Tree Tattoo: Understanding The Decorative And Spiritual Purposes Of Tattoos
Ancient records tell us that tattoos have been around since the Neolithic times. A mummy called Otzi the Iceman which was found in the Otz valley of the Alps was said to have about 57 tattoos in different parts of the body. According to scientists, Otzi the Iceman was from the third millennium BC which means that even at that time, people were already wearing tattoos. The designs of ancient tattoos are not really as elaborate as those fashionable tree tattoos that we often see around the country today.
Unlike the elaborate tree tattoos that many people have today, the tattoos on Otzi the Iceman only consist of simple lines and dots. However, given the fact that people in the olden times value tattoos both for its decorative and spiritual uses, the simple lines and dots on Otzi the Iceman's body probably means several things to the people at that time. Note that in the olden times, tattoos are considered as marks of status and rank. People with higher status often have more tattoos on their skins compared to those of lower rank. Moreover, warriors who have done some brave deeds often sport more tattoos on their bodies as a sign of their bravery.
Spiritual Meaning Of Tree Tattoos
Different cultures often give different spiritual meanings to their tattoo designs. For instance, the tree tattoo in some culture could be divinity or high status in society. The meaning of the tree tattoo is often linked to the mythical tree of life which is said to grant eternal youth and power. According to ancient beliefs, anybody who drinks the sap of the tree of life will live forever and will reign supreme. Even in our modern times, there are still a lot of people who believes in the legend of the tree of life. Of course there is no evidence of truth to this story but a lot of people believed in it thus tree tattoos were quite popular even until now.
Since the tree tattoo is considered as sacred in many cultures, only those people of noble birth are allowed to wear the tree tattoo in the ancient times. Slaves and those of lower ranks are forbidden to paint their bodies with the tree tattoo. If a slave is caught drawing a tree tattoo on his or her skin, he or she will be punished according to the culture of his or place. In most cases, the penalty for using the sign of divinity such as the tree tattoo is death.
