Tattooing has been getting popular among
the young population in Japan. There are various kinds of Tattoo such as
flowers, letters, animals and Chinese characters. Each design has a different
meaning; Butterflies symbolizes a metamorphosis,
beauty, rebirth and change. Cherries mean the fertility and desire. One popular
kind of Japanese traditional Tattoo is called Irezumi and it has a long history. It is considered that the design
of this clay dolls’ surface represents Irezumi,
which were created 500 B.C.E. In mid-Edo era around 1750, Irezumi was widely spreading its popularity in different occupations
and with different purposes. The express-messengers and firemen in this era
that were barely clothed and had Irezumi
on their back or arms to flaunt their strength and courage. Irezumi in this period can be seen in
the famous old pictures like Yankin
by Utagawa Kuniyoshi who is one of the most famous Ukiyoe painters.
One of the most popular designs at this
time and still now is the image of dragons. In Japan, there is a famous legend
about dragon: Long time ago a village was suffering from severe drought for
many months One day they got together and prayed for rain, and a huge dragon
showed up to the sky. It brought many clouds and made it rain. Since then,
dragon has been worshiped as a god. The image of dragon in tattoos symbolizes
authority, power and courage.
In Japan, Irezumi has been tabooed for a long time since it traditionally was
a symbol of outlaws called Yakuza. People
tattooed were not allowed to go swimming in public pools or enjoy hot springs
where tattoos were seen. This tradition still remains all over Japan but Irezumi has been carried from generation
to generation with high quality. The traditional hatred toward Irezumi added another meaning of dragon
tattoo, hidden strong will. People such as express-messengers and firemen back
in Edo era flaunted their power by showing their Irezumi. On the other hand, people
tattooed usually hide their tattoo. They endure the great pain when they get
tattooed and it cannot be showed off to people in public. The environment
surrounding Irezumi have sanctified Irezumi.
Recently tattooing is considered as a
kind of fashion; however each design has a meaning. So does dragon tattoo. Mostly
people tend to have tattooed dragon on their whole back. It shows the dynamism
and uplifting feeling. The face of dragon comes on the center and its body is
balanced on both sides. It symbolizes that they reveal they have power or courage
or confidence. It also indicates that they have protection on their back by
having dragon tattoo. Right arm to breast are another popular part of having
dragon tattoo. The dragon opens its mouth and shows fangs being ready to fight.
The head come to just on top of the breast. It represents that dragon protects
person’s heart from enemies or bales. In addition to that, having tattoo close
to the heart shows the closeness, intimacy, partnership, and trust with
tattooed dragon. Irezumi have enabled
people to possess religious belief in their bodies as visualized image. Tattooing
has been tabooed in Japan for a long time; however, that fact nurtured
tattooing as worship.
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