Self Expression...or Something Else?

In 1991, an ancient man preserved in ice, dubbed The Iceman, was discovered. While he was a significant discovery that explained quite a bit about our ancestors, there was something that was truly astounding: he had tattoos.

Tattoos have been a part of cultural life for pretty much the entirety of our existence. Different civilizations had and have vastly different purposes behind them. The Iceman, for example, had markings on specific joints. This was assumed to be used for medical treatment, similar to today's acupressure.

In the Victorian age, there was a huge focus on ancient Egypt. Several mummies were discovered and tattoos were found on the mummies, typically on the women. In that time period, more than likely due to the Victorian's views on tattoos being taboo, they quickly labeled these tattooed mummies as prostitutes or concubines. Later research was done, though, specifically on the mummy of a woman named Amunet. It turned out that she was a high priestess for the goddess Hathor, and a noble woman. This completely debunked the idea that Egyptian tattoos were only for the lower class or the outcasts; in fact, as more research was done, scientists concluded that many tattoos were used in that time period also for pain relief, including for relief during childbirth. It's possible that priestesses may have also gotten tattoos as a cleansing or asking to be blessed by the gods.

Tribes in Africa and South America still use tattoos for medical reasons. They also used their particular practice of tattooing (dipping a stick in ink and tapping the stick with a small mallet) as a "coming of age" for boys. Asians and Pacific Islanders have been known to get tattoos after battle, symbolizing how many they killed, how many soldiers they lost, and other war-specific information.

So many of these reasoning are used in the US today. Many 18th birthdays (including my own) are spent in tattoo shops, as a rite of passage. Many people have a cross, a portrait of the Virgin Mary, a passage from the Torah, or any other religious symbol to pay homage to their specific God/gods. Prisoners may have tattoos based on people that they have killed. And while it is not as often used for physical wellness, I personally know several people who get a tattoo for mental wellness: a tattoo symbolizing progress they have made emotionally, a visual representation of their inner demons, or simply enduring the pain of a tattoo in lieu of self harm or indulging in an addiction.

My favorite thing about tattoos is that they are conversation starters. Each one has a story behind it. Why that piece? Why did you get it when you did? Did you talk to the tattoo artist? Who was with you, and why them? You can learn so much about a person from the art on their bodies. And sometimes, only the person with the tattoo will ever know the true meaning.

I personally have seven tattoos. Each has its own meaning and story, some of which I'll never fully tell. Will I be okay with my daughter getting tattoos? Absolutely - as long as she's old enough and sleeps on it. Don't permanently mark your body if you've had the idea for a day. Regardless, tattoos are not for everyone...and that's okay, too.