Reasons for Tattoos 

Where do Men and Women Get Ideas for the Tattoos they Wear?

Pop singer, Rihanna once tattooed, “Never a failure, always a lesson”, below her right clavicle. Persons who are familiar with the artist will know that she left the relationship with fellow musician Chris Brown, after he was physically abusive towards her. She had the tattoo written backward, so she can read it in a mirror. It was done in gray ink on her skin, so it wouldn’t draw too much attention.

Some cultures, present and past, used tattoos as a form of protection. The Ainu women of Japan used to wear tattoos of their goddess as a form of protection from evil spirits. Indians used a tattoo of Hanuman to protect themselves as well.

Members of the snake clan from Burma gradually tattoo themselves with ink mixed with venom from two different types of poisonous snakes, as protection from these snakes. Adult Fulani women wear facial tattoos as a part of their culture.

A writer, Shelley Jackson, tried writing in a new way when she had people from many different countries tattoo her words into their skin.

Tattoos are frowned upon in some religions and by some non-religious people because of their association with gangs. For example, bath houses in Japan forbid entry to persons who are sporting large tattoos because of the association of that type of tattoo with the yakuza.

Make up can be permanently tattooed into the skin of entertainers and other persons who want to look their best 24-7. This type of make up is known as permanent make up and the color is placed in strategic areas, such as the lips and eyelids.

Some persons use tattoos to express their feelings for someone who is or was a part of their lives. For example Miley Cyrus, a singer and actress, got a tattoo as a tribute to a friend who died.