Tattoo is a decorative or symbolic design or art marked over the body. Tattoo is usually placed permanently under the skin.The history of tattoos can be traced back to both primitive and historic culture as far back as before the birth of Christ. For these cultures, tattoos signified importance or power and were generally reserved for religious figures in their community.

In India, temporary tattoo is famous as a 'Mehendi' or Henna tattoo. Even the early Christians used tattoos as symbols of acknowledgment until 787 AD when the church edict forbade them.

An interesting example of this has been found at the back of a man on the slopes of the Alps. He was buried there 5000 years ago. He was fouind to have tattoos on his body! Some people think that tattooing was done for medicinal purposes. The pigments used in tattooing may have been a certain type of berry known to have some curative and healing effects for different ailments.

The word tattoo traces its origin to the Tahitian tatu or tatau which means mark or strike. Tattoo is one of those art forms which are very popular all over the world. In some countries tattoo art has been in fashion for thousands of years whereas in some other tattoo is a new art adaptation.

Modern tattooing evolved from the early days of Chatham square in New York City. It was Charlie Wagner who opened a supply business with Lew Alberts and began early tattoo flash art. Tattoos became a popular cosmetic surgery at this time, adding blush, colored lips and eyeliner. The tattooing culture hit an all time low in 1961 when an outbreak of hepatitis sent the industry into a downward spiral. The media began reporting stories of hepatitis and other diseases, based on most tattoo shops having the equipment to sterilize their tools, but very few shops using them.

Today tattoo art form is hugely popular throughout the world in general and the US and Europe in particular. Tattoos are as popular and safe as they ever have been. Its a new form of self-expression and often also considered as a fashion statement.The craze of tattoo is so great that celebrities from all walks of life have been sporting fancy tattoos over their bodies. The tattoo mania spans across sports stars, rock stars and film stars. All these celebrities take pride in flaunting their tattoos. And only time will tell how far this thing will go!