What DU students should know about tattoos before going abroad

Tattooing is an old and beautiful form of art, developed from many histories from all over the world. Americans love their tattoos, and Denver, Colorado is no different.

At the University of Denver, the students reflect their individualistic identities through the art and music scene of the city – and even display it proudly on their skin. Junior year, many students have the opportunity to go abroad. Collecting tattoos from places traveled is an old tradition started by sailors and can be seen today when folks return from an international study with new ink.

Depending on where a student chooses to go, tattoo culture varies from different continents, countries, and cultures, as their histories and traditions are vastly different than those of the States.

Tattooed mummies have been found in 49 locations around the world, dating back to 2100 BC in western China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In these times, tattoos could have been used as medical treatment, as identification, or as a branding in wartime conflicts. Gender and religious affiliations can also be present, which is important to know when getting a modern tattoo in these places. Sometimes the designs still represent their historic uses – and is relevant information before getting it on your skin permanently.

Choosing to study abroad in Asia will – expectedly – have a vastly different tattoo culture than in Europe or Africa.

In Samoa, tattooing is an integral part of their cultural traditions. These tattoos are given by hand, taught and passed down from generation to generation, and represent one’s role in society. There are ceremonies held during the tattooing process in celebration and honor. In this culture, tattoos are revered, but exclusive. A tourist could not participate in their sacred tattoo methods, despite their acceptance and authenticity.

Tattoos are stigmatized in Japan because the collectivist culture sees tattoos as a sign of rebellion or individualism. Tourists can be banned from hot springs, public baths, pools, gyms, and traditional inns and hotels for having inked skin. This is because ancient Japan used tattoos for criminal activity (Yakuza) or as punishment, so there is a strong association of ink with organized crime and gang activity.

However, there are two tattoo cultures – Western and Yakuza – and the impact of Westernization has influenced the acceptance of tattoos among younger generations and the influx of foreigners for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While tattoos are legal here, this culture has the strictest regulations of any culture in the world. Traveling here with tattoos may result in stigmatism from people and denial of entry.

Collecting tattooed mementos from one’s international abroad travels are a precious and permanent souvenir, and should be treated as such. Whether DU students are studying in an open tattoo culture or a strict one, it’s essential to know the history of the culture, what the renowned tattoo designs are (and what they mean), as well as the regulations of the country.