`Har tattoo kuch kehta hai'!

A lunchtime revelation caught me off-guard one day. A colleague, someone I would categorize as a 'black personality' in the Censydiam framework – organized, disciplined, and controlled – expressed her desire to get a tattoo. This announcement came as a surprise. My belief, somewhat biased was that tattoos were chosen by individuals more open to new experiences, creative and advocates for non-conformity. Intrigued, I decided to dig deeper into the world of tattoos, conversing with people across age groups who had chosen to embrace this form of art.

My journey started with a Gen Z ?who had three intricate and large tattoos, each representing an important milestone in her life. It was like marking chapters in the book of her life with beautifully illustrated bookmarks. Then there was a newlywed couple, who had pledged eternal love by engraving each other's names on their arms. The father who had his children's names etched on his skin, as if to carry a part of them wherever he went, was another poignant example.

Tattoos, I realized, were more than just body art. They are personal manifestos, declarations of independence, and assertions of self-ownership. They allow people to express their values and identity without words, their permanence lending them a depth beyond the transient nature of clothes or accessories.

Furthermore, tattoos are profoundly personal, often forming part of an intense journey of self-discovery. Choosing a tattoo involves a meticulous process of contemplation and decision-making, selecting a symbol that resonates with the individual on a deep, personal level. It is a decision which one cannot regret and needs to be lived with lifelong, and hence many times there is significant time which passes between the thought and the action.

While the tattoo's design and placement make it visible to the outside world, the symbolism it carries often remains a guarded secret. I noticed a sense of hesitation among some people when asked to discuss their tattoos and their significance. Perhaps, each glance at their tattoo served as a reminder of a distinctive memory, be it positive or negative, gave a boost and provided them the impetus to live life on their own terms.

Interestingly, the appeal of tattoos transcends socio-economic boundaries. I was surprised when my housemaid requested an advance on her salary to get a new tattoo. She already had a vibrant bunch of flowers on one arm and wanted a matching one on the other. To her, these tattoos represented beauty, freedom, and innocence. In a society where women are often denied a voice or identity beyond familial roles, her tattoo was an assertion of her individuality, a testament to her personal experiences and aspirations.

Historically, tattoos have held a significant place in Indian culture, especially among tribal communities. The Konyak men in Northeast India, for example, sported tattoos that signified their prowess in battle. In some Dravidian communities in South India, tattoos served as identifiers of occupation or social status. In rural India, tattoos, or 'Godna,' are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric. Women in the Baiga and Bhil tribes, for instance, wear intricate tattoos as symbols of maturity and eligibility for marriage. Some use tattoos as identifiers of their tribal lineage or occupation, while others wear them as protective talismans or marks of religious devotion. (Source: Wikipedia)

Tattoos, whether they serve as markers of personal milestones, expressions of self-identity, or reflections of cultural heritage, carry profound meanings for their bearers. They are a testament to the rich tapestry of human experiences and cultural diversity. As I learned from my colleague's surprising revelation, the world of tattoos is as complex and varied as the people who choose to wear them.