Tattoos are an ancient and fascinating form of art. Over the centuries, their value and perception have changed significantly, evolving from sacred and tribal symbols to individual expressions of identity and style. In this article, we’ll explore the history of tattoos, how their meaning has evolved over time, and the significance of the most common symbols. Additionally, we’ll discuss that tattoos don’t always need to have a deep meaning; they can also simply serve as aesthetic ornaments.
The Meaning of Tattoos in History
Tattoos have a millennia-old history, with archaeological evidence dating back over 5,000 years. The earliest records of tattoos are found on Egyptian mummies and in various ancient cultures, such as the Celts, Scythians, and Maori.
Tattoos and Ancient Egypt
In Ancient Egypt, tattoos held various meanings and functions, often related to religion, magic, and protection. Archaeological evidence shows that tattoos date back at least to the 12th Dynasty (circa 1991-1786 BCE), with the discovery of tattooed mummies suggesting widespread use of this practice.
- Protective Symbols: Tattoos were often used as amulets for protection against evil spirits and diseases. Symbols like the Wadjet (Eye of Horus) were common and considered powerful talismans.
- Fertility and Motherhood: Many tattooed female mummies bear designs on the lower abdomen, thighs, and breasts, indicating a possible connection to fertility and protection during pregnancy and childbirth. A well-known example is the priestess Amunet, who had geometric tattoos on her breasts, thighs, and belly.
- Status and Social Role: Some tattoos might have indicated the social or religious role of the individual. For instance, priestesses and other religious figures might have tattoos identifying their position and responsibilities within the temple.
Meaning and Symbols of Celtic Tattoos
The Celts were a group of European tribes with a rich and complex culture, primarily spread across Central and Western Europe during the Iron Age. Their tattoos — rich in symbolism — were part of their cultural and spiritual traditions, although historical documentation on their specific uses is limited. Some of the most common symbols include:
- Celtic Knots: One of the most well-known symbols is the Celtic knot, representing eternity and the interconnectedness of life. These intricate designs have no beginning or end, symbolizing infinity.
- Triskelion: This symbol with three spirals represents continuous movement, progress, and growth. It is also associated with the three realms of life: earth, water, and sky.
- Celtic Cross: It combines the Christian cross with a circle that symbolizes the sun or infinity. It is a symbol of faith and protection.
- Animals: The Celts attributed particular meanings to animals, such as the boar for courage and strength, and the stag for peace and abundance.
The Meaning of Tattoos in Scythian and Maori Cultures
The Scythians were a group of nomadic tribes that lived in the Eurasian steppes, mainly between the 7th and 3rd centuries BCE. Known for their skills in battle and nomadic lifestyle, tattoos played a significant role in their culture, often representing social status, tribal identity, and spiritual protection. It was believed that tattoos had magical powers and provided protection against evil spirits and diseases.
The Maori, on the other hand, are the indigenous people of New Zealand, with a rich cultural tradition that includes the art of tattooing, known as “Ta Moko.” Ta Moko is the traditional Maori tattoo, primarily applied on the face but also on other parts of the body. Each design is unique and tells the individual’s personal story, including their ancestry, achievements, and social role.
From the Middle Ages to Today: How the Meaning of Tattoos Has Changed
During the Middle Ages in Europe, tattoos lost popularity and were often seen as symbols of paganism and barbarism. With the discovery of the New World, tattoos regained appreciation and popularity, particularly among sailors and merchants who brought home symbols of adventures, exotic lands, and conquests.
With the advent of modernity, the meaning of tattoos began to change: in the first half of the 20th century, tattoos were often associated with subcultures like pirates, bikers, and criminals. However, from the 1960s onwards, with the hippie movement and growing acceptance of cultural diversity, tattoos started to be seen as artistic and personal expressions.
The Meaning of the Most Common Symbols
Anchors
Anchors are traditional symbols associated with the maritime world. Originally used by sailors to represent stability and safety, today anchors symbolize strength, determination, and overall stability.
Roses
Roses are among the most popular symbols in the world of tattoos. They can represent love, beauty, passion, and sacrifice. The color of the rose can slightly alter the meaning: a red rose symbolizes romantic love, while a yellow rose can represent friendship.
Skulls
Skulls can represent death and mortality, but also rebirth, change, and protection from evil spirits.
Animals
- Wolves: symbolize loyalty, family, and a wild spirit.
- Lions: represent courage, strength, and royalty.
- Butterflies: are symbols of transformation, rebirth, and fleeting beauty.
Religious and Spiritual Symbols
- Crosses: represent Christian faith but can also symbolize hope and redemption.
- Mandala: originating from Indian and Tibetan culture, symbolizes the universe and spirituality.
- Om: is a sacred symbol in Indian religions, representing the essence of ultimate reality and spiritual consciousness.
Beyond Meaning: Tattoos as Pure Art
Not all tattoos need to have a deep meaning; in fact, sometimes they may not have any meaning at all.
Nowadays, people choose to get tattoos to decorate their bodies and express their aesthetics, making tattoos increasingly personal and entirely detached from the “historical” meanings that no longer exist in the modern world.
Tattoos can be seen as a form of living art, a mode of expression that allows people to adorn their skin with designs that are beautiful and meaningful only to them. This approach does not diminish the value of tattoos but highlights their function as a form of artistic expression.
Tattoos have spanned millennia of history, evolving from sacred and tribal symbols to personal expressions of identity and style. Their meaning varies greatly depending on cultural context, time, and individual choices. Whether they carry deep meanings or are simply aesthetic ornaments, tattoos continue to be a living and dynamic form of art, capable of telling stories and adorning the bodies of those who choose them.