The history of the “bat” in the GRU emblem. Symbol of Russian military intelligence (7 photos). Money symbol - "bat"

However, different cultures attached different meanings to this symbol. A bat tattoo, the meaning of which can vary from positive to negative, can tell a lot about the hobbies of its owner.

Bat tattoo on arm

The symbolism of the bat in ancient times

What does a bat tattoo mean? This is a unique animal, the only one among all mammals that can fly. In the Middle Ages in Europe, bats were feared, they were endowed with otherworldly powers and were recognized as messengers of bad messages or the messenger of death itself. Ugly, leathery wings were associated with demons: it was not for nothing that they were depicted with the wings of a bat in ancient engravings. The nocturnal lifestyle of these animals, as well as their shrill voices, hunting for small animals and the strange habit of sleeping upside down at the associative level has become entrenched with evil spirits and other dark forces.

For example, in Germany and Transylvania, now Romania and Hungary, people believed in vampires and believed that they were able to turn into bats to make it easier for them to move long distances. Both vampires and bats drink blood, so the logical chain does not seem strange at all. For a long time in Europe, bats were hunted because they were afraid of especially large individuals, which were not averse to eating some warm-blooded animals and sometimes attacked people. For example, the corpse of a bat nailed near a house was considered a talisman against evil spirits.

Also, the bat in some cultures was associated with the “enemies” of vampires, werewolves, and they believed in their power to contact all the undead and demons of the underworld. A bat flying into a house was considered a harbinger of bad luck.

Bat tattoo made with a pattern

Bat in Chinese culture

The image of a bat in ancient China had quite the opposite meaning: here this animal was considered a symbol of prosperity, longevity, fertility and brought good luck to the house. Houses and clothes were decorated with images of bats, they were painted in paintings and used at any opportunity.

I am studying to become a Chinese translator and, of course, I am interested in the culture of this country. Few people know that in China the bat is considered a positive symbol, symbolizing well-being, prosperity and fertility; everyone is somehow accustomed to the negative European image. So I decided to challenge society and got a Chinese style bat tattoo, stylized as a dragon, on my neck. All my friends like it, they say that it doesn’t look gothic, creepy or intimidating at all. So my plan worked (:

Vlada, Vladivostok

Bat with eye on hand

The meaning of the bat today

Nowadays, the remnants of the past are far behind us, and the bat is a symbol of darkness, vigilance and discernment, as well as associated with sharp vision and the ability to navigate well in space. However, due to its unattractive appearance, this animal is still popular among representatives of the Gothic culture much more than among everyone else. The bat tattoo, the sketch of which is most often asked to be made by fans of this gloomy culture, has become symbol of death and alienation, connections with everything otherworldly and mysterious.

Bat in the form of a sketch on paper

Bat and Stave Church of Fantoft

The most common image is a bat tattoo, a photo of which can be seen in this article - a flock of bats against the background of the night sky above the old wooden “Fantoft Church”. This church is a real building made of wood in Norway, near Bergen, which burned down and was rebuilt. The image of this church with bats hovering above it has since become a common theme for tattoos, associated with otherworldly magical powers.

Bat tattoo on a girl's chest

A bat tattoo doesn't have to look scary or dark! For example, my friend has a landscape of a castle with bats flying over it on his back. It seems to me that the darkness of this picture is just off the charts! But he argued that the master made such a sketch, and without mice it would look incomplete, and they cannot be made less sinister, because they look like that anyway. I wanted to prove him wrong and got a cute cartoon bat tattooed on my stomach. On a bet, of course, my friend also bet)) But I am satisfied with the work of the master - now I have my own guardian angel on my body, albeit with leather wings, but no less kind for that.

Yuri, Yoshkar-Ola

The bat is made in the old school style

The symbolism of the image of a bat today

• Insight
• Dexterity
• Vigilance
• Longevity
• Dignified Death
• Communication with otherworldly forces

Nothing remained of the beliefs of the Middle Ages, and not everyone believed in the curse of this animal. For example, Homer described the bat as a positive symbol of the underworld - dead souls had the wings of this particular animal. The bat tattoo, the sketch of which you want to see as your future tattoo, may differ from one another. For example, it could be a picture of bats or a single mouse, it could be drawn schematically or in anatomical detail, look ominous or cute and cartoonish: it’s all a matter of taste.

A bat sits on a tree against the backdrop of a large moon. full back tattoo.

Advice: if you decide to get a bat tattoo, but you are confused by prejudice, get the tattoo in color: it will sparkle with new colors and will not look as ominous as if it were done in black and white.

I am a fan of gothic culture, so it was important for me to have something on my body that reflects my interests, hobbies, my inner world and philosophy. I don't think that in the Middle Ages people were so stupid as to believe in something that doesn't exist. It seems to me that vampires existed, and maybe still exist today. I got a tattoo of a bat on my shoulder as a symbol of vampires, because they used to believe that they could turn into this animal. I find bats cute.

Lola, St. Petersburg

Video: Bat Tattoo Designs

Bat tattoo designs

In the Chinese tradition, it is customary to pay attention to signs, coincidences, and the similarity of certain symbols. Very often they are connected with each other, giving rise to new meanings for amulets and talismans.

The name for a bat in Chinese is Bian Fu. “FU” is translated as “happiness”, so the meaning of this symbol is understood as a talisman of happiness and good luck. But the symbolism of the bat does not end there; on the contrary, it appears before us in full diversity.

The Chinese are famous for their non-trivial approaches to traditional medicine. Therefore, the bat, or rather its variety, which has a silver color, lives in stalactite caves. It feeds on various microelements that are found in them. Due to the special composition of such food, these individuals live for a very long time and are a “medicine” in themselves. Chinese legends say that they live for a thousand years and whoever manages to catch and eat such a bat will be a long-liver and live to a very old age. Therefore, a silver bat figurine can be placed in the center of your home, in a health zone or next to a sick person. Often the bat talisman is enhanced by the symbolism of peaches (a talisman of immortality and longevity).

"SHUAN FU" is a talisman made up of two bats - it means the symbol of "double luck"

“ZHU YI” - a talisman, a bat with a scepter, a symbol of power and command, has a meaning that, when translated, sounds like this: “double happiness as an object of desire.”

You can often find all kinds of panels depicting the character Zhong Kui, who lived during the Tang Dynasty. Zhong Kui was devoted to the imperial family, close to them and promised Emperor Xuan Zong to protect the empire from invasions and all kinds of evil. Images of Zhong Kui along with a bat are considered a symbol of material success and wealth.

Panels and various paintings of the star elder Shou Xing are also often accompanied by the image of five bats. Then this symbol is strengthened in terms of longevity, health and other benefits.

But there is also a separate talisman “five bats” - “U FU”. Usually it is made in the form of medallions and pendants. And it looks like this - around the symbol of the longevity hieroglyph “SHOW”, five bats are inextricably arranged in a row and form a circle. They symbolize the five manifestations of happiness: health, wealth, longevity, peace, calm and natural death.

The red bat is an auspicious and desirable symbol in China. The translation of the word red “HUN” means “endless, huge.” It is believed that such a talisman will help increase and multiply all benefits, and health and life will be “endless.”

A bat in a bundle with a coin is called “FU ZAI YAN QIAN” - its literal translation is “in front of the face”; accordingly, it is believed that such a talisman promises good luck, which is in front of you.

There are talismans of a flying bat with a different number of coins - “FUZI TIANLAI”, which means “happiness descends from heaven.” Such a talisman is often carried with them and hung in cars because of its small size and convenience.

It is considered beneficial to place a bat talisman above a window. Thus, it will protect you and your household and will not allow diseases to enter your home. A bat over the door will bring material well-being and advancement in career matters.

In general, the bat is an almost universal talisman. Depending on what material it is made of and what symbols are added for it, you can choose a zone that will activate the benefits of life that you need. So the copper talisman can be placed in the western sector of the house, this will help the development and well-being of your children. Family happiness and peace in the house will help to maintain the metal talisman of the bat, located in the northwest.

In general, the bat symbol is varied and multifaceted. The main thing is to trust her and feel the power of her energy, then she will help and support any area of ​​your life.

Love Feng Shui talismans, know how to use them correctly!

Translated from Chinese, the combination Bian Fu means “bat”. The word "happiness" in Chinese is heard as Fu, so the images of these animals mean good luck and happiness. This explains the enormous popularity of the bat image. In terms of frequency of use, it can only be compared with dragon image.

The ability of bats to cling to small unevenness of buildings and roughness of walls has long been noticed in Bulgaria. That’s why the locals called them prileps. This is probably where the belief arose that only something good will certainly stick to the owner of such a talisman. True, it is quite a distance from China to Bulgaria and it is unlikely that the Chinese are familiar with this interpretation of this talisman.

In Chinese legend, there is a description of silver bats whose lifespan is a thousand years. Therefore, in China the bat is considered symbol of longevity. According to legend, silver bats live in stalactite caves.

They feed exclusively on what grows on stalactites. The more of these substances enter the mouse’s body, the greater the medicinal value it has. It is believed that if a person is lucky enough to catch and eat such an individual, he will live to a ripe old age without illness.

According to another old belief, if bats have chosen your house and settled in it, good luck has found it. By driving away the bats, you will force luck to leave him forever.

In ancient China, bats were embroidered in red on the clothes of officials, indicating his high status. This element remains the most common design motif on fabrics to this day. In modern China, the bat symbol, like many others, is the most popular existing symbol of good luck and wealth.

In order to distinguish a bat from other small animals, it is customary to depict it with wings wide open. Sometimes you can see images of her hanging upside down. She is in this position during sleep.

Feng Shui talisman bat, like other symbols of good luck, follow the principle “the more, the better.” On the Shuang Fu talisman there is an image of two bats located opposite at the top and bottom. This symbolizes double happiness.

The five mice represent five types of happiness - wealth, good luck, good health, long life, peace of mind (in another way, five blessings - a life filled with good deeds, amazing health, wealth, longevity, natural death). There are symbols where five bats are depicted with interlocking tips of their wings. Such symbols protect all family members from injury, illness and bring good luck to the whole family at once.

It is believed that the greatest effect for attracting good luck will be given by the image of a bat with other symbols responsible for good luck. The image of four bats is used to enhance “good” hieroglyphs. The image of a mouse on two peaches works the same way.

Paired with a crane, the image of a mouse represents a long and happy life. Supplemented with the hieroglyph “Longevity”, it symbolizes a life of prosperity and joy. The Symbol of the Five Goods talisman features five mice. This Feng Shui talisman is nothing more than an image of the hieroglyph “Longevity”, complemented by bats.

In general, the hieroglyph Shaw is a frequently used symbol of excellent health and longevity. His images decorate plates, fans, and are applied to the back of Bagua mirrors.

Feng Shui experts suggest placing it anywhere in the house, in a car, wearing it on the body, or hanging it above a door or window.

Where did the “bat” come from, which for many years served as the emblem of military intelligence of the USSR and Russia, and even after the official replacement with a carnation with grenades, did not leave the headquarters of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Russia?

Intermonitor conducted its own investigation into this issue.

We found a mention of the origin of the “Bat” as a symbol of military intelligence, which has authorship, in an authoritative publication - the magazine “National Forecast”, published by ITAR-TASS Ural. It is, in principle, typical for ITAR-TASS to verify information - therefore such a source deserves attention.

“The symbol of Russian military intelligence was invented by a journalist from Yekaterinburg. He claims that while serving in the Northern Fleet special forces in 1987, he drew the emblem for his group - a bat inscribed in a globe. It was used to “stencil” the overalls of all the fighters and commanders of the group. For the first time, the Severomorsk emblem was publicly “lit up” in the summer of 1988 at the championship of special forces units in Pechory (now Estonian Petseri). The group then participated in the special forces championship for the first time, but performed successfully, and the emblem on the chest of the “Navy Seals” was remembered by the USSR intelligence elite. A few years later, unit commander Gennady Ivanovich Zakharov, already with the rank of rear admiral, with the “core” of his combat swimmers, went to serve in the security of President Yeltsin. And the bat, invented then for internal circulation, took on a life of its own.”, — the publication said.

Thanks to the fact that the Intermonitor editorial office is located in Yekaterinburg, we were able to find eyewitnesses of this event and question them.

Former North Sea special forces (currently serving in a number of Russian special services) confirmed the information of the National Forecast. According to the eyewitnesses we interviewed, that mouse was exactly like the illustration in our material, but the globe was not round, but oval. Parallels and meridians were present on it. The mouse itself was exactly the same. And yet - there was not a single letter. The overalls had only the emblem and numbers - each fighter had his own number. For example, the number 1412 meant “141 reconnaissance group, 2nd number.”

In 2002, "Bat" was replaced by carnation. How says newsru.com, this happened after a major scandal: “Even the department of military heraldry and symbolism, specially created in 1994 at the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, was unable to organize the riot of animals, birds and skulls that were spread out on military patches. At the moment, no one can say exactly how many types of sleeve patches exist in the Russian army.

The last straw that broke the patience of the military commanders was the prank of one of the GRU special forces brigades. The special forces broke into the heraldry department and demanded that another scorpion be approved as a symbol of the brigade. The response was tough: a single emblem was introduced for the entire GRU.”

Counts, that the red carnation is “a symbol of perseverance, devotion, inflexibility and determination in achieving goals,” and the three-flamed grenada is “the historical sign of the grenadiers, the most trained military personnel of the elite units.”

It is noteworthy that even after replacing the “Bat” with the “Red Carnation”, not only the special forces and “pear soldiers” did not stop considering “mice” as their symbol, but also the “Bat” remained on the floor in the headquarters of the Main Intelligence Directorate, adjacent to the “Carnation” attached to the wall of the hall.

Illustrations: red-stars.org, agentura.ru

Text: Philip Yudin
Live news broadcast -

Bat symbolism in China

The legendary animal in Chinese culture is the bat. According to the Chinese, silver bats, living in stalactite caves and feeding on what is present on the stalactites, acquire medicinal value.

The bat is an auspicious symbol, since (in Chinese) the sound of the character for bat (bian "fu") coincides with the character for "luck". Thus, thanks to the visual play on words (luck, happiness - "ew"), the bat has become a symbol of good luck, but the positive associations do not end there.

“Shuang fu” (two bats) – double luck. “Zhu i” (two bats with a scepter) – “double happiness as an object of desire.”

Thus, in greeting wishes, “bat” is accompanied by the hieroglyph for longevity (“show”). In this case, the “bat” living in a cave, and in China caves are the gateway to the hidden abysses of the world’s Womb, takes on additional meaning.

The red bat is an extremely auspicious symbol, for the reason that the hieroglyph “red” has the same sound as “huge, endless” (“hun”).

The most popular positive symbol is the five bats (“wu fu”). Four bats surround a fifth bat, or five bats surround a stylized symbol of longevity (the "show"). In both cases, the five bats represent the five categories of happiness: wealth, long life, peace, dignity (or sometimes health), and a peaceful death.

The bat, as well as the character for "luck" is sometimes placed upside down, this comes from the fact that "upside down" = "arrived", also the same sound (dao for both characters), therefore, implies that The owner of the corresponding image is lucky.

When the bat symbol is shown with a coin, "fu zai yan qian", then it indicates that good luck is in front of you, since, again, the similar sound for "in front of" and "coin" is qian.
“Bat Descending from Heaven” = “Happiness Descending from Heaven” (“fuzi tianlai”).

Since ancient times, amulets and images of bats have been present in Chinese homes as symbols of happiness and longevity.

According to Feng Shui practice, the bat should be positioned as follows:

The amulet can be hung on a wall in the west or northwest to activate the metal element, which implies happiness and peace in the family. And also support from important and prosperous people. A copper amulet combined with a metal element in the western zone of the house - the well-being of children.

It is better to hang the “Five Bats” of prosperity anywhere - living room, bedroom, office - may abundance accompany you in all your endeavors, and may all your wishes always come true. "Bat" can also decorate the interior of the kitchen. Above the front door, the “bat” will attract and increase material well-being and help move up the career ladder.
The talisman above the window will not allow the disease to enter the house.

Zhong Kui has been a popular symbol since the Tang Dynasty (712-756), ever since he swore an oath to Emperor Xuan Zong to protect the empire from evil. The image of Zhong Kui with a “bat” (or the hieroglyph “fu”) is a symbol of wealth. Shou Xing (deity of longevity) and “wu fu” (five bats) - a rich and happy long life, and a peaceful death in old age.

Ella Mikhailenko.