What is Tattoo - The Definition ?
A tattoo is a form of body modification, made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment.
The Word - Tattoo
According to etymology of tattoo given The Oxford English Dictionary, "In 18th century tattaow, tattow. From Polynesian tatau. In Tahitian, tatu." The word tatau was introduced as a loan word into English. Its spelling was changed over time from "tattow" in late 18th century writing to the modern "tattoo" and its pronunciation was changed to conform to English phonology.
Tattoo phreaks may refer to tattoos as "ink", "skin art", "pieces", "tattoo art" ,"tats" or "work". to the creators as "tattoo artists", "tattooers", or "tattooists", and their work places are known as "tattoo shops", "tattoo studios", or "tattoo parlors".
Tattoo in India
In Northern India, permanent tattoos are called Godna and in Southern India, permanent tattoos are called Pachakutharathu. It was very common in South India especially in tamilnadu before 1980's. Tattoos have been used as cultural symbols among many tribal populations, as well as the caste-based Hindu population of India. Henna was used as a body-art dye, called Mehndi, in ancient India. It is still popular today in the Indian Subcontient, and its use now encompasses the entire Middle East and Northern Africa.
Indian Body Art : Mehandi
The primary focus of body art in India has always been on the women of the house. The traditional art of the Indian body is known as “Mehandi”. Mehandi is a blend of leaves of a plant by the name of “Henna” [scientifically known as “Lawsonia inermis”]. The leaves are powdered finely and are mixed in hot water as and when required. This paste is then applied on the particular area where the body art is desired.
Apart from India, Henna has been used in ritual, ceremony and celebration for many centuries in Morocco, throughout the Middle East and parts of North Africa. The various benefits of Henna have resulted in an increase in its usage, particularly in the last two centuries.
The application of Mehandi is quite simple. Once the Mehandi powder is mixed in hot water, you can apply it either using a brush [if the area of art is larger] or commonly is applied using a “Cone”, similar to the one used for Icing in Cakes. This usage of cones is particularly popular while applying Mehandi on hands / face. By using a cone, you can create a design of your choice with precision. This needs to be left on for approximately 1 – 2 hrs and is to be washed off. It leaves the applied area with a shade of dark orange or light red [depending on the leaf used and the duration of application].
Yet another advantage of the Indian body art technique “Mehandi” is that it only lasts for approximately 2- 3 weeks, after a month it is gone. These temporary types of 'Indian tattoos are particularly popular in marriage ceremonies. In a traditional Indian wedding, one would notice that all the women involved present themselves with their hands painted with Mehandi. A lot of people in India have taken this up as a profession. This is also a popular counter at fairs / exhibitions.
There are a lot of Indians who apply Mehandi / Henna to their hair, leaving their hair in a typical shade of light red. It’s also believed that Mehandi acts as natural conditioner for hair.
A tattoo is a form of body modification, made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment.
The Word - Tattoo
According to etymology of tattoo given The Oxford English Dictionary, "In 18th century tattaow, tattow. From Polynesian tatau. In Tahitian, tatu." The word tatau was introduced as a loan word into English. Its spelling was changed over time from "tattow" in late 18th century writing to the modern "tattoo" and its pronunciation was changed to conform to English phonology.
Tattoo phreaks may refer to tattoos as "ink", "skin art", "pieces", "tattoo art" ,"tats" or "work". to the creators as "tattoo artists", "tattooers", or "tattooists", and their work places are known as "tattoo shops", "tattoo studios", or "tattoo parlors".
Tattoo in India
In Northern India, permanent tattoos are called Godna and in Southern India, permanent tattoos are called Pachakutharathu. It was very common in South India especially in tamilnadu before 1980's. Tattoos have been used as cultural symbols among many tribal populations, as well as the caste-based Hindu population of India. Henna was used as a body-art dye, called Mehndi, in ancient India. It is still popular today in the Indian Subcontient, and its use now encompasses the entire Middle East and Northern Africa.
Indian Body Art : Mehandi
The primary focus of body art in India has always been on the women of the house. The traditional art of the Indian body is known as “Mehandi”. Mehandi is a blend of leaves of a plant by the name of “Henna” [scientifically known as “Lawsonia inermis”]. The leaves are powdered finely and are mixed in hot water as and when required. This paste is then applied on the particular area where the body art is desired.
Apart from India, Henna has been used in ritual, ceremony and celebration for many centuries in Morocco, throughout the Middle East and parts of North Africa. The various benefits of Henna have resulted in an increase in its usage, particularly in the last two centuries.
The application of Mehandi is quite simple. Once the Mehandi powder is mixed in hot water, you can apply it either using a brush [if the area of art is larger] or commonly is applied using a “Cone”, similar to the one used for Icing in Cakes. This usage of cones is particularly popular while applying Mehandi on hands / face. By using a cone, you can create a design of your choice with precision. This needs to be left on for approximately 1 – 2 hrs and is to be washed off. It leaves the applied area with a shade of dark orange or light red [depending on the leaf used and the duration of application].
Yet another advantage of the Indian body art technique “Mehandi” is that it only lasts for approximately 2- 3 weeks, after a month it is gone. These temporary types of 'Indian tattoos are particularly popular in marriage ceremonies. In a traditional Indian wedding, one would notice that all the women involved present themselves with their hands painted with Mehandi. A lot of people in India have taken this up as a profession. This is also a popular counter at fairs / exhibitions.
There are a lot of Indians who apply Mehandi / Henna to their hair, leaving their hair in a typical shade of light red. It’s also believed that Mehandi acts as natural conditioner for hair.
