| Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks | | | | holds different meanings for different tribes. Tribal |
| of status and rank, symbols of religious and | | | | designs can be designed in multiple shapes for |
| spiritual devotion and many other purposes over | | | | what ever you want. |
| the years. They have become more popular in | | | | Chinese Tattoos took hold quickly in the western |
| many parts of the world, particularly in North | | | | world, mainly due to the illusiveness of the |
| America, Japan, and Europe. They have had a rich | | | | symbols & language. Chinese Characters |
| and colourful history in western world for the | | | | should be professionally translated so they are |
| better part of two hundred years. And this is | | | | authentic. Chinese tats that include authentic |
| shown by the increasing number of historical | | | | characters and symbols can form the basis of |
| figures and modern day celebrities who have or | | | | beautiful designs which can carry a deep and |
| currently have body art. | | | | personal meaning. These are a clever way to |
| Enthusiasts may refer to them as "tats," "ink," | | | | express your message as not many people can |
| "art," or "work," and to tattooists as "artists. Body | | | | read the symbols. Chinese symbols are great |
| Art or Tattoos as it is called today is not a new | | | | conversation pieces that allow you to express |
| concept but an age old concept which is thought | | | | yourself in an interesting way. They have been |
| to be continuing since 12,000 years ago. Ancient | | | | used by people to show certain aspects of their |
| cultures from around the globe used them. | | | | personality. They have a sort of attraction and is |
| Tattooing in Japan is thought to go back to the | | | | liked by many people due to how they look |
| Paleolithic era, some ten thousand years ago. | | | | because they are very unique and personal. |
| American Indians used tats to help them in battle. | | | | Getting a tattoo can take several hours to just |
| Tribal tattoos might be the most popular form in | | | | minutes depending on the size and design chosen. |
| the world right now. Tribal tattoos are instantly | | | | Getting it can hurt, but the level of pain will vary |
| recognizable with their dramatic use of aggressive | | | | and after some time you will get used to it...this is |
| dark lines in jagged symmetrical shapes spread | | | | a big deal, especially because they're designed to |
| throughout the skin. They are most often done in | | | | be permanent. Getting one is something that |
| simple black and skin tones but they can also | | | | should not be taken lightly. Getting one is more |
| have color added to brighten the overall look. | | | | than browsing through flash books you should do |
| They can include Maori designs, Eskimo totems | | | | a little research so you get exactly what you |
| and Aztec sun clocks and so on. Tribal tattoos are | | | | wanted. |
| an age old practice that is performed today and | | | | |