National Tattoo Day

Throughout the years the social acceptance of tattoos and body art has changed drastically.

History

Tattoos were originally traced all the way back to approximately 5000 BC when Japanese embellished clay figurines with tattoo-like markings were found. Since then, tattoos have been discovered around the world, from mummies in ancient Egypt to European sailors collecting tattoos as souvenirs from their journeys across the South Pacific.

Different Views of Tattoos

Traditionally, tattoos have been viewed in a negative light. Many businesses would refuse to hire a person if the tattoo were visible, and others may have considered a person with tattoos to be a gang member or a harmful person.

While tattoos are generally accepted in most places around the world, there are some societies where they have a negative connotation associated with them. For example, in Japan tattoos were only legalized in 1948 and are negatively associated with the Yakuza, members of Japanese crime syndicates. These make them a symbol of shame.

Except for exceptions such as this, tattoos today are seen as symbols of individuality and self-expression. In contrast to past years, some businesses prefer to hire those with tattoos because they want younger, more creative energy.

For those unsure of having permanent art inked onto their bodies, there are temporary options, such as henna, fake tattoos, and body art makeup pallets, which allow for safe exploration.  

Age Range of Tattoos

While many expect only the younger generation to be inspired and into tattoos, studies have shown that those most into tattoos are in the age bracket of 30 to 49 years old.

Tattoos in the Fashion and Music Industry

Tattoos are a celebration of youth culture. Rockstars such as Jimmi Hendrix and Janis Joplin were some of the first to confidently sport tattoos as part of their costumes and personalities.  

Just as tattoos were not approved of in society, tattoos were not approved of in the fashion industry until until designer Issey Miyake presented his formative autumn/winter Tattoo collection in New York in 1971. The goal was to normalize and create acceptance for tattoos.

Other designers followed with semi-sheer tattoo inspired shirts that were designed to be worn above clothes rather than hidden below.