What do you know about tattoos?

[Silent_J]

I'm a freshman in college, I'm currently going through a period of change in Christ, and I've been thinking about getting a tattoo as an outward, physical sign of faith. I'm having trouble coming up with what I want, however, so would any of you care to help me understand:
The history and symbolism of the "Jesus" fish and IXOYE (lots of reasons I want a fish)
Tattoo placement and what it means (esp. inner wrist tattoos)
Traditional Australian tattoos (where I'm from)
Women and tattoos
Christianity and tattoos (I've always heard that it's wrong, but I never heard why, really)

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out on this stuff!

 

[Crispie]

I've always enjoyed simpler tattoos, but unfortunately I don't have much experience in this area. Have you come up with any ideas that you might act on?

 

[Silent_J]

As a matter of fact, I found a very tribal-looking IXOYE fish in blue/green online that I altered slightly, and I drew it on my left wrist. I don't have my camera cord here at college, but when I get it I'll post the pic

 

[shmody]

The history and symbolism of the "Jesus" fish and IXOYE (lots of reasons I want a fish)
Tattoo placement and what it means (esp. inner wrist tattoos)
Traditional Australian tattoos (where I'm from)
Women and tattoos
Christianity and tattoos (I've always heard that it's wrong, but I never heard why, really)

IXOYE or Ichthus, in Greek, means fish. Iota, Chi, Theta, Upsilon, and Sigma stands for the words Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior. The symbol of the fish was used as a nonverbal pronouncement of your faith in Jesus to other believers in a time when Christians were persecuted by Rome.

Most Christian anti-tattoo arguments point to Leviticus 19:28 – "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD." But the pro argument is that this verse talks about the pagan use of marking oneself in preparation for death and that the gist of the verse is that there is only one God.

As far as placement and meanings, I don't know anything other than the tramp stamp. Not sure if that's a uniquely American phrase or not, but it's when a female gets a tattoo in the small of her back that would fall below her shirt but above her pants.

And I don't know anything about traditional Australian tattoos.

 

[Crispie]

I look forward to a photo when you get a chance!

 

[johndale]

I hope you can share it with us here. I'm planning to have one too. I want something sacred and base on biblical matters.

 

[beardedone]

I've got 8 tattoos. All of them have to do with my faith. They are all on my arms/hands/wrists. I mostly went with those locations because they are visible. I never saw the point in getting a tat that wasn't visible. My only advice is to get something meaningful (which it sounds like you are doing) and make sure the place you get it is clean.

 

[forestfrolic]

Many Christians have tattoos. The placement does not matter. Lower back may be perceived as a 'tramp stamp', and near the eye sometimes refers to gangs or violence.. haha. But you should just decide first if you want it to be visible all the time. If not, go with back or upper arm (depending on the clothing you typically wear). If you don't mind it being visible all the time, maybe wrist or arm is better.