The Tattoo Tales

What do your tattoos mean?

I have perennially been enamored by the whims and fancies of tattoos and every type of body ink. Even though I have never had the nerve to get one on my body, I think they are breathtakingly cool and soulful at the same time. Most people I know tell me it's an addiction; there’s no stopping after getting one. It is almost like tattoos are a canvas of someone’s entire life experiences, etched over their entire bod

I cannot say what goes through someone’s mind when they decide to get their first one and if it really holds a meaning at that point of time, but what I know is that someday, it will hold a meaning relative to their personal feeling. And isn’t that all the meaning, there ever needs to be? That word/ phrase/ visual does carry more meaning that most of us have the capacity to decipher immediately, maybe because it shifts throughout one’s lifetime. Tattoos can be deeply personal, but also they don’t have to be so.

I asked some friends if they felt the same way about tattoos, and if they’d be open to sharing their favorite tattoo story — and what marvels all of them delivered! If you’re open to sharing yours, leave me a comment and I’d love to cover your story too.

I. Simran

One of the most fun girls I have met, she got this tattoo on her left arm in 2018, at The Ink Master Studio in Noida. MAKTUB is an Arabic word that means “It is written”, which she encountered while reading Paulo Coelho’s bestseller, The Alchemist. I can safely vouch that being inspired by this book is an understatement, for this masterpiece hits you on a different level altogether. And rightly so, this tattoo has a huge significance in her life. She believes that everything is written (maktub) and some things are best when left on destiny. What a wonderful thought, this one!

II. Namrata

A true warrior spirit, Namrata believes that tattoos are a form of art. They are a beautiful means of expressing herself and allow her to turn her body into a personal art gallery. She got this lovely piece on her left bicep in 2019. It is about a fish pouncing out of water, holding a sword which translates into never adjudging strength by size. Even the tiniest fish in the ocean is capable of enduring the storm and emerging victorious. She has used this tattoo to transform her scars and struggles into self love and positivity. This is the most cherished part of her body and has given her a new dimension of loving herself. What a thought provoking one, this is!

III. Jaya

An absolute nomad, Jaya put in some serious thought to her first tattoo; because firsts are always so special! She wanted to have that one word etched for life that defines her the best and here it was, स्वच्छन्द (Swachhand) ~ वो व्यक्ति, जो अपनी इच्छा के हिसाब से सब काम करे (Someone without restraints). And what made it all the more special is that she chose her birthday in 2018 to gift this to herself on her left foot. Now, this isn't something that just describes her overall personality; this tattoo is a guiding light for her during her delusional and confused days. More power to you on this, Jaya!

IV. Naina

A bona fide family centered soul, Naina instantly fell in love with tattoos. She got this one in 2015 on her left hand to commemorate her unconditional love for her family, unmissable even from a distance. She grew up in an extended family, always being surrounded by her near and dear ones. They are truly the center of her life. 🤍

And, there was no stopping her after she got her first one. She was quick to get another one in 2017 to honor her spiritual beliefs. This time she wanted this to be a more private affair, so she chose her nape. A graceful moment here!

V. Kanika

I have known her for 2 years now, and I can easily say she is one daredevil of a woman with the sweetest heart. She is a tattoo lover and adorns multiple ones with great significance. She spoke to me about her first tattoo, which she got in 2016 from South Delhi along her right collar bone. She got this during her second year of university which wasn’t particularly the best phase; she was battling broken and betrayed friendships. She wanted to permanently remind herself to move on in life, and what better way than permanent ink?

The tattoo comprises some leaves along the branches. The leaves signify cycle of life; how old ones shed and new ones come in, similarly reminding us to move on, start afresh and keep growing. This reminds her of the process of change and growth. Some major rejuvenation vibes here!

VI. Anita

One of my favorite humans in the world, I have known Anita for 4 years now. She is someone who likes to think with her heart and her tattoo is a sheer testament to that. She got this tattoo with her partner in Jaipur, back in 2013 on her wrist. Like every young love, this one too was that tingly feeling in the stomach. Not only did she want to get inked with him, she wanted to fly with him; she wanted to experience that sense of freedom with him by her side.

So they got matching wings, because one needs wings to fly, right? They got it on their wrists; her left side had the right wing and his right side had the left wing. Yes, they were going to fly together, away from shackles and closer to love. Her tattoo does not define her, rather it defines her relationship with this guy in her early twenties. Say mushy mushy love here!

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Feeling inspired to get a tattoo already? Let me know what you think of the stories in the comments below and if any of these touched your heart.

Xx, AG