Tattoo Design Both Ancient and Modern

by: StevenMcCarthy
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In recent years there has been a great influx of tattoo design inspiration from Asian and Indian cultures. Take for example the henna tattoo that was used throughout time. Many people are finding themselves wanting a tattoo but do not want the permanency associated with the ink. Some find themselves unwilling to subject themselves to the needles of tattoo machines.

Japan's history of tattooing goes back to 10000 B.C.E. to 300 B.C.E. It was often used for healing, and even identifying a soldier should he perish on the battlefield and be stripped of his armor also to identify rites of passage for certain tribes. Perhaps the most familiar of Japanese body art is associated with the organized crime group the Yakuza. Much like the Italian Mafia, the Yakuza have long been affiliated with less than desirable elements of society. Anything from illegal gambling to racketeering is within its grasp.

A great surprise though, Is the tattoo design most often found on Yakuza members is that of beautiful scenes with elaborate details. The method used though is less than beautiful. Yakuza members, as a way to test their resolve and strength, do not get tattooed with a tattoo machine. It is a hand held instrument that is not without pain. The images are not just a back tattoo either. From collar to ankle they span the entire body.

Tattoo's signifying power or lack of is not the sole property of China or Japan. In Russia a tattoo design can be a calling card of that person's life choices. If the person is a murderer, his or her tattoos will show this to the world and everyone will know. If a person is an informant or has lied about a deed, he or she may be forcefully tattooed to show their mistakes to the world.

For many the art tattoo represents a wilder side to their personality. Perhaps a bit of rebellion against the expected norms of a more staid and traditional society that looks upon a tattoo with wariness as the stigma associated with the art tattoo is not as widely spread to the more conservative. There are other individuals who use the tattoo as a means of remembrance for fallen family and friends or as a spiritual guide for their lives.

The tattoo design in Russia's history was not just limited to the criminal element. Sometimes the only way to rebel in an oppressive government was to design a derogatory tattoo of the local political tyrants. This was the only alternative to express your opinion in parts of the world where freedom of speech and press was not allowed.

This is particularly true if the individual has a rare genetic condition called a G6PD deficiency (G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition in which the body doesn't have enough of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD, which helps red blood cells (RBCs) function normally.) In large doses the dye molecule in henna can be fatal. If it is unknown whether or not henna will cause an allergic reaction it is best to do a small skin test.

A henna tattoo can be incredibly beautiful if applied properly. Much like the mainstream tattooing, a henna artist must pay attention to each stroke to ensure its proper place. The upside is that it will wear off. The downside is that it will wear off as well no matter how much the person loves the tattoo design. With proper care the henna artwork can last for weeks and can always be reapplied.

About the Author

Steven McCarthy has been researching how to treat tattoo problems with tattoo tattoo care products and written numerous papers on the topic so that quickly understanding tattoo care information is not something that has to be difficult for you. Check out www.treatingtattooproblems.com  

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