Father’s Day & Shrooms
Read our blog about Father’s Day and tattoos. Tomorrow is our Friday the 13th Flash Event. We are participating in a global hiding mushrooms event.
Game of Shrooms
In 2019, an artist named Daniel “Attaboy” Seifert, created a scavenger hunt for everyone who loves mushrooms and art. It went viral (fungal?) and is now a global event. Artists create mushroom themed art, sculptures, paintings, etc. and hide them somewhere in the community. Art enthusiasts go look for it. This event was created to celebrate the unexpected surprises life can hand you.
Caroline, Koryn, Casey and Melanie created these adorable mushrooms for people to find. They will be giving clues on Instagram. The event is being held on Saturday, June 14th. If you would like to participate, click here for the map and more information.
Ink and Legacy: Celebrating Father’s Day Through Tattoos
Father’s Day is a time to honor the men who have shaped our lives with strength, guidance, love, and sacrifice. For many, the bond with a father—or father figure—runs deeper than words can express. That’s where tattoos come in: permanent, personal, and profoundly meaningful. More than just body art, Father’s Day tattoos tell stories of love, loss, legacy, and connection between generations.
Whether you’re a dad getting inked for your child, a child honoring their father, or someone paying tribute to a father figure who made a difference, tattoos have become a powerful way to commemorate that relationship.
Tattoos by Dads: Ink for the Kids
Fathers themselves often choose to celebrate their role through tattoos. Some opt for:
Names, birthdates, or footprints of their children
Portraits or cartoon versions of their kids
Artwork drawn by their children, turned into tattoo designs
Symbolic imagery—like a lion and cub, tree and sapling, or watchful eyes
Coordinates of the place where they became a dad
These tattoos reflect the pride, love, and fierce protectiveness that often define fatherhood. They’re more than decoration—they’re declarations of identity and commitment.
Photo by Devon Divine on Unsplash
Tattoos for Dad: Ink as Tribute
One of the most popular types of Father’s Day tattoos is a memorial or tribute tattoo—something that symbolizes a father’s personality, wisdom, or influence. These tattoos often include:
Portraits of fathers or grandfathers
Handwritten messages or signatures from old cards and letters
Favorite sayings or “Dad-isms”—phrases he was known for
Symbols of fatherhood, like tools, anchors, birds, watches, or vintage cars
Important dates like birth, passing, or Father’s Day itself
Religious or spiritual symbols that reflect his beliefs
For those who have lost a father, these tattoos serve as both grief rituals and enduring reminders that love doesn’t fade—it simply finds new forms.
Matching Tattoos: Bonding Through Ink
More and more families are celebrating Father’s Day with matching or complementary tattoos. A father and child might share:
A matching quote split across two tattoos
Shared symbols, like arrows, puzzle pieces, or compasses
Heartbeat or sound wave tattoos from a voice message or laugh
Numbers or Roman numerals meaningful to their relationship
Getting tattooed together can become a meaningful ritual in itself—a way to create a shared experience and a lifelong reminder of that bond.
Beyond Biology: Honoring Father Figures
Father’s Day isn’t just for biological dads. Stepfathers, mentors, grandfathers, uncles, coaches, and chosen family all play vital roles in shaping who we are. Tattoos can honor any father figure who’s offered love, support, and wisdom.
A tattoo in their honor might incorporate:
Military or profession-specific imagery (if they were in the service, a trade, or a specific field)
A meaningful quote they lived by
Shared hobbies or passions—from fishing rods to guitar picks to chess pieces
These tattoos are personal monuments to the men who showed up, stood by, and helped raise us into who we are today.
A Legacy Etched in Skin
Fatherhood, in all its forms, is a journey of heart, responsibility, and devotion. Tattoos offer a permanent way to mark the impact a father has had—or the pride someone feels in being one. They become visible, lasting legacies, passed down like stories etched in skin.
This Father’s Day, whether you're remembering a dad, celebrating one, or becoming one, consider how a tattoo can say what words sometimes can’t. After all, love—and ink—can last a lifetime.
Happy Father’s Day. Here’s to the dads who leave a mark that never fades.
Friday the 13th & Tattoos
We attended Asbury Pride Parade and had a great time! We raised $50 for Rainbow Railroad and plan on participating again next year with more items to raffle off! With our Friday the 13th Flash day coming up, lets dive into the history of the date and tattoos. The Asbury Tattoo Fest will be happening in July this year and 3 of our artists will be in attendance! Caroline, Koryn and Casey will all be there tattooing, so come get a tattoo, or just stop by and say “Hi!”
Lucky Ink: The History and Hype Behind Friday the 13th Tattoos
For most people, Friday the 13th brings to mind black cats, broken mirrors, and bad luck. But in the tattoo world, it’s a day of celebration, long lines, and cheap flash. Tattoo shops across the country open their doors to eager clients hoping to score a $13 tattoo (plus a mandatory lucky $7 tip, of course). But how did this quirky tradition start—and why has it become such a beloved ritual in the tattoo community?
Let’s dig into the origins, the symbolism, and the enduring popularity of Friday the 13th tattoos.
Where It All Began
The Friday the 13th tattoo tradition is widely credited to renowned tattooer Oliver Peck, co-owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, Texas. Peck began hosting Friday the 13th events in the mid-1990s as a nod to old-school tattooing and superstition. He offered small, pre-designed tattoos for just $13, and the event quickly became a hit.
What started as a fun gimmick soon evolved into a global tattoo phenomenon. Today, tattoo shops from Brooklyn to Berlin participate, with some even staying open for 24-hour marathons, slinging hundreds of tattoos in a single day.
Why 13? From Cursed to Cool
The number 13 has long been considered unlucky in Western culture—skipped on elevators, feared by gamblers, and associated with doom. But for tattooers and collectors, 13 represents the exact opposite: good luck, rebellion, and protection from evil.
In traditional tattooing, a “13” is a kind of talisman, often paired with skulls, black cats, coffins, or daggers. Sailors would get the number inked to ward off bad luck at sea. In modern times, tattooing 13 is like flipping the bird to fear itself—reclaiming the symbol as one of power and defiance.
What to Expect: Flash, Fast, and Fun
Friday the 13th tattoos are usually flash tattoos—small, pre-designed pieces meant to be done quickly and efficiently. They often feature black cats, coffins, skulls, the number 13, horseshoes, daggers, or spiders. Also, goofy or spooky themes like ghosts, tombstones, or “13” incorporated in creative ways.
These designs are intentionally simple, classic, and affordable—part of the tradition's appeal. It’s about getting something fun, impulsive, and tied to a specific moment in time.
Our Friday the 13th flash can be seen here!
More Than a Gimmick: A Rite of Passage
For many, a Friday the 13th tattoo is their first tattoo—a spontaneous decision made with friends, fueled by adrenaline and excitement. For seasoned collectors, it’s a fun addition to a growing patchwork of flash and a badge of loyalty to tattoo culture.
Tattooers often see Friday the 13th as a way to give back to their communities, offering accessible tattoos while showcasing their signature styles. It’s chaotic, sure—but also a celebration of the art form’s roots: fast, bold, and built on connection.
Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying) the Day
Arrive early – Popular shops can have lines down the block. We take appointments for flash day to keep the waiting to a minimum.
Bring cash – Many shops don’t take cards for flash events. We take cash and cards.
Be respectful – Tattooers are working hard, fast, and under pressure.
Tip well – That $13 deal doesn’t reflect the real value of their time and skill.
Know what you're getting – Flash means no changes, so pick something you’ll enjoy.
From Superstition to Subculture
Friday the 13th may be rooted in fear, but in the tattoo world, it’s flipped on its head. What was once a day to avoid has become one to look forward to—a chance to celebrate tattoo history, score a fun design, and participate in a tradition that turns superstition into style.
Whether you’re superstitious or just super into tattoos, Friday the 13th is a great reminder: sometimes the best memories (and ink) come from doing something a little spontaneous, a little weird, and a little bit magical.
Happy Friday the 13th—may your ink be lucky and your lines be short! 🖤
June will be Active
Between Pride and Juneteenth, Flag Day and Father’s Day, not to mention all the shop birthdays… June is going to be a very active month for us. Caroline will be at the Asbury Park Pride Parade manning the APT table and holding a silent auction of a blanket that Doreen made to benefit the Rainbow Railroad. Flash Day is a Friday the 13th flash day and you know what that means…client appreciation gift certificates!!! Brand new Friday the 13th Flash is coming next week! Everyone will be drawing a $31 sheet, a $50 sheet and a $100 sheet, arms and legs only. Happy Birthday to Doreen, Tom and Melanie!
Ink and Identity: How Tattoos Celebrate and Chronicle LGBTQ+ Pride
Throughout history, tattoos have been a powerful form of self-expression, rebellion, and solidarity. For the LGBTQ+ community, body art has long served as a deeply personal and political canvas—a place where pride, resistance, love, and identity are made visible and permanent. As Pride Month approaches, it’s worth celebrating how tattoos have not only mirrored the LGBTQ+ experience but have also helped shape queer visibility and culture.
A History of Hidden Symbols and Bold Statements
Long before rainbow flags adorned city streets in June, queer people used discreet symbols to identify one another and claim space in a hostile world. Tattoos played a part in this quiet communication. Some chose the Greek letter lambda, the pink triangle reclaimed from Nazi persecution, or the black triangle—once used to mark lesbians as "asocial"—as acts of quiet defiance and personal affirmation.
Over time, as the LGBTQ+ rights movement gained ground and visibility, tattoos became bolder and more colorful—literally and figuratively. The rise of Pride tattoos—rainbows, unicorns, slogans like “Love is Love,” or portraits of queer icons—coincided with a growing acceptance of queer identities in mainstream culture. What was once a covert signal became a proud proclamation.
Ink as Activism
Tattoos can also be tools of activism. A person might choose ink that honors the lives lost to AIDS, commemorates the Stonewall riots, or calls for trans rights. Some get tattoos to mark their coming out date, honor chosen family, or memorialize queer joy and resilience in a world that still offers too little of either.
During times of political backlash or anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, visible tattoos become acts of courage. A rainbow heart on a wrist or the phrase “Born This Way” across a shoulder blade can signal solidarity and serve as a public statement: I’m here. I’m proud. I’m not going back.
Art that Tells the Truth
Tattoos are more than decoration—they are declarations. For queer people, they tell stories of struggle and survival, of transformation and triumph. They mark heartbreak and healing, rebellion and rebirth.
As we celebrate Pride, we should also honor the artists and clients who use tattooing to write queer narratives on flesh. These images—etched in ink and lived in skin—remind us that pride isn’t just a month, a march, or a parade. It’s a lifelong journey, worn proudly, one line at a time.
Tattoo Shops as Queer Spaces
Tattooing has often flourished at society’s margins, making it a natural ally of queer culture. LGBTQ+ tattooers have carved out inclusive spaces that honor body diversity, respect pronouns, and center consent—often in contrast to more traditional or macho tattoo environments.
Queer-owned tattoo studios have become sanctuaries for self-expression, especially for trans and nonbinary clients. For many, getting tattooed is a form of gender affirmation: covering old scars, reclaiming one’s body, or aligning one’s exterior with internal truth. The tattoo process—collaborative, intimate, and body-focused—can be deeply empowering.
Whether it’s a minimalist rainbow or a full-back portrait of Marsha P. Johnson, every piece of body art tells a story. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, those stories are everything.
Happy Pride—and pass the stencil. 🌈
Ink and Honor
Flash Day is May 28th, check out the flash sheets and come get a tattoo! We are registered for the My Body My Choice Tattoo Flash Event this year! Come out and support women’s rights on July 26th. Asbury Pride Parade is June 1st. Caroline will be manning the APT table. Come out and say Hi! June 13th is our next flash event. Check out the flash sheets and get some gift certificates!
Ink and Honor: How Tattoos Keep the Spirit of Memorial Day Alive
Memorial Day is a time of reflection—a solemn pause in our fast-moving lives to honor the brave souls who gave everything in service to their country. For many, the last Monday in May is marked by ceremonies, flag displays, and visits to gravesites. But for others, the tribute runs even deeper—etched permanently into skin through the powerful art of tattooing.
Tattoos as Living Memorials
Tattoos have long served as personal symbols of identity, belief, and memory. For veterans, active service members, and grieving families, a memorial tattoo offers a deeply intimate way to carry the memory of a fallen loved one, unit, or experience.
Dog tags inked over hearts. Helmets resting on rifles. Dates and names shaded into forearms. Portraits of lost brothers and sisters in arms. These tattoos are more than art—they’re sacred space.
More Than Ink: Telling a Story Without Words
Each memorial tattoo tells a story. Some are stark and minimal—a set of coordinates, a single rank insignia, a date of loss. Others are richly detailed sleeves, incorporating flags, eagles, battlefield crosses, or military patches. What unites them is their weight: these tattoos carry grief, pride, love, and resilience in equal measure.
For many, they become a source of strength. A way to remember. A way to keep the names of the fallen spoken—even silently.
Tattooers Who Understand the Weight
Many tattoo artists—especially those from military backgrounds or who regularly work with veterans—approach these pieces with reverence. They know they aren’t just creating an image; they’re helping someone heal, honor, and carry a legacy.
In recent years, Memorial Day weekend has become a time when some shops offer special sessions or fundraisers, donating proceeds to veteran organizations or tattooing fallen soldiers’ names for free.
A Permanent Reminder in a Temporary World
Unlike social media posts or flags flown once a year, a memorial tattoo never fades from view. It moves with you. Ages with you. It stands as a quiet protest against forgetting.
And while Memorial Day comes only once a year, those who wear these tattoos carry remembrance every single day.
May Flowers & Discounts
We have a lot of events coming up…Pride, Friday the 13th, conventions, BBQs, beach days… remember your sunblock and remember to re-apply and re-apply, oh, and re-apply! Flash Day is the 28th, so check out the new flash and make your appointment! Brick homeowners have a great new reason to get that tattoo they’ve been putting off. Read below and find out why…
Get Money Back, 2 ways!!!
Radiant Energy Tattoo is now a participant in the Buy in Brick program. Present your Property Tax Card and receive 7.5% off your tattoo! We will submit your info and you will also get a discount on your property taxes! We have no idea how much, that’s not our business, but any amount off is great!
Brick township is trying to stimulate the local economy by giving incentives for Brick residents to buy in Brick (hence, the name of the program) and giving incentives for Brick businesses to stay in Brick. So get that tattoo you’ve putting off, present your card at the time of purchase and receive a discount on your tattoo now and a discount on your taxes later. It’s a win/win/win situation!
May Flowers & Tattoos: Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Get Inked with Nature’s Best
At our studio, we’ve noticed a beautiful trend: as the world blooms in May, so do our clients’ ideas for floral tattoos. And honestly, we’re here for it. Flowers are more than just pretty designs—they’re symbols of growth, strength, love, and transformation. Whether you're getting your first tattoo or adding to your collection, May is the perfect season to bring a little natural beauty to your skin.
Why Flowers?
Floral tattoos are timeless for a reason. Every bloom has a story. Roses are classic love symbols. Lilies can represent purity or remembrance. Peonies show off lush abundance and good fortune. Sunflowers? All about loyalty, energy, and light. Whatever speaks to you, chances are there’s a flower that fits—and we can design it to match your vibe.
Why May?
Spring is about renewal, and May is when it really comes to life. It’s the month of movement—of growth, of change, of stepping into the sun again. A lot of people use this time to mark a new chapter: healing, celebration, or just doing something for themselves. And a floral tattoo can capture all of that in a way that’s both meaningful and visually stunning.
Plus, let’s be real — spring is prime tattoo weather. You’re not bundled up in layers, your skin isn’t dry and cracking from the cold, and you’ve got time to heal before the summer sun really kicks in.
Photo by Brock Wegner on Unsplash
Custom Floral Ink: Your Way
We love creating one-of-a-kind floral pieces that reflect you. Maybe it’s a single wildflower to honor a loved one. Maybe it’s a bold bouquet sleeve to show off your strength and resilience. Whether you’re into fine line botanicals, bold traditional roses, or soft watercolor petals—we’ll work with your ideas and make sure the design blooms exactly how you imagined it.
A Few Ideas for May Floral Tattoos:
Birth Month Blooms – Each month has its own flower. For May, it’s the lily of the valley or hawthorn—both symbols of hope and protection.
Botanical Pairings – Add herbs or greenery like eucalyptus or lavender for added meaning.
Black and Grey or Full Color – Both styles have major impact. Let us help you choose what suits your skin tone and personal aesthetic.
Ready to Bloom?
If May has you feeling inspired, let’s talk. Whether you’ve got a fully-formed idea or just a Pinterest board of pretty petals, we’ll help bring it to life. Book a consult, swing by the studio, or shoot us a message—because just like flowers, tattoos can be soft and strong, bold and beautiful.
Let your story bloom this spring—one petal at a time.
Photo by GRAHAM MANSFIELD on Unsplash
Mother’s Day & Tattoos
May 10 is the Shore Saves fund raiser at Bar A from 12 - 4. Donate to help shelter animals and maybe win a Radiant Energy Gift Certificate! May 28th is Flash Day. The new flash is posted on the site and the socials.
Ink & Love: Celebrating Mother’s Day with Meaningful Tattoos
Mother’s Day is a time to honor the women who’ve shaped our lives with strength, tenderness and unconditional love. For many, flowers and cards are a lovely gesture, but for others that love runs skin deep. Tattoos have become a powerful, permanent way to celebrate motherhood whether it’s in tribute, memory or shared experience.
Tattoos as Tribute
From portraits to initials, birth flowers to meaningful dates, tattoos can honor a mother’s impact in deeply personal way. Many people choose to immortalize a mother’s handwriting, a favorite saying or even a childhood drawing. These tattoos serve as wearable memories and living alters to maternal love.
Matching & Generational Ink
Some mothers and children choose to get matching or complementary tattoos. From tiny hearts to shared mantras, these pieces symbolize a bond that transcends generations. For moms who embrace ink themselves, getting tattooed together can be a powerful rite of passage.
In Memory and Celebration
For those who’ve lost a mother, a tattoo can be part of the healing process, a subtle design, a favorite flower, or a symbolic image - like a bird, halo or heartbeat - can become a daily reminder that love doesn’t end with absence.
This Mother’s Day whether you’re celebrating your mom, honoring her memory or embracing your own journey through motherhood, a tattoo might be more than art, it might be legacy.
Photo by Melanie Rosillo Galvan on Unsplash
Beltane and Tattoos
Celebrate Beltane with a new tattoo, read the article below. May is EDS Awareness Month, so Caroline is sharing her insights with the world on social media. Flash Day is May 28th, next week the flash sheets will be updated. Rescue Pawloosa is at Bar A on May 10th, support your local pet rescue at this fundraiser!
Beltane & Tattoos: Celebrating Fire, Fertility, and Fresh Ink
As tattoo artists, we know the power of transformation—how intention, creativity, and a little pain can shape something beautiful and permanent. This energy aligns perfectly with Beltane, the ancient Celtic fire festival celebrated on May 1st, which marks the halfway point between spring and summer. It's a time of passion, fertility, and new beginnings—an ideal season to get a tattoo that means something more.
Why Beltane Matters
Beltane is all about life-force energy. Historically, it was celebrated with bonfires, flowers, dancing, and rituals to bless crops, animals, and relationships. It’s a celebration of growth, connection, and renewal—and for modern-day folks who still honor earth-based spirituality (or simply love the vibe of the season), it's a deeply symbolic time.
Ink Inspired by the Season
If you're thinking about getting a tattoo in May, Beltane can offer powerful inspiration. Here are some ideas that tap into the festival’s themes:
Flames & Fire: Symbolizing purification, passion, and transformation. Think glowing embers, stylized fire lines, or mythological creatures like phoenixes.
Photo by Georgiana Pop (Avram) on Unsplash
Floral Motifs: Hawthorn, mayflowers, and wild roses all bloom around this time and are tied to Beltane folklore. Perfect for those wanting delicate yet meaningful pieces.
The Green Man: A symbol of nature’s masculine energy and rebirth—often depicted with leaves, vines, and a wise, wild gaze.
Sacred Symbols: Spirals, suns, maypoles, and goddess sigils that represent life cycles, union, and creation.
Lovers’ Tattoos: Beltane celebrates union—romantic or otherwise. Matching tattoos, entwined figures, or shared sigils can commemorate a deep bond.
Make It a Ritual
Some of our clients like to treat their Beltane tattoo as more than just body art—it becomes part of a personal ritual. Whether it's bringing in herbs or oils that are meaningful to them, timing their appointment with the sunset, or dedicating the piece to a fresh start, Beltane adds a spiritual layer to the ink.
If you’re into that kind of thing, talk to your artist about how to bring that intention into the design. We're always happy to co-create something that resonates deeply—not just visually, but energetically.
Your Body is Your Canvas
Beltane is a reminder that life is blooming all around us—and within us. A tattoo at this time of year can be a bold celebration of who you are, what you’ve survived, or where you're going next. Whether you’re honoring love, growth, or transformation, we’d be honored to help mark the moment.
Got an idea burning in your mind? Let’s bring it to life.
Image by Mike Singleton from Pixabay
Earth Day & 10th Anniversary
As we rush from April in to May, there is a lot going on and coming up! Earth Day was April 22 and our 10th anniversary is May 3rd. Star Wars Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and May Flash Day is the 28th! This year we only have the time to jump into 1 of those. We will be having a IG Live Client Appreciation Party for our anniversary, see details below. Check back in a week or two for the new May Flash on the Flash page.
Ink for the Earth: How Tattoos Reflect Environmental Values on Earth Day
Every April 22, Earth Day reminds us to honor and protect the planet we call home. While many people celebrate with clean-up projects, tree plantings or sustainability pledges, others express their love for the environment in a more permanent way – through tattoos.
Tattoos have long been a canvas for personal beliefs and identity, and in recent years, Earth inspired ink has become a powerful symbol of environmental consciousness. Designs range from delicate botanicals and endangered species to entire ecosystems and climate justice messages. For many, these tattoos are more than beautiful artwork – they are lifelong commitments to sustainability and a visible declaration of values.
But celebrating Earth Day in the tattoo world doesn’t stop with the artwork itself. More artists are adopting eco-friendly practices in their studios:
o Plant based inks and cruelty free pigments are gaining popularity.
o Biodegradable razors, compostable ink caps, and recyclable PPE are replacing single use plastics.
o Studios are reducing waste and switching to non-toxic cleaning products.
Some tattooers even offer Earth Day flash specials where a portion of proceeds is donated to environmental charities, making the art not just meaningful, but impactful.
For tattoo enthusiasts and artists alike, Earth Day is a chance to reflect – not only on what we put on our bodies, but also on how our choices impact the planet. Whether you’re getting an image of your favorite tree, honoring an animal at risk, or simply supporting a green studio, tattoos can be a powerful way to wear your environmental heart on your sleeve – literally.
10th Anniversary Client Appreciation Party
On May 3rd at 1 pm, Caroline will be live on Instagram answering questions and telling stories about her 27 years tattooing and 10 years owning her own shop. Back in the 90s, not many women finished their apprenticeships, much less continued tattooing in such a male driven industry. She has gone to more conventions that you can count, both in the USA and over seas. She has appeared on Ink Master twice, Rivals and Redemption, and sits on the board of the APT, the industry trade organization.
So, tune in to the Live event to hear the answers to your burning questions and exciting stories from Ink Master and many conventions. If you have any questions, comments or want to hear about any of her experiences, email RadiantEnergyTattoo@gmail.com or comment on the social media posts advertising the Anniversary.
Easter Tattoos
Caroline, Casey and Melanie went to the New England Tattoo Expo and had a blast. Flash Day is coming up on April 23rd and Easter can be great inspo for a tattoo.
Ink and Resurrection: How Tattoos Can Reflect the Spirit of Easter
Easter, often seen as a celebration of resurrection, renewal and hope, may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about tattoos, but the two can connect in surprisingly meaningful ways.
Tattoos are deeply personal expressions and for many, they mark turning points, transformations, or tributes to faith. Just as Easter tells the story of death giving way to new life, a tattoo can symbolize a personal resurrection; healing after loss, emerging stronger from hardship, or embracing a new chapter.
Common Easter inspired tattoos include crosses, lilies, lambs or even scripture verses – each carrying a deep symbolism of sacrifice, purity and spiritual rebirth. Others might choose less direct symbols, like butterflies or blooming flowers, to represent transformation and renewal.
Even beyond religious meaning, Easter’s themes can speak to anyone who’s ever needed a reminder that after darkness, light always returns – and what better way to carry that reminder than inked on skin, close to the heart?
Photo by Brandon Morales on Unsplash
Passover Tattoos?
While Caroline, Casey and Melanie are in CT for the New England Tattoo Expo, the rest of the world is getting ready for Passover. Well, part of the world anyway, which begs the question…How does that relate to tattooing?
Flash Day is April 23rd, check out the new flash sheets here… https://www.myradiantenergy.net/flash-sheets
Plus tax day is coming up… Have you taken Caroline’s Tax Seminar?
“You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the Lord” – Leviticus 19:28
This is a passage that has been debated for years. Does it mean not to tattoo false idols or ancestors on your body for the purposes of worship? Or does it mean no tattoos at all, ever?
In ancient times, this passage became Jewish law to prevent the Israelites from following the religious practices of non-Jews and those of the nearby Baal tribe who were practicing ceremonial tattooing. For the last 1,000 years, it has meant “no tattoos at all, ever,” but there were 2,000 years where tattoos were not banned and between those 2 schools of thought, there was a time where it was seriously debated. So seriously in fact, that the debate continues today, butt consider this… Some archeologists suggest that there is evidence of Jews tattooing themselves without the intent of idol worship, but possibly fostering their Jewish identity.
The Torah was written in a timeless language for a reason, so that each generation could interpret it for themselves and build on the interpretations of the previous generation to further understand what God wants of them. So, in an attempt to become the most pious of Jews, past generations banned tattoos, but may have stunted the newer generation and prevented them from increasing piety and expressing their Jewish identities through body art. Can this further their own path of worship in a way that could be acceptable within the laws of the Torah? Just because a person tattoos an image on their body, it doesn’t mean they are idolizing it as more than what it is, a symbol, a reminder. Speaking of reminders, has the holocaust dampened the minds of recent generations to the point of continuing the ban? Is Gen Z too far removed to be bothered by that symbolism? It seems the debate is nowhere near over, but still going strong.
So, will we be seeing Jewish symbols and other Jewish tattoos becoming popular? What do you think?
https://tcjewfolk.com/2011/08/10/living-leviticus-tattoos/
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash