criminal world, "Santa Muerte" has a completely benevolent spirit that protects from diseases and helps in love affairs, and if it brings death, then death is easy, without torment. According to a legend that exists in Mexico (the legend apparently originated in pre-Christian times), initially Death was a simple earthly girl. People then were immortal, and their number constantly arrived. Aging, tormented by illnesses, experiencing a lack of food, shelter and clothing, people turned to the Lord with a plea to take away the gift of immortality from them. The Lord chose the most beautiful, kind and fair girl among them and made her Death. Therefore, "Santa Muerte" is most often depicted as a beautiful girl, through whose facial features the contours of the skull appear - this is the face of the deceased, slightly touched by decomposition. Blackouts are applied around the eyes and in the nose area, the lips are sewn up, cobwebs are sometimes drawn on the forehead and chin, and a rose is inserted in the hair. Also on the face are traditional Mexican ornaments. However, there are also more traditional images of death in its Mexican incarnation - a female skeleton in a scarlet dress, with a scythe, scales or a ball (the latter symbolizes the Globe). Death is omnipotent, and everyone is equal before it - both the mighty of this world and the last poor. The power over the world of the living is symbolized by the crown on the skull of Death. It is believed that only Latin American tattoo artists are true Santa Muerte tattoo artists, as they believe in what they create with their own hands, however, tattoo artists from other countries can create a magnificent creation, whose name is "Holy Benevolent Death".

girls with chicano tattoos

Concluding the topic of images of women in Chicano style tattoos, we should return to the origins of this style. Naturally, as in other similar cases with prisoners in other countries of the world, or men doing their work far from populated areas - sailors, searchers or the military, communication with the fair sex is either severely limited or non-existent. From this arose the desire to have at least an image of the woman that a man would like to meet after the trials that fell to his lot. If American military pilots painted pin-up girls on their planes, then Hispanic prisoners imprinted their dreams on their skin. If the Virgin Mary and other saints - the great martyrs were depicted on tattoos based on a strict church canon, just as "Santa Muerte" has a well-established iconography, then various liberties are allowed in the image of other women. It can be portraits of movie stars, beloved women, just beautiful idealized images. Girls may be shown with weapons, may wear elements of a folk costume, and national patterns may be applied to their faces. Most often, these beauties have pronounced Hispanic facial features.

Gambling Chicano Tattoo Meanings

For a certain period of time (in the last quarter of the 20th century), among Chicano-style tattoos, plots related to the daily activities of their wearers in criminal communities were popular, indicating their place in the criminal hierarchy, specialization, or a general idea of ​​\u200b\u200bluck and life priorities . These were images of money - as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, most often in the form of rose petals or other flowers, weapons, cards, dice, a billiard ball with an "eight" that brings good luck, etc. Clowns and laughing masks were also often depicted as a symbol easy, carefree attitude to life. The owner of such a tattoo emphasized in such a way that he would never lose heart from the misfortune that had fallen on him, he would always find a way out of a bad situation, and would laugh at the enemy. Naturally, many of these tattoos had a certain meaning for dedicated people: they reflected steadfastness in faith, professed principles, loyalty to their group, and much more.

Inscriptions and dates in a Chicano tattoo

In addition to drawings, one of the features of the Chicano style is various inscriptions and memorable dates. The Spaniards, who conquered America in the old days, carried various mottos and dates on their banners and shields, and their distant descendants, who did not lose the spirit of adventurism of their ancestors, began to adorn their skin with them. Thus, at the dawn of the appearance of the Chicano style, gang members pointed to their life principles, asked for Divine protection, swore allegiance and observance of any traditions or unwritten laws of their group. The presence of such tattoos could inspire a sense of confidence, support and inspire people in difficult situations, and remind them of duty. "Having given the word - hold on!" - the saying affirms, and the word imprinted, demonstrated to everyone around - is doubly obligatory. Dates also denoted important events in life - marriage, the birth of children, the death of loved ones, joining a gangster group, and so on. As in the traditions of other peoples, the names of loved ones and children were written on the skin, as well as the name of the area where the event took place, which was of particular importance for the owner of the tattoo.

If you ask yourself the question: “How is the Chicano style different from other styles of tattoos, in order to give preference to it?”, Then this question will not be answered immediately. The first thing that comes to mind is the technique of performance, and some plots that are characteristic of the worldview and myth-making of Latin Americans. Undoubtedly, Mexican folk art, which absorbed both European and Indian motifs, left its mark on the style. For greater clarity and expressiveness of the image, a minimum of colors, black and various shades of gray are traditionally used, sometimes red and, unobtrusively, other colors are added to them - but they do not create colorful, lurid pictures. All lines are graceful and thin, the contours are neatly outlined, the shadows smoothly flow into various shades, creating the volume of the image. Tattoos in the style of "Chicano" look quite exotic and elegant, and given some otherworldly gloom of individual plots - mysterious and impressive. Now this style is becoming the most popular in the world, which was greatly facilitated by talented Latin American draftsmen, further developers of the style and its popularizers, who invested in tattoos not only their skill, but also a sincere belief in the supernatural abilities of the masterpieces they create.

You can download Chicano tattoo fonts -

Chicano tattoo photo-

Chicano - tattoos that were originally stuffed with members of criminal gangs as a distinctive underwear sign. The tattoo showed belonging to a particular gang. A distinctive feature of tattoos of that time can be considered rudeness and ease of application. Such tattoos were stuffed with black or blue ink and a sewing needle.

Today, the Chicano style has evolved somewhat, but has retained its authenticity. The peculiarity of the style is the clarity of lines and the use of one color in the composition. However, today you will not be accused of bad taste if you stuff a multi-colored Chicano. Adherents of this school have a democratic attitude towards experiments.

Peculiarities

The name Chicano comes from the eponymous ethnic group of Hispanic Catholics who once lived in several southern American states. Representatives of this Latin American ethnic group lived very poorly, and it was in this environment that the ideology of the Chicano style was formed. Unfortunately, accurate interpretations of Chicano philosophy have not come down to us today. But we can learn something about this by studying the subject of Latin American tattoos.

A Chicano style tattoo usually depicts:

  • Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary;
  • Crosses;
  • Phrases and mottos.

The theme may seem somewhat gloomy at first glance. But if you look at all this through the prism of the street romance of the guys from the Mexican gangs, you can understand the essence of the Chicano style.

Male and female tattoos

Of course, Chicano is a pronounced masculine style, since it originated in a rather aggressive male environment. This genre is preferred by guys who are not alien to the bold beliefs of street romantics. There are many representatives of hip-hop culture among Chicano fans. It is these people that can be called a typical "target audience" for such tattoos.

However, some girls also have a soft spot for Chicanos. On a graceful female body, such tattoos look especially unusual. Such a tattoo makes it clear that you are not dealing with an “obedient” girl. So girls who have chosen a similar lifestyle for themselves will not be able to miss the opportunity to provoke society with a brutal tattoo in the Chicano style.

Celebrities

There are not so many bright adherents of the Chicano style among celebrities, but certain elements of the genre are present on the body:

  • Travis Barker;
  • Eminem.

As for the typical Chicano fonts, they are actively used by tattoo fans, especially when applying philosophical aphorisms and quotes to the body.

Chicano is one of the most famous styles in tattoo art. And, despite its relative youth (and Chicano appeared and became widespread only in the middle of the last century), this style is one of the most popular and easily recognizable.

This style has its own history. The word "Chicano" itself does not have an exact translation, one of the main assumptions is a distorted form of the word "mexicano", which denoted American Mexicans. Initially, Chicano tattoos were a distinctive feature of Latin American gangs and, along with their owners, migrated to prison dungeons. For a long time, Chicanos remained the privilege of the criminal strata of the population, but, years later, they crossed this threshold and today a Chicano-style tattoo does not at all report anything bad about its owner.

But at the same time, Chicanos were not only a symbol of belonging to a particular street gang. In these tattoos, there was also a deeper meaning - the futility of being and the highest justice, to which each of us comes sooner or later. Therefore, the Chicano was often associated with the popular "dance of death" plot, depicting death leading different people. This adds a certain mysterious, even sinister meaning to the Chicano style tattoo.

Despite the fact that Chicanos today are free from prejudice, as mentioned above, this style still retained some characteristic features. In particular, sketches usually include mostly black and gray gradients, no particularly bright colors are used when drawing in the Chicano technique. Although today you can find red or some other colors in a Chicano-style tattoo, you will not see a riot of colors, these will only be concise and unobtrusively placed accents.

Moreover, Chicanos are also characterized by some specific plots related to the themes of faith, money and wealth, criminal attributes such as weapons, cards, dice, and girls, often with national patterns on their faces. Moreover, today the most popular pattern is precisely the latter. Weapons, cards and money were most often associated with the group to which the owner of the Chicano belonged, so today drawings on this topic are not particularly popular.

A radically opposite situation has developed with the drawings of girls - today they are practically the hallmark of the Chicano. Most often, girls are depicted with national patterns stylized as a skull, which makes them especially recognizable and eerily beautiful. Usually these gloomy beauties are called "Santa Muerte", which translates only as "Holy Death". It is by "Santa Merta" that today everyone recognizes the Chicano style, this is the most famous drawing, probably because it immediately attracts attention and remains in memory.

The theme of religion is no less popular. Very often in Chicano tattoos you can find images of St. Mary or Jesus Christ. After all, the Chicano was born in the poorest areas, where religion was one of the ways to survive in the harsh reality and not lose faith in tomorrow. Although sometimes religious images are also presented in rather gloomy colors, the hard life of the Mexicans, among whom this direction of tattoos originated, left its mark on the overall picture of the Chicano.

Lettering is also very popular in Chicano. Today, you won’t surprise anyone with this, but tattoos in the form of important dates, names and sayings originated precisely among Hispanics who made themselves Chicano tattoos while in prison. These inscriptions, made in the form of a tattoo, supported people in difficult moments of their lives, reminding them of important life principles and laws that should not be deviated from.

There are no specific patterns specific to Chicanos. There is only the technique of execution and the main currents and plots. After looking at a variety of photos of tattoos, you can create your own, original and, at the same time, reflecting the Chicano style exactly as it originated in Latin America more than half a century ago.