In the past, tattoo designs depend mainly on where you are located. The distinction is brought about by several factors, although the most obvious one is culture. For instance, groups in the Polynesian islands, some Asian indigenous peoples and American Indians still use tattoos as a rite of passage for hundreds of years. Tattooing is sometimes used in a few spiritual and religious rites even up to this day.
Another reason for getting tattoos is mainly for identification. In the past, an individual's social standing is known with the tattoo designs that she or he is displaying. More skin ink may mean that they are rich or titled. Men who had more tattoos in their face or body meant that they were the most handsome and brave person in the town.
Tattooing is used to brand people also - although this has a more negative connotation since farm animals are those which are usually branded. For instance, during the Holocaust, Jewish prisoners were tattooed in their concentration camps. Convicts in some jails nowadays are tattooed with numbers on their wrists or shoulders as well.
Another good example of tattoo designs for identification is used by fraternities, sororities or other groups of people. Sometimes, the process is used as an initiation to include one person in their secret group.
Tattoo designs for cosmetics is also very common with women nowadays - the older ones, at least. Note that these are simpler than the usual designs but are quite common. They use tattoo to darken their eyebrows, upper and lower eyelids so that they won't have to use eye make-up anymore.
Today, individuals get tattoos for mainly one reason - to be unique. Decorative tattoos are the rage nowadays. Although there are some who find choose safer, more common tattoo designs, others ask great artists to create specific, exceedingly special ones for them.
Although rock stars and rebels were once thought to be the only ones who get 'inked' in the past, several famous personalities get tattoos nowadays. Most men still prefer dark, simple designs like crosses or Chinese and Japanese characters. Women, on the other hand choose cute and colorful tattoo designs like butterflies and cartoon characters.
Whatever your specific preference is, it is best that you think about your tattoo very well. Note that tattoos are permanent, especially when you go for the more traditional ways of tattooing. Sure, there are several ways of removing it but beside its very expensive cost, you will be undergoing more pain in the process.
