Tattoos Explained by Netflix

As a person who has multiple tattoos,  has aspirations of getting more and knows people personally in the industry I've always wondered about the history, but never looked that deep into it. In the Netflix Series "Explained", an episode sheds light on the history of tattoos. Fifty years ago tattoos were very rare and still today in some places they are looked down upon, like in China and Japan where they are banned in certain areas.

Where it all started
The word tattoo originated from the Tahitian word tattow. The europeans discovered the art of tattooing while exploring islands in the Pacific Ocean. They eventually tried to eradicate it to more easily colonize the islands, but the art was recorded and is used today still. The markings were originally used for coming of age, symbols of membership to a group or spiritual power. What we call tribal tattoos today came from the islands where tattooing originated. The geometrical symbols used in this style of tattooing can be viewed as an address sometimes because the symbols or specific to certain regions and their plants or animals. 

Traditional Japanese
Tattoos in Japan were originally used to mark criminals. After criminals were released they started to cover up those markings with decorative designs. The stigma that outlaws were very tattooed sparked the creation of an artists series of pictures showing outlaws heavily tattooed. Their whole body would be covered in an elaborate design depicting a story. These artworks popularized tattoos in Japan and started the traditional Japanese tattoo designs we see today. Traditional Japanese designs can take years to complete and tell one cohesive story on a person's body. Tattoos in Japan are legal, but still associated with criminals. 

Traditional American
Tattoos in America started with sailors. When they were away at sea they would get tattoos that would mark the places they've been too, how far they have traveled and different memories or achievements. Flash design also started in America and tattoos were very nautical themed. Tattoos also became popular in the circus. There would be circus attractions of people completely covered in tattoos, which helped spread tattooing through the country side. 

The 1970s and 80s really sparked the popularity of tattoos. In the 70s more women began getting tattooed which helped make it more acceptable and in the 80s with the help of MTV tattoos became more visible on 'cool' people like musicians. Tattooing wasn't only associated with outlaws now and became more acceptable as an act of expression. Social media has also helped sky rocket the popularity of tattoos. 

People view tattoos as an act of self creation and sharing things about themselves without having to verbally explain them. This is a huge reason why I have multiple tattoos and plan on getting more. I love decorating my body with artwork and it has become a huge part of who I am and the people I surround myself with. It was very interesting to learn some back story of the style of tattoos I have on my body and where it all originated from.