What does Hannya mask symbolize?

The hannya (般若) mask is a mask used in Japanese Noh theater, representing a jealous female demon. It is characterized by two sharp bull-like horns, metallic eyes, and a leering mouth.

What does Hannya symbolize?

Hannya mask meanings and symbolism Though the overall story and appearance of the mask may seem dark, the word Hannya in Japanese actually means “wisdom” and the masks themselves are considered a symbol of good luck. In Japan today, the masks are often used as a means of warding off evil.

What does the snake represent in Japanese tattoo?

(Hebi) also quite unlike the Westernized view of the snake, in Japan, the snake is a symbol of protection against misfortune and illness, as well as a symbol of wisdom, good luck, strength, and change.

What does snake tattoo mean?

As a tattoo, the snake can similarly represent a brand new start in life. Because of this, the snake can represent temptation, sin, and evil. The ouroboros (the ancient symbol of a snake biting its own tail) represents the eternal circle, reincarnation, the unending cycle of life and death, and continual renewal.

What does a hannya mask and snake tattoo mean?

Hannya Mask and Snake Tattoo. The Japanese snake symbolizes the divine feminine or attributes of the female that might be holy. This fits right in with the duality of the female. The jealous and unpredictable side of the woman versus the beautiful feminine part of a woman.

Where does the word Hannya come from in Japanese?

Another theory is that “Hannya” comes from the word “Paññā/Prajñā” (般若), which means “wisdom” or “higher consciousness” in Japanese Buddhism. Because the mask was traditionally designed to change expressions depending on the angle at which it was viewed, a Hannya tattoo design could represent the different stages of emotion.

What does the contorted face on a Hannya mean?

In noh theater, the contorted serpent face is to represent demonic feminine jealousy, with the Hannya meaning to show a “half demonic phase”, to be followed by a “true serpent” or Shinja (真蛇; 真 – real 蛇 – snake).

What does a lighter color Hannya tattoo mean?

One belief is that the deeper the color of a Hannya mask, the angrier or more malicious it’s supposed to be. A Hannya mask with a lighter complexion means that the wearer is not yet a demon. The horns are usually smaller too. A lighter-colored Hannya tattoo means that the wearer is still human but is experiencing turmoil beneath the surface.