Religious Tattoos - Taboo Or Not Tattoo?

It does not take a genius for one to realize that tattoos are becoming indelible in our society today. People from all walks of life are getting themselves inked for various reasons. For some, the reasons are merely skin-deep: to increase their “level of sexiness” up a few notches, to identify themselves with a group of tattooed individuals, or to exercise their freedom and be cool. But for some, it involves a deeper, religious meaning.

Religious tattoos are quite common nowadays. We see cross tattoos or religious symbols and images being sported by different individuals around. And, in all truthfulness, a few of these individuals do not fit into the bill of what a religious person should be. But one question remains: Is tattooing of religious symbols recognized as a religious act? It would depend on which religious sector you belong to, and on what your religious beliefs are.

The advent of religious tattoos dates back to the pre-biblical era when the art of tattooing was widely practiced by the pagans as a means of worship until it was forbidden when Constantine became the emperor of Rome. According to Leviticus 19:28: “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead; neither shall you make in yourselves any figures or marks. I am the Lord.” This then became the basis for Christians to shun tattooing.

Islam tradition forbids any bodily alterations made as a way to enhance physical beauty, and this includes body tattoos. Generally, the Muslim culture also considers tattoos unacceptable; as well as traditional Jews. However, maybe due to the changing of the times, this body art is now slowly being accepted by these religious sectors, though not as a religious act.

But in some Asian cultures, having religious tattoos is traditional practice. It is common custom for Buddhist monks to wear tattoos that are believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, and therefore serve as an amulet. In Hindu religion, tattooing is also common practice as part of their culture. For the Egyptians, religious tattoos such as The Eye Of Horus also serves as protection from evil spirits, to bring good luck, and to gain entry into after-life.

In recent times, religious tattoos seem to be just that: a skin-deep image of a once-revered symbol. The Ankh, Ichthus, the Sacred Heart and the Crucifix of the Christians; the Star of David, Menorah, and Allah symbols of the Islams; the Eye of Horus, Yin Yang, Dharma, and other religious symbols for different religious sectors are seen worn by people who do not practice the religion.

But it is also fairly common for a person to show his devotion by having something of religious importance etched on his body even on this day and age. So the question of whether religious tattoos are taboo or not lies on the personal belief of the wearer. It is no longer dictated by society but by how one chose to show his spirituality. Tattoos, like religion, have become a personal thing.

If you want to know more about religious tattoos and religious tattoo designs, visit body-jewelry-useek.com. Here you will also find information about sun tattoos, dolphin tattoos, and other tattoo ideas.

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Brighten Up With A Sun Tattoo

If the sun refuse to shine for us, there would be darkness, we won’t see beauty, life would cease to exist. It plays a role of such importance that early Romans (Apollo), Egyptians (Ra), Aztecs (Huitzilopochtli), and other ancient civilizations worshiped the Sun as a god of high importance, if not the highest.

It would explain the sun illustrations on almost every work of art of primitive people. And it would not be too surprising if we find mummified remains bearing a sun tattoo. It is probably his way of showing respect to the sun god, or as a way to protect himself from evil spirits, or a way to invoke sexual fertility which is one of the most popular representations for the sun symbol. A sun tattoo could also mean the bearer holds a high position in their society.

In modern times, a sun tattoo is still very popular. Too popular, even, that it is hard to find a distinctively unique sun design. But what is in a sun tattoo that makes it a favorite for almost every soul seeking something to decorate his plain skin with? The reasons vary according to the person’s culture, beliefs, and personal preferences. Let’s try to go over them one by one and enlighten ourselves.

For some, especially the intellectuals or those who fancy themselves as one, the sun tattoo could mean learning and knowledge for an ignorant mind, just as the sun would bring light to darkness. It could also be considered a symbol of light and goodness and pureness of the soul, or at least an attempt to emulate the concept of goodness.

It is also fairly common for us to see the sun symbol combined with the moon symbol. For some cultures, these two symbols combined is believed to be a union of the male and female power, sexually and spiritually speaking. For the Asian culture, it has something to do with the Yin-Yang philosophy, the good and evil symbolism, the symbol for balance.

A sun tattoo could also have deeper spiritual connotations. Like in the ancient times, a sun tattoo today represents divine power and the bearer usually holds a position of authority within their religious circle. This also symbolizes immortality, reincarnation and the sun’s ability to give life just as the sun would rise again after a night of darkness.

Which leads us to another representation of the sun symbol, and probably the most common reason why the sun tattoo is still very popular in the first place: the sun symbolizes vitality and the cycle of life. That life is short and should therefore be lived to the fullest. The rising of the sun means a new day is about to begin and the worries of yesterday should be a thing of the past. This then serves as a reminder to enjoy the sun while it is shining.

A sun tattoo is a way of showing to the world the vitality in you. Visit body-jewelry-useek.com and find out more about cool tattoo ideas like star tattoo ideas or flower tattoo designs.

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