Hardly anyone has heard of them. If you haven't tried out the unique coloring pages yet, you've at least seen them before. And currently the coloring books with mandalas, which are supposed to relax the soul and reduce stress, are particularly popular. However, few people know what exactly is behind the art and what the term exactly means. For anyone interested, we have put together some information about the mandala that you will surely find interesting. And with a little background knowledge, you're sure to have even more fun coloring, or at least get excited about it! Learn everything about the origin and meaning of the mandala and also about today's trends and applications related to this topic.
What is a mandala?
The word means something like circle or circular image and “starting from the center”. The reason for this is the circular shape of the mandalas, which is also the case todaythrough other formsis replaced, but originally and mainly forms the image. A center point must always be determined. The patterns and motifs are then distributed around this center. The term comes from Indian Sanskrit. In Tibet there is another term for the images: “kyilkhor”. It is translated as “center with perimeter”.
The exact symbolism differs depending on the culture in which the image is used. The triangle has one meaning in Tibet, while it has another meaning in eastern cultures. By and large, the original meaning is religious or esoteric. The motifs are also combined with simple decorative ones to create a complete picture. In China and Japan, characters are usually used instead of images. Depending on the religion, the mandalas were either used for meditation purposes or were originally used for healing in ceremonies. The mandala images are often geometrically designed and essentially represent space, the earth and the underworld.
The first mandala motifs were discovered in rocks. It is believed that these were created between 25,000 and 30,000 years ago. They came to Europe in the Middle Ages, where they were used to design churches in the form of rosettes. And what was previously religious is now just a way to relax and spend your free time. Although the mandalas are of course still used for religious purposes today, they also have an important, non-religious function in everyday life.
The basic forms
- The circle means inner energy, space and soul, harmony, concentration.
- The triangle also stands for harmony, but also for vitality and change.
- The square is a typical Tibetan symbol and represents the temples of the gods.
- The star means spirituality and freedom.
- The heart symbolizes love, of course, but also happiness, union and the warmth of the sun.
These shapes take on additional or specific meanings depending on which directions they face. A triangle turned downwards means femininity and subconsciousness, while upwards means masculinity and creativity. If it points in the middle, it is said to have an effect against aggression against one's own self.
Other common symbols include:
- The eye, which can symbolize both one's own self and the eye of God.
- The flower represents beauty, transience and soul.
- The cross is the connection between heaven and earth and also between life and death.
- The wheel symbolizes dynamism and vigor.
- The rainbow is again the bond between humans and deity.
Meaning of colors
The different colors also have their own meanings and can be considered when coloring if you want to express something specific with your artwork.
- White represents purity, light and emptiness.
- Black and gray have similar meanings, which include renewal, invincibility, abandonment, death and mystery.
- Red can also have both positive and negative meanings. The color can stand for love, passion, strength and love of life, but also anger and drive.
- The cold color blue symbolizes relaxation, serenity and peace, as well as boredom, emptiness and paralysis.
- With yellow you can represent cheerfulness, enlightenment, development and wisdom, but also envy, fear and overconfidence.
- Green stands for growth, hope, nature, ambition, power and also dishonesty.
- Violet means magic, spirituality, inspiration, melancholy, penance, renunciation and suffering.
Numbers in the mandalas
Even numbers can appear in the pictures, each of which has its own meaning. For example, the number 5 is of great importance in Buddhism. The meaning of a few numbers can be found below.
- Number One is the beginning and origin, God and human personality.
- Three means vitality, drive, self-knowledge and calm.
- The number 5 symbolizes the center and love and the harmony of Yin and Yang. In Buddhism it means, among other things, the four cardinal directions and the center.
- Eight is order and balance, infinity and rebirth.
The mandala today
When you think of mandalas, you immediately imagine templates that can be colored individually. That's not wrong either. There is such a mandala for adults, but also with motifs that are more suitable for children. But this is by no means the only application of the pretty motifs. Ready-painted circles are also often used as decoration, and they can then have a certain effect on our mood, creativity and concentration. It doesn't matter whether you use self-designed images or purchased ones.
Depending on the color design, the images may varyeffect on peoplehave. That's why they are particularly popular as decoration in offices. They provide strength and harmony. The motifs are not only used as murals but also to design clothing and stones. Even carpets, tablecloths, pot holders and other home accessories are available in this unusual shape.
Design your own images
TheColoringitself has a psychological benefit. This type of activity is used for both children and adults. The pictures to color in are intended to create inner peace and organize the subconscious. The way the motifs are painted gives psychologists important information about the person in question. But coloring is not only beneficial from a psychological point of view.
It is also very useful as a simple leisure activity. It helps to relax, which is particularly useful for stressed people. The finished mandala is also a reason to be proud and can be used as decoration. It doesn't matter whether you color a printed motif or create a mandala yourself. The flow of thoughts calms down during this activity and creativity and concentration are also promoted, which can be beneficial not only for children.
Das Mandala Tattoo
If the motif on a piece of paper or on a canvas is not enough for you, you can now also opt for oneTattoowith mandala motif. Already in ancient India and up to the present day, the motives forHenna-Tattoosused. The fact that the circular shape is not mandatory becomes clear again in this body art. A semicircle or a square or any other shape can be created. It is not uncommon for mandalas to be integrated into animal and other motifs.
Such tattoo motifs look particularly good on larger areas of the body that are ideally relatively flat. Then the different patterns and geometric motifs can be shown to their best advantage. That's why they are often found on the upper arms, thighs or back. The aim of these tattoos, like the motif on paper, is to ensure relaxation and calm. You can also include any encrypted message using colors and certain symbols.
