In recent days, a teacher's tattoo has received a lot of attention. Let's go back in history to learn about the meaning and custom of tattooing of the ancient Vietnamese people.
The origin of tattooing
According to the Vietnamese history book, anecdotes have written: One of the most ancient customs of the Vietnamese people is tattooing, which lasted until the end of the 13th century and the viking outfit beginning of the 14th century. Some people say that, because of this custom, the name of the first country of the Vietnamese was Van Lang.
It is known that at that time, people in the mountains who went to the water to fish were often harmed by the stream, so they together told the King about it. The king said, “The varieties in the mountains are different from those in the water. The aquatic species only like what is similar to them and hate what is different from them. That's why we are harmed." Then, the king ordered everyone to take the color of the water monster tattoo on their body. Since then, they have not been injured by the stream.
Tattoo custom in the world
In 1991, in the mountains of Tyrol near the border of Austria and Italy, the "iceman" Ötzi was discovered almost intact after more than 5,300 years. Thanks to the cold climate and rocky terrain, he became one of the oldest mummies to ever exist. Not only that, Ötzi's body is also home to a collection of tattoos from the Bronze Age with more than 50 decorative motifs stretching from head to toe.
In addition, ancient tattoos are also found in Egypt, China, Japan and Greece. Shows that the origin of tattooing has existed since ancient times in many countries around the world.
The ancient Vietnamese custom of tattooing
Originating from the ancient Vietnamese people, tattooing continued to flourish in the Ly - Tran dynasties. Especially in the Tran Dynasty, from kings and mandarins to people, everyone liked to have tattoos on their bodies. Those in the royal family, serving in the court were forced to tattoo their bodies and consider it as a law to be enforced.
Tattoo custom in the world
In the case of Ötzi, one of the explanations for the appearance of the tattoo clothing motifs he wears is to serve healing purposes. Based on the location of the tattoos near the joints, it is theorized that it was a precursor to acupuncture.
The same theory of medicinal uses can also be applied to the ancient Egyptian custom of tattooing. Especially this tattoo custom seems to only appear on the female body.
It is suggested that the motifs located on the abdomen, thighs or chest can be a kind of charm to protect them during pregnancy or childbirth. Besides, in Syria, tattoos are meant as a form of religious symbolism.