Posts Tagged ‘Diverse’
Artistic body painting makes a very generous use of a whole range of tree tattoo models, particularly due to the rich symbolism of the representations. First and foremost, any culture has its myths and stories related to particular trees: think of the importance of the cherry trees in the Japanese culture or the way Buddha reached enlightenment under the branches of the Bodhi tree. A tree tattoo is most commonly related to rejuvenation and regeneration, as trees have always reminded one of the life cycle. After the barren and desolate winter months there comes the warmth and sunshine of spring with the buds of leaves and flowers.
The Internet can give one pretty vast ideas about what a tree tattoo is usually like. Some models use several colors and intricate patterns, whereas others rely on the simplicity of curves and bi-color representations. There are certain organizations and brotherhoods that use a tree tattoo as a symbol of their program: environmentalists have often used such symbols during campaigns for saving one nature corner or another. Thus, a temporary or permanent tree tattoo was created on a visible spot on one’s body so as to give strength to the message and get attention more easily.
In Asia, a tree tattoo would indicate one’s personal quest for the fulfillment of the being and the finding of sacredness. According to Scandinavian mythology, a tree tattoo would be a mere representation of the axis mundi, the tree that stands in the center of the universe with branches reaching to all the dimensions of the visible and the invisible worlds. Furthermore, if we were to judge by the mysticism of the Celtic beliefs, a tree tattoo would be the connection with the spirit that inhabits the tree. The list of symbolic interpretations could go on and on depending on the culture we turn to.
Last but not least, it would be unfair not to mention the fact that many people who get a tree tattoo made, don’t have any form of symbolism in mind to justify their choice. The only criterion of selection for the tattoo model would thus be the aesthetic one. This is like “I’ll get a tree tattoo because it looks cool”. To a certain extent, the reasons that trigger body painting in the first place justify and reveal one’s personality, and regardless of the reasons that influence one choice or another, we are free to enjoy the experience as it is.
Did you know that the first temporary tattoos were found in bubble gum?
Though it is difficult to determine when the first temporary tattoo was printed, it is thought that they have been designed and manufactured since the turn of the 20th century. They were first used as prizes in bubble gum and later, in 1890, and the well into the 1900s, temporary tattoos were created and included in boxes of Cracker Jacks® snacks. These temporary tattoos were transferred from paper to the skin with the use of water. Cracker Jack® amazingly still includes the same style temporary tattoos as one of their “prize in every box” giveaways today.
Unfortunately, tattoos of the early 20th century were of poor quality and came off as soon as they were rubbed or got wet. My, have tattoos evolved! But before we get to the quality temporary tattoos that are available today, we have a few more decades to weed through.
Temporary tattoos as giveaways in conjunction with snacks or other toys remained the cornerstone of temporary tattoos usage for decades. In addition to snacks, television programs, sports teams and cartoon characters started to use temporary tattoos as promotional tools. For example, not only did sports card packs include chewing gum, beginning in the 1970s, many included temporary tattoos which are considered collectors items today. Smurfs, PeeWee’s Playhouse and the Bionic Woman were also card packs that included temporary tattoos, intended as a means to promote their television programs.
In 1980, temporary tattoos were created using different and exotic ink systems. 3M designed and developed a special coating called Micro-Fragrance® that made scratch-n-sniff technology possible. The temporary tattoo industry adopted the scratch-n-sniff concept and a few companies released scented tattoos.
Around this time advances in ink and screen printing were also developed. These advances made the tattoos last longer and look more realistic. As tattoos quality increased, so did demand. People began seeing temporary tattoos as a product that could last and could be used outside of inexpensive giveaways.
Enter the era of universal demand and consumption. Today, temporary tattoos are sold everywhere from vending machines to check-out counters at mass retailers to high-end boutiques. A tattoo exists for every demographic; Marvel superhero tattoos for young boys, glitter designs for girls, Ed Hardy temporary tattoos for trendy adults and clubbing designs for young people. Temporary tattoos have become a healthy activity for children and a must-have accessory for adults.
From bubble gum prizes to high-end accessory pieces, temporary tattoos have a diverse and rich history. They’re here to stay, that goes without saying. The question is, what will we see next?
Amber Golden serves as public relations specialist for Tattoo Manufacturing, the largest manufacturer of temporary tattoos in the world. Tattoo Manufacturing, located in Tucson, AZ, produces more than 6 million temporary tattoos a day. All of the company’s products are Made in the USA and only FDA certified colorants are used.