“My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.” Since ancient times tattoos have brought satisfaction and colour to our “Journals”, our bodies. The ink deposited within one’s skin forms a spell-binding artwork that manifests one’s story, persona or character in countless and captivating ways. Tattoos are a form that make us different from family and friends. It contemplates a dignified and rich culture and carries a profound history. The twists and turns stunningly inked upon our bodies may be the cause of an argument sometimes. But this form of art can also be a therapy and culturally significant for many people.
Tattoos are permanent body art made by puncturing the skin with needles and injecting tattoo ink into the deep layer of the skin. But what really is the reason behind these actions?
REASONS
At a recent study led by psychologist Luzelle Naudé of the University of the Free State in South Africa, a question was asked to college students. What makes some people choose to get tattoos? She got varied responses. People having or yearning for a tattoo wanted it to represent a significant struggle or experience. One student had a tattoo to honour her first child whilst another had one to preserve their mother’s memory. 12% of the participants affirmed that they got tattoos as an extension or expression of who they were. One participant thoroughly believed in “My body is a book, my tattoos are my story.” Thus, each time they looked at their tattoos they indulged back into a particular escapade. Additionally, some participants wanted tattoos just because they appealed to them as a fascinating and enthralling form of art.
In contrast, other participants who didn’t opt to get tattoos had reasons that mainly stemmed from social and cultural stereotypes. Despite this, tattoos are truly a form of wizardry. The twists and turns of the designs bring internal satisfaction, and I like to think of them as a book that has been published to the world.
HISTORY
Proceeding to the history of Tattoos, we can see countless contrasts amidst different countries’ beliefs and expectations. In Japan we learn how tattoos were associated with criminals and mafias so that they could be socially ostracised for their inferior actions. On the other extreme of the spectrum, we have the Maori People from New Zealand who were convinced that not having a tattoo was an indication of someone coming from a lowly status. Some cultures believed that wearing tattoos made for unstealable jewellery or acts of courage. While other cultures supposed that wearing tattoos made one unattractive and helped in warding off evil. Likewise, while religions like Buddhism and Hinduism supported and encouraged the art of tattooing, other religions like Islam, Christianity, Confucianism were against it.
Although ancient beliefs contradicted each other, there is a thread of similarity in modern times. Modern tattoos have been embraced to truly illuminate one’s personality or make a fashion statement.
PROS & CONS
Nothing in this world is perfect, everything has its pros and cons. Similarly, a tattoo is not entirely perfect, it comes with its side effects too. Although a tattoo is a form of self-expression, enabling individuals to illuminate their values and beliefs, there is still a social stigma attached to it in certain places. Despite a tattoo being an artistic expression or a form of commemoration, it is excruciating when the needle dipped in ink punctures one’s skin. Also, a tattoo can be made to signify something important. But, if situations change and you want to get the tattoo removed, it may become quite costly and agonising.
Tattoos truly are an overpowering expression of identity. While one person may find it artistically appealing, another may carry sentiments engraved in these little patterns. But the ultimate purpose of the ink deposited upon our journals is to provide authenticity, individuality and confidence. Tattoos bring a sense of belonging and mirror one’s inner feelings. Hence, this kaleidoscope of twists and turns is ‘a personal signature over the stories we create in our lifetime.‘
Writer : Aarna Sharma
Grade : 7 (Year 2024)
Place : Sydney, Australia
No Comment