What your tatto means to you.

[brian]

people get tattoos for many different reasons. My question is what does your tattoo mean to you and why did you get it?

[JD LaRish]

well, thank you again.

[Erin]

exactly right. :)

[Gordon B.]

The two dogs are Celtic protector spirits and shapeshifters. It's a symbol of the fact that I'm safe here, that someone's looking after me.

[Dachi]

I'm with you and J.D. and go with the pretty pictures thinking.
I also like to try being philosophical about my ink but often find myself in the shallow end of that pool. Uh, I just like ink. Some of mine are significant but I wouldn't try to explain it outside this forum or to someone in a plain wrapper. I find that with tattoos, the old axiom, "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand" pretty much holds true.
What I really enjoy however, is making up stories of depth and meaning for the pigmentally challenged who assume from watching TV that ALL tattoos require relevance to a major (or even traumatic) life event.
Because,"why else would someone do that to themselves?"
For example, "My nautical star is to commemorate my dog, Sirius, who saved 2 children, 4 kittens and a duck from a barn before it was struck by a meteorite."

Shit, reading this back makes me realize that I discriminate against the non-tattooed, does that make me an "inkist" ? A "colorist" ? No , that's a hair technician. I told you I was at the shallow end of the philosophical pool.

[TS]

Yeah, mine are mostly all pretty flowers. At the time of inking I always liked to attach some significance to the moment but in the end they are just images I've always loved (and now you may del. my ancient post on that other discussion re. the deep inner meaning about becoming heavily inked).

[Julz]

The three chinese characters & lotus flowers in the center of my back are to remind me never to lose myself (again) and the Fire Dragon & Fire Snake are a represention my husband & I.