What do you think the main reason is for people getting tattoos?

I can only give you an explanation behind my own. Every tattoo I get and have is symbolic of a spiritual and carnal plain and phase in my life. They represent where I've been, where I am, and who helped me there. None of them can be seen in public because I keep them well covered...really they are reminders for me, and symbols that keep me remembering there is a time for everything, and everything has its phase.

By the way, I'm actually really glad you asked this question. =)

It USED to be symbolic of what "group" or status you wanted to be associated with. That made sense to me - permanently inking images and names on your body "because it's cool", is so ridiculous, I can't find the words to describe what I'm thinking. As for ME, I am an artist and designer, my tattoos are symbolic of my spiritual beliefs. They all are covered unless I'm in a bathing suit - they weren't meant for the public to see. I had my first one inked 38 years ago - as for "macho" - don't dare say that to my face. It's best you DON'T assume about why "people" do anything - the odds you will be wrong are tremendous.

I can definitely relate. So far I only have one tattoo and that is symbolic of my initial spiritual guide. She's kinda stepped out of the way to make room for another teacher who is also guiding me quite well. As I learn what I must from each teacher a symbol of them or their lesson goes on me as it resounds within me. It just feels like a deeper sense of grattitude and accomplishment to have it on me.
As for the rest of the twenty somethins out there that are getting tattoos just because...I've thought on my tattoo for years, when you get something permanently inked on you, you carry it whether you want to or not. I don't regret my current tattoo and I won't regret my next because I know WHAT they mean to me, not just how they LOOK to me.

Some have meanings.

it's a statement or a memory. Something personal. If you have tattoo's to be macho or cool you're a dumb ass. And if you think that's the reason people get them you need to get some actual opinions instead of judging

some people just love body art ... that's my reason

I was about 4 years old when I saw a tattoo, on a mans forearm. I though it was the greatest thing I ever saw. When I was 18, a friend put one on my shoulder, it was covered
with a bouquet of roses, on my other shoulder I have a single rose with out the stem.
Have a good one !

Everyone has their reasons.

to look cool and tough

I'm that without them....

No.. not really.

yes,yes really.....

Oh, that is why YOU got them?

boring!!!!!!!!!!

ALL THREE!!! I am never getting one and I never wanted one.

for a lot of various reasons

Because they can

All of the tats I will get tell a story, or mean something to me. Right now, on my right shoulder, I have a triple moon with a pentagram in it. I am going to get a wolf howling to a full moon on my left arm, and a pentagram on my right arm. Also, Idk where yet, I'm going to get the words 'Scars tell you where you've been, not where you're going' in old english and the Father God and Mother Goddess symbols somewhere.

For most, its self expression....

Everyone has their own reasons.

Some do it because it's cool.

But a lot of people who get just one or two get something very meaningful and personal as a reminder. For themselves, not to for other people to look at. (Even when it's in a visible place)

Because I like the artwork of my tattoo, it's something I can look at and admire, enjoy. And for the record I waited until I was in my mid 30s to get mine, to be extra sure about it.

Uh btw, I didn't get mine as "a trend, or to look cool" I got it because I wanted it, because I love it. And tattoo's are nothing new.

I agree with both of your statements. I was 45 when I got mine!

Thank you :)

You're welcome.

WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS DO TO THEIR OWN BODIES? IT'S NOT YOURS, IT'S NOT HURTING ANYONE... THEY DO LOOK COOL, SOME DO FEEL MACHO AND YEA, IT IS A TREND, BUT WE GET TATTED BECAUSE WE LIKE IT!!!!

Exactly!

Personal decisions...mine has nothing to do with being trendy, cool or "macho"...it is all about me! Me, Me, Me! Ain't nobody's business but my own! :)

depends on the person.. some think its cool.. other get it for meaning.. i love my tats and have no regrets..

I think most people like body art

Tattoos are not a trend. They have been around for thousands of years and are going strong.

I have my tattoos because I like them.

I get very annoyed when people think tattoos are a fad I mean if they were a fad they would have gone out of style thousands of years ago...

*shrugs

to remember someone or something or something thats apart of their lives

many people does it becouse it means something to them. they tattoo a treasured memory or children or someone that really ment alot to them that passed away.

Exactly! My first tattoo was for my grandfather

cool :D