Origins of Tattoos

Origins-
Tattoos are said to be found first on the skin of the Iceman, a mummified human body that dated back to around 3300 BC. They were also found on Egyptian and Nubian mummies dated from about 2000 BC. They have been associated with the Greeks, ancient Germans, Gauls, Thracians and ancient Britons. Tattoos became popular with the Europeans and their explorations brought them into contact with the Polynesians and American Indians. The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word tattau, which means to mark. In the 18th and 19th centuries tattooed Indians and Polynesians drew crowds at circuses and fairs displaying their tattooed bodys. Tattooing has been discouraged or forbidden by most Christian churches throughout history. A passage in Leviticus reads: "Ye shall not make any cuttings on your flesh for the
dead nor print any marks upon you." (19:28) This has generally been interpreted as a prohibition of tattooing, and cited as biblical authority to support the church's position. But other historical records and biblical passages seem to indicate that religious tattooing was common among ancient Jews and some Christian sects. Moses was thought to have tattoos as well as Jesus. No one of course knows for sure. When I received my first tattoo, I remember my parents sent me the above scripture from Leviticus. I do not believe God will send me to hell for decorating my body with art. Sure if I had decorated my body with alot of satanic symbols, I might run that risk... but my tattoos aren't like that. They are a expression of who I am and my likes and interest. It is known that over 50% of people who get a tattoo, regret it later. That is one thing I stress to anyone who wants to get one. Don't do it for fad or on a dare or while under any chemical influence. Do it as a form of art. Get one that says something about you. If you choose to get a tattoo, get one that you can live with. Get one that you won't be embarrassed by when you are 90 years old and in a nursing home.