Aug
8
Why do people get tattoos?
August 8, 2008 |
Why do people get tattoos?
This is a question often posed by those who have no interest in and who have never considered getting a tattoo themselves. Those of us who do have tattoos rarely think of the question, as body modification of any type is a very personal choice. No two people have exactly the same reason for getting a tattoo. Even a person with multiple tattoos may have a different reasoning for each one. Still, some categories can be created in order to display to the non-tattoed why people get tattoos.
Passion
Passion is a term that covers a lot of space, but is an accurate way to depict a great number of tattoos you may see when walking down the street. Tattoos born from passion can depict names or images of loved ones, designs illustrating a hobby, or a multitude of other items that a person may feel so strongly about that it warrants a place of honor on that person’s body.
Commemoration
Another all-encompassing word, those who wish to commemorate a person or certain event may choose to do so with a tattoo. The pain of the passing of a loved one may be eased knowing that the person will never be forgotten so long as there is a daily, bodily reminder of their lives. Joyous occasions can also be chosen to be commemorated in this way. Married couple will sometimes choose to have tattoos celebrating their nuptials. The same holds true for those excited about entering the armed services, receiving a medical degree, or finishing their first marathon. Any event that is near and dear to a person may warrant the addition of a new (or first) tattoo.
Whimsy
Most tattoos are well thought out, with people spending months, if not years, designing the tattoo, determining colors, size, and location. In some cases, tattoos are simply derived from whimsy – a sudden desire to be tattooed. This can be brought on by any number of things: a friend is getting tattooed, a celebrity that one wishes to emulate was spotted with a tattoo, or, in some instances, liquor is involved.
Each individual has his or her own reason for getting tattooed. It is important to remember that not all tattoos fit into a hard and fast category. In fact, one might argue that none of them do.
So, Why did you get your tattoo?
Comments
2 Comments so far
The reason why people get tatoos is because the tatoos are of something meaningful in their lives.
Because a want tae!!