The first apparent criminal to be tattooed dates back to the bible, where Cain is branded a criminal before being exiled. It is not definitive in history when tattoos became common ground in Russian prisons but researchers first started to notice its prominence in the early 1920’s. More then simply body modification their tattoos proclaim a mini biography of the bearer, right from their pre-incarceration background to their rank within the subculture and social system of the prison.
Prison is crime college, where criminals learn better techniques from better criminals. Russians prison population is among the largest in the world so it is no wonder there is such a strong social standard amongst so many people. The tattoos they bear are not for decoration or simple body modification. Often bluish in colour from “jail house” tattoo guns, they often lack true definition due to the lack of proper tools. They are painful to endure but the only way to exist within the confines of prison. They are used by inmates to show they will never conform. It shows that they may be imprisoned, but they still hold strong their contempt for the system that holds them and the political system that runs it.
Prison tattoos relay to the outside world the true language of the society that dwells behind the walls. Though the inmates have all but lost themselves from the outside world, they are very much alive within the prison. They hold ranks and social standings and display them proudly as permanent badges upon their bodies, just as a soldier wheres his rank upon his uniform. Some common tattoos to find is that of barbed wire which indicates a lifer or a skull displaying that man is a murderer. They retain their individuality though they no longer exist to the outside world. Though their stories may have been forgotten to those in regular society their stories are forever told in the ink they wear.
For many prisoners it is all they have left. To some to die without a story upon your body is to have never existed. Though it seems strange to those outside that society it is almost life or death within the walls of Russian prisons. Russian prison tattoos have been around for ages, and show no sign of decreasing anytime soon. The culture has taken hold and is born into the criminals from the day they walk through the gates.
Henna tattoos have been increasing in popularity over the last few years as a result of more artists and performers sporting the new in thing. With a mixture of paste and creativity you can now have a piece of art that takes about 6 weeks to fade instead of the lifelong masterpieces of traditional tattoos.
The ink or paste for henna tattoos come from the mendhi, a plant that is grown mostly in middle eastern and North African countries. The leaves are removed form the plant and ground into a powder to use for the ink. It leaves an orange staining upon the skin, much like the ink of a tattoo. After around 24 hours the ink dries and darkens to a reddish brown then begins its fading process, which can take about 6 weeks to complete. Henna tattoos have been around for thousands of years and now thanks to many modern performers is gaining its popularity in North America and Europe.
The true beginning of henna tattoos lies with Buddest and other Indian women who used to decorate their feet and palms of their hands with the dye from the Laksa tress. Henna was introduced by Muslims and quickly replaced the use of Laksa. Henna spread though Eastern Europe in the 16th century when it was being used as decoration for weddings and other ceremonies by females. In current times it is still a frequent tradition in middle eastern countries for weddings. This always the husbands female relatives to get to know his new bride by partaking in a full day of rituals and application of henna tattoos.
There are 4 traditional styles to henna tattoos. Middle Eastern traditional henna usually entailed floral design inspired by paintings and other designs. North American tattoos are usually more related to accenting the shape of the hands and the feet with the use of flowers. Indian and Pakistani tattoos typically extended past the hands and feet to create the illusion of stockings or gloves. They are made of repetitive lines and patterns and incorporate teardrops into them. Lastly, are the Indonesian designs which incorporate both the Middle Eastern and Indian styles and patterns. The often have blocks of colours on the fingers and toes as well.
Henna tattoos are great for those looking for a less permanent tattoo option. One of the only limitations to these are that they are in the colour orange, but unlike traditional ink and needle tattoos they are not life long. They only last about 6 weeks at which point you can choose a new design. This is also a great option for someone looking for a permanent tattoo to “try out” the permanent design of choosing.
Although all tattoos bear some significance or other to the bearer, flower tattoos hold special meanings in themselves. With more and more women getting tattoos, it is no wonder that flower designs are becoming evermore popular. Since flowers come in a wide array of colours and styles and meanings, the make an easier choice for someone wanting something original, while remaining mainstream. The most beneficial part of flower tattoos is you can personalize it to mean what you want by choosing your flower and your colourations.
Overall, many people associate flowers with life. We can view their life cycles everyday all around us, from the beginning of growth to the wilting and eventual dying of the blossoms. When we view a flower we envision life. Born of nature, they continue to mature on a day to day basis, forever reminding us that like all other things we are not immortal. As the flower does die, so shall we.
The colouration you choose can mean many things, whether individualized to you or on a more global scale. White is often seen as a symbol of innocence and purity. Clean and crisp just like a fresh snowfall. Red is seen as a burning passion or desire, it can be looked upon as the colour of love or the colour of rage.
Roses of course are th most common flower, followed by the lotus. Roses like the colour red symbolize love and passion. Roses are viewed as a romantic flower, which is why it is very common to send your loved one roses on Valentines Day and other holidays. In western civilizations roses are seen as love and purity whereas in eastern civilizations it is the lotus flower that represents this. A lotus tattoo also holds further meaning. It is meant to impart the bearer with fortune, peace and beauty. Tulips are another popular choice, symbolizing passion and expertise at being a lover. Violets are for the timid and tame girl. The shy girl who takes her time and maintains control. For those of Irish descent the Acacia flower is a popular choice, otherwise known as the Bells of Ireland, they symbolize friendship and love. Those seeking to display virtue and wisdom may choose an Iris. Or a women may chose a Magnolia to symbolize a love of nature.
As you can see the choices are as wide and beautiful as all the flowers in the world. Depending on your cultural background and heritage along with your personal individualized choice, you can find the perfect flower tattoo with the perfect meaning for you.