Tattoos have been around for hundreds of years and can be found in many different cultures. The ancient Egyptians used tattoos, African tribesmen used tattoos and very often these tattoos had a religious significance. In the West tattooing has long been a favorite of servicemen, particularly those serving in the navy. Modern day bikers are also heavily into tattoos and it is not unusual to see them covered from head to foot in tattoos of varying designs. Nowadays it is also becoming more popular for women to have tattoos and most female celebrities appear to have at least one, usually on the upper arm or back.
Traditionally, sailors favored tattoos depicting swallows and anchors, many men also had some tribute to their mother tattooed on their forearm or their upper arm. Swallows in particular seem to be rising in popularity again, and not just among bikers and sailors. Many women are now asking for a tattoo of a swallow on their chest or neck. Some women prefer to have a tattoo on their lower back and the favored designs here are dragons or a lotus flower. Celtic symbols are also popular – originally tribal in nature, these symbols carry an attraction for many people all over the world. The Celtic cross, for example, is recognized almost everywhere and is a very popular tattoo design. Women are much more open about having tattoos now and some of them want quite bold designs. The ankle and the front of the hip are among the more favored areas of the body now – no longer do women want to hide the fact that they may have had a tattoo. If they have paid a lot of money for a unique and intricate tattoo then they usually want other people to see it.
Most people who have tattoos often view them as some sort of statement of their individuality and the designs are a form of self expression. Tribal tattoos such as those used by the Aztec Indians or the ancient Egyptians are again gaining favor and it is not unusual to see a person covered in such tattoos. There are many different kinds of tribal tattoos and it is a good idea to try and stick to a theme if this is the kind of tattoo design that you like best. People who are into astrology will often have their sign of the zodiac in the form of a tattoo – this says something about who they are not just to themselves but to anyone else who recognizes the signs of the zodiac.
Oriental tattoos are also becoming popular and an increasing number of people have some sort of Japanese script as a tattoo. While tattooing itself has a long history the search for many different designs is a much more modern phenomenon.
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