Neolithic people developed the art of tattooing. One of the first forms of tattooing was scarification. The process involved ripping the skin with pointy objects then filling the resulting gashes with dirt or ashes. Because of the pain and effort involved in the process, many ancient people believed tattoos energized sacred life forces. Eventually, tattooing transformed into the method we know today.
Some work from the olden days lingers on, revealing the hopes and dreams of a time and people we can only study and imagine. Such revelations continue to inspire modern tattoos.
Reasons Behind Body Ink
Tattooing the body began as a way to commemorate, identify, and signify major life events such as tribal identity, battle victories, anniversaries, and punishments. Some people believed tattoos served as an offering to the gods or a way to connect with the spirit world. Even today, many people who get a tattoo take care in creating the perfect design to represent an event, person, or belief.
We’ve improved the methods we use to tattoo, but we’ve retained the same mystical connection to the body inking ritual, inspired by the glimpses of ancient craftsmanship. Most of the time, people have a story behind why they got a tattoo and also behind the design. One of the common reasons people get inked is to honor a loved one who’s passed on.
One of the most unique ways to get inked is to get a tattoo that not only memorializes someone, but that also contains their cremains. Some people believe such a piece creates an everlasting bond. Let’s look at how it’s done.
Cremains Tattooing Process
This process requires an experienced tattoo artist who understands how to use cremains in a tattoo. The tattoo artist must use the most powdery form of cremains possible. Therefore, large bits of the cremains will be sifted away until all the cremains become fine and powdery.
Next, the powdery ashes must be baked for further sterilization. After that, the tattoo artist mixes a minuscule amount of the cremains into the ink. And from there, the process follows the normal guidelines. As long as you deal with professionals, everything should go smoothly. The same can be said of making cremation arrangements.
Cremation: The First Step
Using ashes in the form of cremains is a way that the tattoo process pays tribute to historical methods as well as the dead. The process is safe and not that difficult. Besides a few additional details, it’s not that much more involved than getting a regular tattoo. But if you want to create an everlasting memorial, the first step is to pick a reputable crematorium.
In 2015, more Americans chose cremation over traditional burial for the first time ever. If you’re thinking about your end of life plans, give Philadelphia Cremation Society a call for a FREE consultation. The statistics are not a trend. Cremation preserves the land and saves money for grieving loved ones who can spend the money on a memorial tattoo. Give us a call today: 610-572-7078.
