There are two significant meanings when it comes to a Medusa tattoo. The first one as per Met Museum is that the tattoo represents "an image of evil to repel evil." The other meaning is the symbol of survival, often from sexual abuse.
Tattoos have been a major deal for a long time. However, the famous social media app TikTok has allowed people to share their artwork or tattoos with millions of users. For a while, the Medusa tattoo trend has been growing on social media. Many tiktokers and Instagram reel makers are flaunting their Medusa tattoos on the app.
This is for sure that every tattoo has a meaning to it and so does the Greek mythology character one. However, the meaning behind the tattoo is much deeper and more empowering than many know.
Who is Medusa?
There are many myths associated with the unusual Greek divine figure Medusa. However, the most common myth is, first Medusa was a beautiful mortal woman whose beauty made everyone's heart flutter for her, including the Olympus gods. Her beauty made Poseidon one of the main gods, and known to be the god of seas, crazy for her.
The story goes ahead that Poseidon raped Medusa in Athena's temple (another tale claims that Poseidon and Medusa were having an affair and they had sex in Athena's temple) which enraged Athena the Goddess of wisdom and tactics. Thus she cursed Medusa and turned her into a hideous monster with hair full of snakes.
After that Medusa became a monster who could turn anyone who looked into her eyes into stone. The other myth about Medusa was of how Perseus the slayer beheaded her on the order of a king. Medusa was also famously known as a Gorgon.
Why do people get a Medusa tattoo done?
The Medusa tattoo trend has been blowing up on social media. Most people, especially women are seen making the tattoo on their arms or other body parts. As mentioned above the Greek mythological character was said to have been sexually assaulted. Hence, the Medusa tattoo is made to symbolize solidarity with sexual assault survivors and fight against the idea of victim blaming and shaming.
The tattoo also symbolizes power, confidence, and strength. As per other interpretations, the Met Museum states that "The most common interpretation of Medusa suggests she is an apotropaic symbol used to protect and ward off the negative, much like the modern evil eye. She represents a dangerous threat meant to deter other dangerous threats, an image of evil to repel evil.”
Though, most people who are making the Medusa tattoo and uploading it on social media and opening up about their sexual assault story. People are collectively opening up on the horror they went through and extending support to each other.
What does Medusa piercing mean?
A Medusa piercing refers to a stud that sits right above your top lip in the center, under your nose. It is also called the Cupid's bow. The type of Piercing is called the Philtrum piercing and takes a whole of eight to twelve weeks to heal.
FAQs
Q. What is the best place to make a Medusa tattoo?
A. If you want to flaunt your tattoo, then the best possible place to make it is on your arms. If in case you are okay with it being hidden, then your back and calves are the next best possible place to make it on.
Q. How much does a Medusa tattoo cost?
A. It all depends on the size of the tattoo you want and the place you are getting it from.
Q. Who cursed Medusa?
A. Greek goddess Athena cursed Medusa and turned her into a Gorgon with snake-filled hair.
Q. Who killed Medusa?
A. Perseus killed Medusa on the order of a king.
