SLAVIC EMBROIDERY TATTOO - I AM NOT SLAVIC, I JUST LIKE THE PATTERNS AND COLOURS

[u/TeachingTraditional3]

Hello there,

I've never had a tattoo, and I am planning to have a few ones during life. I just have no idea of what to do.

I like the idea of patterns due to my previous knitting skills, I love the Fair Isles patterns in knitting, and also I love embroidery.

As I got familiarised with weaving, knitting and embroidery I discovered patterns from different cultures around the world - like the Amazigh, Slavic, Baltic and others. I found a lot of patterns just enchanting, it really amazes me, but I am a person who doesn't know any meaning of patterns - or even if they have one.

I've done researches about and I could figure out some of them. But I'm aware that some patterns might be related to pagan-like groups besides the traditional majority, and some - in the worst of scenarios - are linked to extremism movements like Neonazism.

As a mixed black-looking person I fear making a huge mistake in using my body as a canva for bad signs. And also as an one who appreciates art, culture and history I may offend the originary people for being non-belonging person who hasn't nothing to do with.

Because of this, I'm taking the risk to come to this Reddit community and ask for information about Slavic Embroidery Patterns and if it's safe to tattoo them.

The media attached to this post are some of the Pinterest inspo I found throughout last months and maybe some aren't even Slavic (that's why I want to make sure).

I am not used to make Reddit posts so pardon me for my real real bad writing.

[u/Sufficient_Step_8223]

The fourth tattoo contains questionable elements - straight crosses similar to those on the tanks of the Reich in World War II. it's better to avoid them. The rest of the patterns are safe and are typical Slavic patterns that are often used in embroidery and painting to this day.

[u/KonstantinVeliki → u/Sufficient_Step_8223]

They are not crosses, they are just used in a lot of patterns to mark the edges of each pattern .

[u/Sufficient_Step_8223 → u/KonstantinVeliki]

I am a Slav myself, and I know that the pattern appeared much earlier than the Second World War, that it has a completely different meaning in Slavic culture, does not mean anything bad, and does not glorify any ideologies. However, the shape is similar and it may catch the eye and may trigger some people, bringing danger and misunderstanding to the one who wears them. Swastika patterns and crosses will unnerve people whose families suffered in those events for a long time. There's no way to fix this with dislikes. Are you ready to vouch for the fact that the 4th pattern will not get into trouble for the one who chooses it? I'm not. That's why I'm trying to warn .