What did President Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill's mother have in common? They both had tattoos. While Jennie Churchill's tattoo was allegedly covered for the sake of reputation, and Teddy Roosevelt's was simply in a location which was not readily visible, this information caused a stir amongst many of their day as well as modern-day history buffs. President Roosevelt's daughter Alice also had a tattoo which was in a concealed location. Neither Mrs. Churchill's nor President Roosevelt's artwork, however, lent itself to gaining a sense of respectability amongst the average citizens. Even when such notable figures possessed tattoos, they were still considered to be socially unacceptable for most people.
Going as far back as any studies have been on the subject, it is claimed that the "Ice Man" who lived some 3300 years B.C., had some form of tattoos. Upon discovering the remains, researchers have been able to do little but guess that this most primitive form of tattoo was for the purpose of warding off evil spirits, or that it may have been some type of rite-of-passage. Combined on his spine and behind one knee and on one ankle, the Ice Man had approximately fifty-seven tattoos. While it is impossible to do more than speculate as to the actual reason for them, it certainly shows that tattoos are not unique to current eras nor to the people in the modern-day world. As the Ice Man was the oldest mummified human remains found in Europe, today's tattoo fans have history on their side-- there's nothing "modern" about tattoos.
In the distant past, tattoos were connected to an entirely different nature than they have been during the last few decades. There was nothing notorious or rebellious about them. It used to be that tattoos were reserved for those of high social standing, and were not available to average people. Tattoos were only available to-- and a sign of-- those who were wealthy, important, and usually in some high position of government or royalty. Sweden's King Oscar had tattoos; so did England's King George the fifth. In that era, tattoos were a status symbol.
In other time-periods, tattoos also served specific purposes. Going the furthest back in American history, many Native American tribes utilized the practice of tattoos; it was primarily for the purpose of showing one's connection to one's specific tribe. For the Polynesians, tattooing was a method of relating family history; each individual person had his own individual tattoos to show the story of his family. Some of the earliest explorers on the American continent have been said to have acquired this practice from the Polynesians' forms of tattoos.
Two of the oldest Egyptian mummies were discovered to have had tattoos. These tattoos, which have only been found on female mummies, consist of patterns of lines, dots and dashes. As the women themselves were connected to ritualistic practices, it is assumed that the tattoos they had in common were in some way representative of that fact. It is only speculation on the parts of the researchers, of course, based on their knowledge of the lifestyles of that period in time.
Although Oriental symbols are quite popular for tattoos in America, it is not widely known that both the Japanese and Chinese cultures have held a strong opposition to the practice of tattooing throughout history. With both societal and religious viewpoints agreeing that tattooing is something which should not be done, it is still considered to be a means of contaminating one's body. For the ancient Chinese, tattooing was used as a punishment for criminal activity, putting such visible marks on a person to forever brand him as a criminal.
We've all heard stories of people getting a communicable disease from an infected needle at a tattoo shop. People have been reported for becoming very sick from unsanitary tattoo parlor practice. Many people get tattoos every day; however the news only reports those incidents that go wrong.
So how can we know what are the real potential effects of getting a tattoo? We do some research. Talk to the tattoo artist about your concerns. Make sure the parlor you are going too practices sanitary measures, sterilizes equipment and uses new needles for each and every customer.
The CDC, or Center for Disease Control reports that if cleanliness and sanitation are maintained, then the transmission of communicable diseases isn't likely to be widespread. Many specialists have determined that commercial tattoo parlors are quite safe but prison tattoos are where the problems are occurred. Another problem is encountered with amateurs and those who do their own tattoos.
The Food and Drug Administration has said that the colored ink used in tattoos technically isn't legal as it hasn't been approved by them for use. However, problems have not been reported with the colored inks aside from minor cases.
One type of minor case may include a reaction to the ink. These theoretically can occur in anyone with any tattoo, but does occur more with the colored ink. Delayed reactions are possible and may not happen right away. Some dyes in the ink are created with cosmetics and other chemicals that are not approved for being injected into the skin, creating a reaction.
Infections at the tattoo site are rare but do happen. Tattoo parlors that are unclean and do not practice good sanitation measures are reported to have the highest incidents of reported infections. The FDA does not regular tattoo shops so it's easy for these places to get away with these practices.
Because of unsanitary shops, the APT, or Alliance for Professional Tattooists formed in 1992. Membership isn't required but is encouraged among tattoo artists. Seminars are provided throughout the year for continuing education for the tattooists. Sanitary measures are regulated and encouraged to members of APT. Tattoo parlors that can prove membership are more likely to have a reduced risk for tattoo site infection.
Hepatitis C is a scare to many who are considering a tattoo. This is a disease carried through the blood and is transmitted through infected needles. Tattoo shops that reuse needles put the customer at a higher risk. These are become few and far between, however as most parlors today use disposable or single use needles.
Overall, tattoos are relatively safe. As mentioned before, we only hear about the bad news on television when someone has contracted a disease or infection for a poorly taken care of tattoo facility. If the parlor practices proper sanitary measures, risks are diminished. All equipment should be sterilized between each customer. Needles should be used once before disposing of them. General cleanliness of the facility itself is always a key aspect to watch for as well.
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