There has been a debate going around for a while as to whether your tattoos should carry some deep meaning to be worthwhile or do they carry enough aesthetic value to stand alone. Humans, throughout multiple cultures, have been marking their skin for thousands of years. They tattooed themselves for religious beliefs, to adorn their bodies, or to protect them from evil spirits. Some received tattoos as a form of punishment. The tattoos I have are meaningful. They serve as a constant reminder of things that are important to me, but some people get tattoos because they are aesthetically pleasing to them.
The first two tattoos that I had done are religious and represent my Christian beliefs. The half sleeve on my left arm is a dedication to the women in my life. Each woman (my wife, mother, maternal and paternal grandmothers, and cousin) is represented by their favorite flower. The flowers surround a skull. The imagery is their bringing life and beauty to the dead thing in the middle (aka me). If and when I have the money, the half sleeve on my right arm will be a dedication to the males in my life. The males (my two sons, father, and paternal and maternal grandfathers) will be represented by a character, animal, or image that reminds me of them.
Ultimately, GOOD tattoos are an expensive investment. With current hourly rates for tattoo artists in the United States averaging between $100-$300 (and a good tattoo is worth the money), a tattoo is a want, not a need. So, I will continue to want more tattoos because getting tattoos is similar to eating Pringles potato chips: “Once you pop, you can’t stop.”
Images:
Featured Image: Tattoo equipment, Fred Harris Studio, Sydney, Australia, by Ray Olsen, 1937 – State Library of New South Wales, ON 388/Box 030/Item 083, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80817090
Tattoo on the arm of a Pazyryk tribal chief, Altai Mountains, 5th century BCE image accredited to the Heritage Museum, Fair Use.
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