Buzz
Half a century ago, tattoos were symbols of rebellion and societal outsiders—think bikers, sailors, and carnival performers. Fast forward to today, and it’s common to see a college sorority member sporting a delicate unicorn on her ankle or a butterfly design near her lower back. Tattoos have been a part of human history since the Stone Age, spanning nearly every culture worldwide, from ancient Greeks and Romans to African tribes, Native Americans, and Polynesian societies. Here are 10 fascinating facts about tattoos, exploring everything from cultural significance to modern trends.
10. Legal Evolution
While tattoo parlors now thrive in cities like Boston and New York, their legality is a relatively new phenomenon. During the 1960s, fears of hepatitis outbreaks led many states to impose outright bans on tattooing. New York City outlawed tattoos from 1961 to 1997, pushing artists into underground operations. Massachusetts maintained its ban until 2000, with violations carrying harsh penalties, including potential jail time. Today, tattooing is legal in all states, though regulations for minors differ—some permit tattoos with parental consent, while others enforce a strict age limit of 18.
9. Lower Back Tattoos and Pregnancy Considerations
Beyond the social stigma often associated with lower back tattoos, there’s a potential medical concern for women with such designs. Some anesthesiologists worry that administering epidurals to pregnant women with lower back tattoos could introduce ink particles into the spinal cord. While the risk appears minimal, especially for older tattoos, it’s still a consideration. Additionally, tattoo ink containing iron oxide can react during MRI scans, potentially causing skin burns.
8. The Art of Henna Tattoos
For those hesitant to opt for permanent tattoos, there are temporary alternatives. Kids love the temporary tattoos from supermarket vending machines, while henna tattoo booths are popular at carnivals and boardwalks. Henna, derived from a plant, has been used for centuries to dye hair and create intricate skin designs. Natural henna starts as a light orange shade, deepening to a rust-red hue over a few days before fading as the skin exfoliates. However, so-called 'black henna' often contains synthetic additives like p-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause severe allergic reactions, permanent scarring, and even long-term health risks such as leukemia due to potential carcinogens.
7. The Legacy of Macy’s
Founded in New York City in 1858, Macy’s grew into a retail empire and became ingrained in American culture through its iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade and 4th of July fireworks. The store’s logo, a simple red star, has an unexpected origin—it was inspired by a tattoo on the forearm of founder R.H. Macy. As a young man, Macy worked on whaling ships, where he got the tattoo alongside other sailors. Though the 1947 film *Miracle on 34th Street* fictionalized his story, the real R.H. Macy had passed away decades earlier.
6. Myths and Urban Legends
Any part of culture as pervasive and controversial as tattoos is sure to spawn its own collection of rumors, tall tales, and urban legends. Some are so absurd they are almost believable, like the yarn that childrens’ show host Mr. Rogers was a deadly Navy SEAL sniper who wore cardigans to hide his heavily tattooed forearms (he was actually among the most likable people ever, and the sweaters were knitted by his mother). Other stories are more horrific: tales of demented parents tattooing infants and vengeful boyfriends tattooing piles of excrement on the backs of cheating girlfriends. Like most urban legends, these turned out to be unnerving works of fiction.
5. Sponsorship Tattoos
With some people willing to do almost anything to make a buck, and advertisers perpetually desperate to reach an audience, it is somewhat surprising that sponsorship tattoos took as long as they did to reach their stride. In 2013, New York real estate company Rapid Realty made an offer to their employees that many couldn’t refuse: get a company logo tattooed on your body, and receive a 15 percent pay raise. Dozens accepted the offer. Alaskan amateur boxer Billy Gibby, known as “Billy the Human Billboard,” pays his bills with corporate tattoos, sporting more than two dozen, including some on his face. His work includes the logos of Liberty Tax Service, Host Gator, and several porn sites.
Certain sponsorship tattoos are created with a charitable intent. For instance, in 2012, Dave Ryder, a man from Britain, had several brand logos tattooed on his body to fundraise for the son of a friend. The young boy, who was battling meningitis, had undergone amputations of his legs and fingers by the age of two.
4. Vegan Black Ink
Living as a committed vegan can present numerous challenges, especially outside major urban centers where dining options are often scarce. Ethical vegans go beyond dietary restrictions, avoiding all products and practices that involve animal exploitation. This includes eschewing leather goods and cosmetics tested on animals. Such principles extend to their choice of tattoos, as many inks contain bone char or shellac beetle resin. Even when vegan-friendly inks are available, the aftercare products often include animal-derived ingredients, making the process complex for strict vegans.
3. Mummy
In 1991, a frozen body was discovered in the glacial ice of the Ötztal Alps, straddling the border of Italy and Austria. Initially mistaken for a modern-day mountaineer, the remains were later identified as ancient, dating back to around 3255 B.C. Named Ötzi after the location of his discovery, this mummy predates the Great Pyramid of Giza by approximately 700 years. Extensive analysis revealed details about his diet, ancestry, and violent death—an arrowhead was found in his shoulder, and his upper body bore cuts and bruises. Among the most fascinating aspects of Ötzi’s remains are his tattoos, which consist of numerous lines and marks positioned over areas like joints and the spine. Researchers suggest these tattoos were not decorative but rather an early form of therapeutic treatment.
2. Cosmetic Tattoos
Not all tattoos are bold statements meant to draw attention; some serve as understated enhancements to natural beauty. The popularity of cosmetic tattoos, or permanent makeup, has surged in recent years. These procedures involve techniques like filling in eyebrows, defining lips, and applying eyeliner. However, there are important considerations. While you might save significantly on makeup costs, your look becomes fixed. Although termed 'permanent,' these tattoos require periodic touch-ups to maintain their appearance. Reversing the process is also a complex and sensitive task, especially when dealing with delicate areas like the eyelids.
Facial tattoos have been a longstanding tradition in certain cultures. For example, women from a Malian tribe tattoo their gums to indicate their age and marital status.
1. Prison And Gang Tattoos
While some tattoos are the result of impulsive decisions, others carry deep significance and symbolism. This is particularly true for gang members, including those incarcerated. The Japanese Yakuza, a centuries-old organized crime group, is renowned for their extensive full-body tattoos, known as 'irezumi.' Unlike Western tattoos created with electric guns, Yakuza tattoos are applied using a single needle in a traditional, painful, and costly process.
In American prisons, tattooing is officially banned but remains a widespread practice. Inmates use improvised tools like ballpoint pens, guitar strings, and paper clips to create tattoos. These designs often carry intricate meanings, reflecting gang affiliations or significant life events. For instance, the number '13' signifies membership in Mara Salvatrucha 13, a violent gang involved in human trafficking. Members of the Aryan Brotherhood frequently sport symbols like shamrocks or spider webs.
