Tattoo

The word tattoo was brought into English language from Tahitian 'tatau" by Captain James Cook expedition. Many of Cook's  mariners and seafarers came back home with tattoos. Tradition that later on become paired with men of the waves and deep water in the widespread mind of public and journalists.Cook's voyages to the South Pacific  simply imported the Polynesian word because the act of  tattooing was present from the beginnings of "Western society" in Ancient Greece.

Through the history, tattoo had different connotations and association.
In ancient China tattoo considered to be a barbaric practice.
In Egypt, it would tell female status or be as a part of religion, healing or punishment.In India, it represented cultural symbol. In pre-Hispanic Philippine Islands, it was a form of rank and accomplishment, and some even believed that a tattoo had supernatural power.In Japan, tattooing was for sacred, and decorative purposes that  extend back to 10000 BCE.

In Samoan society, the permanent marks left by tattoo would forever celebrate stamina and loyalty to cultural beliefs. The physical suffering was extreme, and the risk of infection high, but to back down was to risk being labeled as a coward. That would forever bring shame upon the family. In New Zealand  tattooing known as "Ta moko" involve face marking because Maori people appraise the head to be the holiest part of the body. Tattoo  often covered the entire face and was a symbol of social status, power, and prestige. In Russia, tattoos are commonly used among criminals to show gang membership.

Tattooing evolved gradually into more socially acceptable over the years.By the 19th century tattooing had expanded to British society but was still  to a great extent associated with sailors and the lower or even criminal class. Tattooing proliferated among the upper classes all over Europe in the late 19th century, especially in Britain where it was estimated in 1898 that one in five members of the aristocracy had tattoos.
Taking their lead from the British Court, Edward VII pursue George V's lead in getting tattooed.  Kaiser Wilhelm II King of Romania, King Frederick IX of Denmark and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia all display tattoos. Many of them intricate an interpretation of the Royal Coat of Arms or the Royal Family Crest.

Tattoo today is often referred as a self-expression through body art or as a way to memorize loved one that passed away.Another trend is to get matching tattoos with another person to express one of a kind link.

Glancing at periodicals, you can witness famous personas tattoos, such as Angelina Jolie,Johny Depp, Halle Berry, Beyonce, Brad Pitt, and Usher to name a few.
 


Tattoos ceased to be slutty and became sexy.They represent self-confidence.Every tattoo has a story and history.They continue to speak the unspoken testament to the true heart and to declare the devotion, sadness, and love.