People often associate those who have tattoos with criminal activity or being socially outcast. That misconception is rapidly changing as more and more people from all walks of life are wearing tattoos. This form of body modification has always been a part of society and culture.
Over the years tattoos have taken on various roles of significance in a multitude of cultures. For some they were a mark that you had achieved a specific rite of passage. In others they denoted what tribe or clan you belonged to. Still in others they illustrated what skills you carried. They were even believed to ward off disease and illness in some spiritual groups.
Some of the earliest tattoos were worn by the ancient Egyptians. They used them to mark their peasants and slaves during the construction of the pyramids. While these are some of the earliest tattoos research has uncovered, it is likely they were used even earlier than this.
After Egypt the art of tattooing traveled to China before heading to Greece. There it was used to pass communication between spies. In Japan at this time tattoos were being used in religious ceremonies. Because the strict health guidelines that we have now didn't exist then, infection was very common. Needles were not sanitized and the procedure was not very sterile.
Tattoos really exploded in popularity in the late 1960s. They became very prominent with bikers and gangs, symbolizing membership which led to their outlaw stigma. That is not the really case though as almost half of all Americans have at least a single tattoo.
Regular, average people are now getting a tattoo to express themselves. They want to broadcast to the world something unique about them. Many use the opportunity to commemorate a special event or to memorialize a loved one. There is no limit to the possibilities. For further inspiration, many people are turning to one of the well established online tattoo communities. Here artists and fans trade ideas and share their designs. If you are stuck of an idea, this is a great first step. - 15438
Over the years tattoos have taken on various roles of significance in a multitude of cultures. For some they were a mark that you had achieved a specific rite of passage. In others they denoted what tribe or clan you belonged to. Still in others they illustrated what skills you carried. They were even believed to ward off disease and illness in some spiritual groups.
Some of the earliest tattoos were worn by the ancient Egyptians. They used them to mark their peasants and slaves during the construction of the pyramids. While these are some of the earliest tattoos research has uncovered, it is likely they were used even earlier than this.
After Egypt the art of tattooing traveled to China before heading to Greece. There it was used to pass communication between spies. In Japan at this time tattoos were being used in religious ceremonies. Because the strict health guidelines that we have now didn't exist then, infection was very common. Needles were not sanitized and the procedure was not very sterile.
Tattoos really exploded in popularity in the late 1960s. They became very prominent with bikers and gangs, symbolizing membership which led to their outlaw stigma. That is not the really case though as almost half of all Americans have at least a single tattoo.
Regular, average people are now getting a tattoo to express themselves. They want to broadcast to the world something unique about them. Many use the opportunity to commemorate a special event or to memorialize a loved one. There is no limit to the possibilities. For further inspiration, many people are turning to one of the well established online tattoo communities. Here artists and fans trade ideas and share their designs. If you are stuck of an idea, this is a great first step. - 15438
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Visit Michael's blog for printable zodiac tattoo, including links to download an leo tattoo design.
