Tattoo Meaning Development in America

There are many forms of human expression, and ink is a very common one. Cultures around the world have different forms of body art, and it is estimated that one in seven people in North America has at least one tattoo, creating by different tattoo machines. For many of us, however, the history of tattoo art — and the word “tattoo” itself — is more mysterious. While tattooing is an ancient practice dating back thousands of years, the word has foreign roots and only entered the English language a few centuries ago. Today, we will explore the different meanings of tattoos throughout the history of American civilization

For thousands of years, humans have used tattoos to mark their bodies. These permanent designs — sometimes simple, sometimes elaborate, but always personal — are used for a variety of purposes such as talismans, status symbols, and more.

Early American tattoo wearers were mostly sailors and soldiers. So usually these tattoos are patriotic, with nautical themes, swallows and more. As we all know, every time sailors go to sea, it means taking great risks. Therefore, these sailors get some nautical patterns on their bodies to pray that their journey to sea will go well and that they will return safely. Likewise, swallow tattoos have the same meaning for sailors since swallows represent returning home. Every sailor and soldier wandering abroad has a heart of homesickness all the time.

For story telling

In the early 20th century, tattoos became a prominent stroke in the circus. The first person to become famous for displaying tattoos in a circus show was James F. O’Connel. James O’Connel’s parents came from circuses, and he began his career sailing for different companies around the world. Until 1830, when James O’Connel’s ship ran aground and sank and was captured by the Pohnpei natives, young women tattooed him against his will as part of the ceremony. He remained on the island for about five years, leaving Pohnpei for New York in 1835. In that case, he returned to America with a story and tattoos to prove it, the performer spent the next 20 years displaying his tattoos across the Eastern United States while recounting his adventures to audiences. In addition, he has performed frequently at such institutions as Dan Rice’s Circus and Barnum’s American Museum.

So the road of showing tattoos and telling stories in the circus slowly opened in the United States. Many of the performers went on to become tattooed stars of the show, such as Nora Hildebrandt, the first tattooed woman to earn a living from tattooing. Famous for performing at Barnum and Bailey Circus in New York.

Represent religious belief

The researchers found that religious tattoos were more often designed to be seen by the wearer. For example, the wearer will get a tattoo on their forearm that is written or oriented in a way that only they can see. In addition to declaring identity, religious tattoos appear to be a reminder of identity, a way for individuals to encourage themselves to think about their identity, perhaps to consider acting in accordance with their religion and beliefs.

Meanwhile, religious tattoo preferences also varied by gender. Men prefer larger tattoos on more prominent places like upper arms. Religious tattoos on women tend to be smaller and in less prominent places like wrists, feet etc.

Criminal sign

In West Coast gang culture (USA), a tattoo may signify that the wearer has killed someone, and in some of these circles the meaning of the tattoo may change: an empty outline signifies an attempted murder by the wearer or the death of a gang member or friend. For example, the famous teardrop tattoo represents that the wearer has spent time in prison.

Postwar symbol of masculinity

After World War II, tattoos quickly became a statement of masculinity. Ink became an important part of veterans and became closely associated with a masculine image of the military. During the post-war economic boom, many companies like Marlboro adopted this image in their advertising campaigns. This image clearly represents America’s pride in the American military.

Trendy art of self-identity

As more and more people use permanent art to express themselves, the prejudice against tattoos is slowly becoming less. Nowadays, an increasing number of people choose tattoos to express themselves. Some tattoo symbols or names that have special meaning to themselves as a souvenir, and some tattoo their favorite patterns on their bodies to show their individuality. Tattoos are no longer restricted to the style of rules and regulations, nor are they subject to secular vision and prejudice. Everyone’s body is unique and everyone has the right to do anything with their body.