Spiritual reasons for tattoos

It's interesting:
"I would like to say that I have a lot of admiration for Linda. She met Paul during his ‘colt’ years, and has dealt with most of his flaws. She’s a beautiful lady, and an even more gorgeous bride. I hope Paul realizes just how lucky he is. But I still don’t know how he got her to say yes because all she seems to say now is “No! Paul, no!”"

Tattoos have been controversial for years among religious followers. While some religious people consider them sacrilege and a defacement of the body, spiritual tattoos have existed for centuries as a way to express religious beliefs. While there is a common thread of faith and identity found in these tattoo-seekers, there are many personal and cultural reasons for choosing a spiritual tattoo design.

1. Celebration of Faith

   • Spiritual tattoos continue to be popular choices in tattoo shops. Many people who get tattoos for the first time request a spiritual design. One common reason people choose spiritual tattoos is that they serve as an outward reflection of their spiritual and religious beliefs. These tattoos symbolize their commitment to their beliefs and serve as constant reminders of their faith.

   Bestowing of Blessings

   • In some religious cultures, tattoos are a form of blessing. At the annual Wat Bang Phra tattoo festival in Thailand, for example, Buddhist devotees gather at a monastery for the sacred art of Yantra tattooing or Sak Yant. In Buddhist culture, a yantra tattoo casts out demons and protects the person receiving the tattoo from harm. Visitors to the temple often choose animal designs so that the tattoo will imbue them with the strength and protection of that animal.

   Exoticism

   • While many people choose tattoos that symbolize their own spiritual beliefs, others choose symbols that are exotic and less familiar to them. In modern culture, it is often people from Judeo-Christian backgrounds who choose tattoo designs symbolizing non-western religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism. Some tattoo-seekers find themselves attracted to the simplistic or artistic style of symbols such as a Yin Yang or Buddha. Other people may be exploring new religions and seeking a change in both spirituality and symbols. There are also those who seek exotic tattoos because they are trendy, but they don't place spiritual meaning on the symbols.

   Death and the Afterlife

   • Spiritual tattoos also have an association with death. In the 11th Century, Christian crusaders wore cross tattoos on their hands to signify their religion and that they wanted a Christian burial. Ancient Native American tribes such as the Sioux believed that they must have a tattoo for their spirit to be granted passage into the afterlife. Aztecs believed that the spirit of one's tattoo would live on to guide lost souls. The Maori tribes of New Zealand believed tribal tattoos would make them recognizable to spirits in the afterlife.

Source: www.ehow.com

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