| Are tattoos only for punks and sailors? I should say | | | | with a special tattoo. |
| not! Certainly, in the recent past of Western | | | | As you can see, at various times in human history, |
| civilization, only the less reputable segments of | | | | tattoos have served an honorable function. Today, |
| society bore tattoos. But this has not always been | | | | discrete tattoo designs like the celtic cross and |
| the case in history. For example, in 300 B.C. Egypt, | | | | Sanskrit tattoo designs are making a comeback. You |
| tattoos were made to promote fertility. Early | | | | can see Sanskrit tattoo designs in popular culture - |
| Japanese civilization, in 300 B.C., also sported religious | | | | Jessica Alba has a "padma" or lotus tattoo on her |
| tattoos. For the last 5000 years, Indian and Arab | | | | right inner wrist; Alyssa Milano has an "om" tattoo on |
| women have used temporary tattoos and body art | | | | her wrist. Many young women today have lower |
| for bridal make-up. In 6th century AD, veteran | | | | back tattoos, often a small heart or flower. |
| Roman soldiers who served in Britain were honored | | | | |