How History Has Effected Different Tattoo Designs
The tattoo has come into fashion. Two out of ten people have tattoos and that is just a conservative estimate. The tattoo design can range from the dragon tattoo to a simple, pretty butterfly tattoo. They are no longer thought of as the rebel thing to do against authority figures, they have become almost an accessory. Tattoos still have meaning to some people but for others it has become a spur of the moment idea and to fit in with everyone else. At one point in time and still in some countries, the tattoo has a deeper meaning.
Japan’s history of tattooing goes back to 10000 B.C.E. to 300 B.C.E. (Before the Common Era). It was used for healing, identifying a soldier should he perish on the battlefield and be stripped of his armor and even to identify rites of passage for certain tribes. Perhaps the most familiar of Japanese body art is associated with the organized crime group the Yakuza. Similar to the Italian Mafia, the Yakuza has long been associated with the less than desirable elements of society. Anything from illegal gambling to racketeering is within its grasp.
Surprisingly though, the tattoo design found most often on Yakuza members is that of beautiful scenes and elaborate details. The method used though is less than beautiful. Yakuza members, as a way to test their resolve and strength, do not get tattooed with a tattoo machine. It is a hand held instrument that is not without pain. The images are not just a back tattoo either. They span the entire body from collar to ankle.
In Russia the tattoo design found on many of the country’s prison inmates is a message to other people of their deeds and sins. It is a way to identify how dangerous a person is. One man might be wearing a tattoo design signifying that he is a head figure while another might be forcefully tattooed as an informant.
The language of the tattoo used to be a secret code known only to those in the “know” but with research the meanings have come to light. The social hierarchy of the criminal world is understood. If a criminal tattoo’s an untruth or exaggeration the punishment inflicted by others is harsh. The tattoo is either cut off or sandpapered off.
The tattoo design in Russia’s history was not just limited to the criminal element. In an oppressive government sometimes the only way to rebel was to a tattoo design belittling one of the political tyrants. This was a way to send a message to other people when freedom of speech and press was not allowed.
Finding the right tattoo design should mean more than just a pretty picture. Ultimately each design or tattoo should be a testament of a person’s personality and belief system. They are a form of expression that is carried around with the person continuously. Each drop of ink is a story waiting to be told to the rest of the world and it is up to each individual what kind of story is being told.
For more helpful information click here: Tribal Tattoo Designs in addition to Tattoo Art also learn more at Tattoo Fonts
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