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.
In the past few days, the tattoo of Vice Principal Van Thuy Duong in the photo on the opening day has received mixed opinions. However, the custom of tattooing has been around since the time of his father and in each historical period, tattooing has its own meanings.
According to the book of Vietnamese history, 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 modern viking clothing 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.
Thus, in Vietnam, the custom of tattooing has existed since the ancient Vietnamese people to facilitate the fishing of the people.
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.
The custom of tattooing has existed since ancient times in many countries around the world.
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.
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 on their bodies and considered it as a law to be enforced.
During the reign of King Tran Anh Tong (1293 - 1314), he objected to this, because the king was afraid of needles being inserted into his skin. That's why later, whoever likes it gets tattooed. Tattooing is no longer the norm.
In addition
according to historical records, in order to show their determination to destroy foreign invaders and protect the country, in 1285, all Tran Dynasty military officers tattooed on their arms the two words "Sat That" (killing the Tat army, the Mongols).
The book of Dai Viet historical records toan Thu says: "On the 12th, the enemy troops fought Gia Lam, Vu Ninh, and Dong Ngan, captured many of our troops, seeing that everyone liked the two words "Sat That" written in ink on their arms, ie. very, kill them all."
Not stopping there, under the Tran dynasty, members of the Thanh Duc army protecting the faraway price tattooed their foreheads with three words Thien Tu Quan (Thien Tu Army). Or the people often tattooed on Skull hoodies their stomach the words "meaning the rightful area", "slandering the nation" to show the martial spirit; for the sake of risking his life, repaying the country's gratitude.
For the ancient Vietnamese, the custom of tattooing not only showed harmony with nature, but also meant determination to fight the enemy.
Tattoo custom in the world
In the case of Ötzi, one of the explanations for the appearance of the 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.