Tattoos are worn by people of all types and from all social classes. They are no longer simply the mark of outlaw or anti-social behavior. Those negative associations are rapidly fading and people are beginning to acknowledge that tattooing has been a part of society for ages.

Tattoos have a very deep history and have been steeped in culture for thousands of years. They have taken varying roles of significance with respect to tradition and ritual. They have been used to mark rites of passage and to symbolize clans and tribes. In some societies they were used to as a way to denote who carried what skills. More spiritual cultures used them to ward off illness and disease.

Research has indicated that some of the earliest tattoos were used in ancient Egypt at the time of the the construction of the pyramids. They are were used there to mark the peasants and slaves. It is likely however that they were used even earlier this.

Beyond Egypt, the ritual of tattoo went on to China and from there on to Greece. Here it was used as a means of communication among spies. The Japanese discovered tattoos and used them in religious ceremonies. Unfortunately at this time, infection from tattoos was very common. The strict sterilization procedures that are in place today did not exist then.

While initially very popular with outlaw biker gangs to denote affiliate, tattoos exploded with popularity among Americans in the late 1960s. In fact it is estimated that nearly fifty percent of all Americans have at least one and they are no longer limited to the biker crowd.

Everyday people are getting a tattoo as a form of self expression and to tell to the world something about themselves. Some are designed to mark a special occasion, while others pay tribute to a loved one. The choices are limitless. The Web has made browsing design ideas even easier with several thriving online tattoo communities. Here artists and fans alike share inspiration and swap pictures. If you are undecided this will certainly give you plenty to consider.