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Tattoos meant a lot in history.

The reasons for getting tattoos vary immensely. And that’s not new at all. Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. However, getting tattoos pure for aesthetic reasons is a ratter recent trend. And fortunately, the method of tattooing has evolved quite a bit.

Tattoos are very personal. Some people get tattoos of the name of their loved ones, to show off their favourite sports team and to display something deep and meaningful. But even today, marks of religion, social status and tribal identification are mentioned as the main reason for getting a tattoo.

In Ancient Egypt, women would sometimes tattoo a small web on their belly when they became pregnant. As the baby grew inside them, the web would stretch, symbolically protecting the child in the womb. Tribal communities would often use tattoos to adorn a warrior and display his accomplishments. In some tribal societies, women tattooed themselves in order to appear more attractive to the opposite sex.

And after the American Revolutionary War, sailors found that tattoos made an excellent identifying mark should they be imprisoned by the British, or should their bodies be found dead at sea. High society, however, did not adorn itself with permanent ink for many more years.

Through history, for women the tattoos have been often more subtle and symbolic. There are many animals and amulets that have a hidden meaning, and women wear those symbols close to their heart.