The Origin of Old School Tattoos
Tattoos have been in existence since Neolithic times. In 1991, the remains of "Otzi, the iceman" (a mummy from 3,300 B.C.) was found in the Ötztal Alps, near the border between Austria and Italy . The mummy bore 57 tattoos. Among them were numerous small parallel lines along the lumbar, legs and the ankles. We now think that this was done for the treatment of arthritis.
Tattooing has also been featured prominently in one of the Four Classic Novels in Chinese literature. Henna and Mehndi were popular in ancient India and ancient Egypt and still remain popular today in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and North Africa. Tattooing in the Philippines is a tribal form of rank and accomplishment. Some tribes believe that tattoos possess magical qualities.
During the gradual process of Christianization in Europe, tattoos were often considered remaining elements of paganism and were generally prohibited under law. In the classic Greek period, tattooing was only common among slaves. In Japan, the art of getting tattoos is also ancient; dating back to 10,000 B.C. Traditional Samoan tattooing is quite painful and lengthy and is an ordeal that even today is not lightly undertaken.
In the 18th century, Captain James Cook sailed to Polynesia in the South Pacific. When Cook and his men returned to Europe, they spoke of the 'tattooed savages' that they had encountered. Cook introduced the word "tattoo" to the English language. The Tahitian word, "tatau" is the origin of the English word "Tattoo".
The upper classes all over Europe sported body tattoos in the 19th century. In Britain, it was whispered that Queen Victoria had a small tattoo in a very private location of her body. Denmark's king Frederick had tattoos and even Winston Churchill had an anchor tattooed on his forearm.
In America, the tattoo became quite popular during World War II. Returning soldiers and sailors wanted souvenirs to show off their worldly exploits to their family and friends. Popular designs include Navy and other armed forces symbols, anchors, daggers, pin up girls, mermaids, roses, hearts, and swallow and sparrow tattoos. These Western traditional design style tattoos, or old school tattoos feature bright red and green colors with little or no shading. Yellow, blue, purple and brown colors were rarely used in the designs. Each design had symbolism behind it. For example, the tattoo symbol of love is the both the rose and the heart.
Today, Old School Tattoos are enjoying a worldwide resurgence of popularity. Historical evidence shows us that elements of old school tattoos have been in existence throughout most of the world's history. The timeless designs and patterns of the Old School Tattoos have been around since prehistoric times and remain attractive to us even today.
Old School Tattoo Designs - What Do You Need to Know?
FAMILIARITY
People who have been inked with old school tattoos have them for lots of reasons. For some, they reaffirm a symbol of contentment (e.g. their family, friends or job). Therefore, there is a sense of familiarity and security from such tattoos. For other people, the marking demonstrates that they are part of a particular group.
The majority of the old school tattoo designs are bright, fun and colorful. Because of this, lots of people wear them because they are good fun.
IRONY AND THE HERE AND NOW
At the present time, many people who decide to have old school tattoos do so in an ironic fashion. However, this need not always be the case. Being inked with a traditional tattoo on your lower back is a great way of combining then and now - the design may be traditional, but the place on the body pulls the design up to date.
NOSTALGIA
Old school designs also carry with them nostalgia. Maybe the wearer had favorite novels or tv shows growing up which introduced them to a individual with a specific tattoo; perhaps the wearer wishes to link themselves with a specific faction or period from history.
BIRDS
Tattoos of birds are becoming more popular now. There has been a move towards more tribal symbols over recent years, but birds provide a rich source for ideas. They can be located in the middle of your lower back facing forwards if you would prefer a mirror-image tattoo design, or placed slightly off-centre to show a magnificent plunge; it is up to you to fiddle with the ideas to decide on one you are passionate about. A flying eagle demonstrates vigour and valour, and a blue swallow signifies a homecoming and life.
THE SEVEN SEAS
Nautical designs are popular. They include anchors, stars and mermaids, to reference just a few. Anchors are a brilliant inclusion due to their curved aspect. In addition, it is possible to have initials (preferably yours in the event of relationship-breakdown!) included in the tattoo design. In addition, stars are brilliant, as they can be in any format to trace the roundness of your lower back. A mermaid is perfect way of emphasizing your femininity, and exploiting the long hair of the mermaid to enclose the base of your back.
A TOUCH OF DEATH
There are also heaps of macabre tattoos you might want to consider. The most extreme would be the bare skull. It symbolizes danger and death. Maybe you could include some ribbons to make it more fun? Also, the grim-reaper is becoming popular, though there is no reason to not personalize that one too. In addition, there are the normal dagger and barbed-wire designs. Paradoxically, a tattoo design which incorporates barbed wire would be perfect for your lower back given the curved nature of the wire.
A SPOT OF LOVE
Adoration is a popular design used in tattoos, whether of the heart itself or someone's name or of a petal. Good luck is symbolized through a horseshoe.
A RICH SOURCE OF IDEAS
There are heaps of old school tattoo designs around, so take a fair bit of time to research and decide which ones you are drawn to, then maybe consider whether you want to alter it to make it ideal for yourself.