It does not take a genius for one to realize that tattoos are
becoming indelible in our society today. People from all walks of life
are getting themselves inked for various reasons. For some, the reasons
are merely skin-deep: to increase their "level of sexiness" up a few
notches, to identify themselves with a group of tattooed individuals, or
to exercise their freedom and be cool. But for some, it involves a
deeper, religious meaning.
Religious tattoos are quite common
nowadays. We see cross tattoos or religious symbols and images being
sported by different individuals around. And, in all truthfulness, a few
of these individuals do not fit into the bill of what a religious
person should be. But one question remains: Is tattooing of religious
symbols recognized as a religious act? It would depend on which
religious sector you belong to, and on what your religious beliefs are.
The
advent of religious tattoos dates back to the pre-biblical era when the
art of tattooing was widely practiced by the pagans as a means of
worship until it was forbidden when Constantine became the emperor of
Rome. According to Leviticus 19:28: "You shall not make any cuttings in
your flesh for the dead; neither shall you make in yourselves any
figures or marks. I am the Lord." This then became the basis for
Christians to shun tattooing.
Islam tradition forbids any bodily
alterations made as a way to enhance physical beauty, and this includes
body tattoos. Generally, the Muslim culture also considers tattoos
unacceptable; as well as traditional Jews. However, maybe due to the
changing of the times, this body art is now slowly being accepted by
these religious sectors, though not as a religious act.
But in
some Asian cultures, having religious tattoos is traditional practice.
It is common custom for Buddhist monks to wear tattoos that are believed
to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, and therefore serve as an
amulet. In Hindu religion, tattooing is also common practice as part of
their culture. For the Egyptians, religious tattoos such as The Eye Of
Horus also serves as protection from evil spirits, to bring good luck,
and to gain entry into after-life.
In recent times, religious
tattoos seem to be just that: a skin-deep image of a once-revered
symbol. The Ankh, Ichthus, the Sacred Heart and the Crucifix of the
Christians; the Star of David, Menorah, and Allah symbols of the Islams;
the Eye of Horus, Yin Yang, Dharma, and other religious symbols for
different religious sectors are seen worn by people who do not practice
the religion.
But it is also fairly common for a person to show
his devotion by having something of religious importance etched on his
body even on this day and age. So the question of whether religious
tattoos are taboo or not lies on the personal belief of the wearer. It
is no longer dictated by society but by how one chose to show his
spirituality. Tattoos, like religion, have become a personal thing.
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