TATTOOS have played an important role in history. Members of tribes during the pre-colonial period got tattoos as a symbol of strength, beauty, even victories won, and their status in the community. Through the course of history, tattoos were allegorical. As centuries passed, modern society has forgotten the importance of pure art and what history has taught us about tattoos.
Our knowledge in culture and history will always bring us back to art. Our beliefs and values have been carried forward today because of our ancestors, who creatively combined imagination and vivid art. Filipinos, before the colonization of the Spaniards, used their own bodies that served as living canvasses for the appreciation of bravery and beauty that lie under the works of art of needles and ink.
Whether you’re rewarding yourself or it’s just plain interest in art or permanence, or you admire our history’s tattooing culture, getting a tattoo today is totally different due to stereotypes. It may or may not be the biggest decision in your life. Some say it’s a huge commitment while others say it’s not really a big deal.
When you first flirt with the idea of getting yourself inked, you may have planned it to be very special. It does take a lot of time to think whether or not you really need it or want it. Thoughts of regretting it years later, when your skin stretches or when your skin ages, sometimes spoil the idea of getting one.
From researching designs, to asking the approval of your family members and peers or your boyfriend or girlfriend, to choosing your tattoo artist, getting inked for the first time is indeed a step that entails a lot of preparation and consideration. Here are the stories behind some Cebuanas’ first tattoo. Who knows, reading them may lead you to your nearest tattoo shop! *wink*
Lorraine, 19.
Lorraine got her first tattoo when she was 18.
“My first tattoo is a baybayin that spelled laban. I needed to be reminded of it every day and I needed for the word to be permanently on me through whatever state in life I’m in. The tattoo idea just stuck to me and I weighed the decision for a couple of months. I think the stereotyping is stupid. People are so diverse with the reasons why they got inked. To dull the rick tattoo culture into just one stereotype is vapid.”
Claire, 21.
Claire was first inked at the age of 20.
“My first is the word live with two flowers at the end. It’s my one word mantra and a long-term task on my to-do list. I’ve reminded myself to live everyday even if I didn’t want to. I wrote it in notebooks, made it my wallpaper on my phone and occasionally write it on my wrist for 2 years. Getting a small tattoo wasn’t a tough decision to make. It already means something to me and I wanted to put it where I can see it every day as a reminder.”
When asked about the stereotypes of tattoo, she has this to say: “Tattoo stereotyping is hard to erase completely because a part of our Filipino colonial culture is conservative. But it would be nice if most of us, if not all, respect each other’s decisions on what they do with their body.”
Melissa, 19.
Melissa got her tattoos at the age of 18.
“I got my first tattoo when I was at my lowest point. I was depressed in life and with my math grades. I ditched my final exam and I got my tattoo. That was so spontaneous. It says “all will pass.” I wanted something permanent in my body and placed somewhere where I can always see it, just to remind me whenever I feel stuck in a situation or in a feeling that everything will just pass. My other tattoo is about my love for the beach and the sun. I want it in my body to remind me that there’s a safe place for me out there,” she shared. Melissa believes that people have their own different reasons in getting a tattoo but for her, it’s a beautiful reminder.
Isa, 19.
At the age of 19, Isa got her first tattoo to remind herself of the beauty in chaos. She shared, “I got it at a time when I needed a reminder of why there’s always beauty in life that is worth holding on to. And you gotta lift it up for the world to see. I wanted a permanent reminder; I guess that’s why I chose it. My tattoo artist’s name was Boots. His hands work masterpieces. Amazing, amazing guy. I will forever recommend him.”
Isa wanted to get inked at the age of 14. Ever since, she believed that tattoos are extensions of a person. “I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, whenever I see my tattoo, there’s sheer pride that comes from within me. It’s like a recharging gizmo that lights you up whenever you’re down,” she said. And when asked about the stereotypes, she has this to say: ‘Tattoo is art, not whatever the fuss is with tattoo-is-for-the-inmates-and-or-drug-addicts.”
Indeed, people are different, from their ideas on and reasons for getting inked. Deeply rooted in history, for sure, this centuries-old art will never fade.