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Tattoos From Around The World – Which Country Loves Them Most?
Hi there! Why am I talking about the most tattooed countries in the world?
Well, today, I am sharing a post that is a little different to what I usually post about.
I write about how moms can do things to be more productive, to simplify their lives.
Self-care is important for your well-being too. What I don’t see on many “mom blogs” are ways that moms express themselves.
Through music, painting and art for example. Living in Austria, I see many tattooed moms everyday.
There might be lots of these out there maybe I just have not found them yet.
The English word “tattoo” is a modification of the Tahitian “Tatu”.
Tattooing as a cultural statement is believed to have originated in Polynesia.
So what do you think about body art and tattoos? Something you like or do you say “absolutely not!”
Since this blog caters to modern mamas, I figure, this could be interesting .
Today, Brigitte Evans is sharing with us, the most tattooed countries in the world.
You might be surprised.
The Four Most Tattooed Countries In The World
Today we are taking you on a trip around the world. However, this won’t be one your run-of-the-mill travel articles.
No, today we are providing an insightful treat for all the tattoo lovers and admirers, showing you the tattoo preferences of people all across the globe.
We have chosen the four most tattooed countries to give you a glimpse of how people from different countries like their ink.
The body is living art. Your movement through time and space is art. A painter has brushes. You have your body. – Anna Halprin
Sweden (And The Scandinavian Countries)
This may or may not come as a shock, but Scandinavians are some of the most avid tattoo lovers in the world.
Not surprising that they are one of the most tattooed countries in the world.
Our infatuation and interest in Vikings may be gone, but it’s alive and well among Scandinavians.
That’s precisely why some of the most popular tattoos in these countries are Nordic texts.
Almost every single word of the ancient Northern European language now represents a Nordic myth, making these tattoos homages to the ancient Nordic gods.
The interesting thing about their tattoos is that they are quite abstract, and their meaning is usually connected to either gods, Vikings or sailing.
The patterns are commonly in the meaning of ‘the tiller’, ‘the compass’, or the strength to fight the natural obstacles and enemy, but one would never know this if it wasn’t clarified by a tattoo artist or wearer.
The United Kingdom
Apparently, right after the Scandinavian countries, the UK comes second in the ranking of most tattooed countries in the world.
However, unlike their northern neighbors, the British aren’t sticklers to tradition and they don’t have one particular ‘movement’ they like best.
They’re equally inclined to ink their body with hip tattoos, realistic tattoos, geometric shapes, colors, tiny symbols, book or song quotes – basically, they love all tattoos equally.
Still, this comes as no surprise, as this form of body art has been popular in Great Britain since the 19th century.
Even royals such as King Edward VII was covered in a number of traditional tattoos.
This form of body art was even encouraged by the British army.
It’s no wonder Brits love their ink – it’s basically a part of their culture as everyone from sailors to royals has had some sort of tattoo on their body.
Embrace and love your body it’s the most amazing thing you will ever own.
Australia
The relationship Aussies have with tattoos could be best described as ‘it’s complicated’.
They, as well as their neighboring New Zealanders love their ink.
New Zealand is home to some truly remarkable tattoo art.
If you look at the island’s Maori who still proudly wear traditional tattoos that are both immensely intricate and aesthetically pleasing.
Australians are not far behind, but there is something paradoxical going on in the land Down Under.
On the one hand, every seventh person in Australia sports some kind of ink on their body.
On the other, many of them seem to be regretting their decisions.
Perhaps they’ve gone too far and now look like the Diablo from Suicide Squad, and now many of them are turning to laser tattoo removal in Sydney and other cities across the country to bring their body back into its natural state.
We will see what the future holds, but for now, the ink removal professionals have their hands super-busy.
China
In terms of tattoos, the Chinese are truly self-contradictory.
Tattoos are commonly associated with criminals, vandals, gangs and hooligans.
In Chinese culture, the body is perceived as sacred – continuance of the bloodline and inking one’s body is therefore considered an offence to the family, a stain on both the body and tradition.
Despite this belief and longstanding tradition, an increasing number of Chinese, particularly the younger generation is inking their body with dragon and snake imagery.
These two creatures are believed to be protectors of both god and their ancestors, so these symbols hold a deeply spiritual and traditional meaning.
Were you surprised at what countries have the most tattooed people in the world?
Do you have any tattoos? If yes, do you love them or regret them?
If not, would you consider getting one?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Brigitte Evans is a Cosmetic Skin Care Consultant and a writer from Australia, with a sweet tooth for makeup and everything sparkly. When she is not drooling over the next big thing in the beauty industry, she reads mystery novels and makes plans for her next trip. She is the proud aunt of Sophie, age 2, who has rounded her Chanel lipstick, but she loves her anyway.
24 comments
I absolutely love tattoos and believe the ones I have are totally unique and judging by the comments I get about them many people think the same..from tattoo artists asking how they are actually done in the style I’ve got to people rubbing and trying to peel them off wondering if they are real!!!
Hi,
I have great tip. I found great tattoo artist that have the best tattoo artists in Europe.
I have 14 tattoos and I love them all.
Very interesting to read! Never even thought about what countries have are most “tattooed”! I know it’s a bit of a taboo in Japan (I’m traveling there at the end of the year)
What an interesting post.Who would have guessed.I am not inclined to tattoo my body at all !It’s good to know that there are options available for removal.
Australia surprised me to be on this list. I’ve always wanted to get one but have always been undecided about what to get so always chicken out lol
This is not something I had thought about but it is very interesting. I do not have a tattoo, nor would I get one but I do understand that they are a form of expression for many others!
I was not surprised by the UK and Australia but I was surprised by China! The most surprising of all was that King Edward VII had tattoos that is really crazy had no idea!
Very cool little post here. I’m not surprised that the UK and Australia are on the list, as I remember seeing a ton of tattooed individuals in both nations. I’m Canadian and have a few tattoos, but I’d be curious where we rank!
Oh the tattoos! I am always fascinated by them and the meanings people have behind their tattoos. I hope I can make myself agree to get one for myself someday, if only I can bear the pain of the process. I also have an image in my mind but what a shame I don’t have to courage to get it done, yet! 😀
I love seeing people with very minimal tattoo. But I really hate to have mine.
You hate your tattoo? How come?
I love seeing people with very minimal tattoo. But I really hate to have mine.
I’m surprised by the countries. I grew up in Hawaii where practically everyone I knew had a tatoo, so it’s no biggie to me. Although, I have had people from other places comment on why everyone had tatoos…lol.
I did not know China was among the most tattooed countries in the world. You learn something new everyday. Anyways, I do like tattoos especially dainty tattoos.
This is something new i learned today. I was not surprised with the first three countries but China? I mean, they are so conservative it would have been a super duper secret (especially for girls) to get inked. Thanks for sharing this post.
I have to be honest that I didn’t know ANY of these countries were on this list! I would thought America would have been on there. I am shocked.
What an interesting post.I did not realise that tattoos were so popular as body art. Sadly I am not a fan of tattoos but that does not mean that I object to others having them, I think it is all about personal choice.
what an interesting read about tattoos. I know next to nothing about the subject. Its interesting to see that tattooing is common among all these countries.
so not the typical modern mum look. Lovely tattoo art
This is a great post! Because the modern mummies dont always wear sweat pants anymore! They wear tattos! I dont have one myself but have always wanted to ink my daughters name Mirabelle on my ring finger. Perhaps I should do that…if I can get over the fear of pain. I am a bit suprise that China made it on the list!
Yes, modern mommys are awesome. I actually have one on my back, which no one can see unless in summer at the pool. It is a lotus flower. I want to get one small one somewhere, because I always said when I have my child, I will get their name or birthday tattooed. Or something beautiful that symbolizes my love for him. Don’t worry about the pain, once they get going, you will hardly feel it.
🙂
I had no idea that tattoos are so common in those countries, particularly China. Not that I’m complaining- I have always liked tattoos and am getting my first next year!
Hi Natalie, have you decided yet what you are getting?