A military tattoo is a common mark which members of military branches use to identify themselves. The tattoo can serve several purposes; it can function as a sign of initiation for new recruits of certain brigades, or as a badge of commitment to fellow troops. It may seem like a tattoo is an odd way to do this, but these tattoos carry a lot of meaning to those who wear them.

The United States Navy has the longest and richest military tattoo tradition. The anchor symbol has become one of the most easily recognizable tattoos in the world. The sailors introduced the practice of tattooing to the other military branches in the early 1900’s when they would return from voyages that had literally taken them around the world. As the sailors traveled to distant places and saw that the art of tattooing was alive and well, they began to create tattoos that represented who they were as a group.

The Army soon noticed the practices of the Navy. Many Army tattoos currently utilize some variation of the American Flag. Whether the flag is integrated into an eagle’s wing or into the shape of a heart, the red, white and blue usually plays a prominent role. Another theme commonly found in a military tattoo, particularly in the Army, is that of the POW-MIA theme. These tattoos pay homage to the prisoners of war who are missing in action.

The United States Marine Corps has it own versions of the military tattoo. Though not as wildly popular in this branch of the service as in the Navy and Army, the Marines still have a long history of tattooing within certain regiments and brigades. One of the most popular Marine Corps tattoos is of a bulldog.  Marines are typically the first strike in a United States Military campaign, and they pride themselves on toughness, tenacity, and stubbornness. The bulldog is a perfect symbol for what they represent.

Those who serve in the Air Force typically sport tattoos with wings incorporated in them. Pilots may include numbers or details of a certain fighter. The history of Air Force tattoos is still being written, but as the practice of tattooing becomes more popular, it is growing within the ranks.

When people stand together in war, they develop a bond that is stronger than the common ties of friendship that most of us are familiar with. As they complete their term of military service, a new tattoo can help to solidify those bonds. The military tattoo functions as a reminder each time they see it, of the soldiers that they fought with, and laughed with, and others that died along the way.

A flower tattoo is a common theme for women. A flower tattoo can be unique, colorful and can add an element of beauty to a woman’s body. Each of these factors contributes to the overwhelming majority of women who choose to get a flower for their new tattoo. There are many different color variations in tattoo ink, so the possibilities are endless.

Women typically prefer the flower tattoo since the flower is a decidedly feminine image. There are several different ways that the flower can be integrated into other tattoos, or it can stand alone as a striking and meaningful tattoo. The ability to have the tattoo colored in exactly the way that you want really gives those who want a flower tattoo the opportunity to express their individuality and personal tastes.

A flower tattoo is easily incorporated into other popular designs. A skilled tattoo artist can successfully work a detailed flower into virtually any other style of tattoo. A tribal tattoo design can be well complemented by the addition of a flower. Even memorial tattoos are often done around the centerpiece of a flower.

A flower tattoo also provides many opportunities for people to make a statement about who they are. Some may decide that they want to tattoo the flower of their birth month on themselves, while others may choose to tattoo the flowers that they carried in their wedding bouquet. Every girl has a favorite flower, and some choose to have those tattooed just to make a statement about who they are and what they like. Since originality is important to many who choose to get tattoos, a flower is a great option since there is such a wide range of possibilities.

Recently, back tattoos have become very popular amongst women. A flower or a floral design is ideal to put on your lower back. A flower in this location can bring an air of femininity and can make a girl feel like she has something pretty on her back. Many women state that they have a better self-image of their body when they have something pretty like a flower tattooed on it.

Regardless of where you have it, the flower tattoo will remain one of the most common tattoos. It is timeless, socially acceptable, and beautiful. Many women who get flower tattoos get them as their first. Once they get comfortable with the idea of a tattoo and they see the positive reactions that come from their flower tattoo, they become a little bolder with the designs and subject matter of their future tattoos. The flower tattoo can be a great introductory tattoo and serves as a stepping-stone for many people.