Love how this question assumes that if I don't already have a tattoo, I must want a tattoo. I don't have one, but on occasion I have considered getting one, and now that I'm over 30 and happily married I think it would not be a mistake to get one if I really had the urge. There is a reputable tattoo shop one block from my house. I even know the owner/artist - he lives across the street from me. The main thing holding me back is the lack of suitable subject matter for a tattoo. It's on my body permanently, so it had better be something I think will apply to me and appeal to me for the rest of my life. A tall order.
At one time I was thinking of getting something having to do with the Picts, a tribe that lived in what is now Scotland in the 6th century. There's a chance I may be descended from them on my dad's side, our last name possibly meaning "from the land of the Picts". The Picts were named such because of the way they painted themselves for battle. They ceased to exist as a tribe when their leaders were ambushed by the Scots at some kind of royal dinner. Apparently, while seated at the table, they all had their legs chopped off at the knees. So that's why it's Scotland and not Pictland. At least that's how I remember the story. If anyone knows their Scottish history, feel free to chime in.
Anyhoo, here are some pictish symbols found on stones and metalwork that could help me come up with a design for the tattoo (click on image to enlarge).
Where should it go - my knee, perhaps?
3 comments:
I think you should get the "beast or dolphin"!!
I'm digg'n this blog...
Wow, I didn't know about this story that's possibly related to our maiden name. Now I'm feeling a little resentment towards the Scots! Oh well, Craig Ferguson helps make up for it since he's given me a lot of laughs . . . . It seems you were able to resolve any resentment you may have felt towards the Scots, since you married one! (Although maybe his ancestors were Picts who were assimilated into the Scottish culture?) ;-)
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