7 Awesome Latino-Hispanic Tattoos

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In the United States alone, about 42% of the adult population have tattoos, the Heal the World movement called Support Tattoos and Piercings at Work reports.

There are around 21,000 tattoo parlors in America, and the national average cost of tattooing is $100 per hour. Television shows such as TLC's "Miami Ink" (which has spawned spin offs "LA Ink," "London Ink," "NY Ink," and "Madrid Ink") have shed light on the industry of tattooing both in the U.S. and globally, but not much is said about the history of tattoos. Tattoos have, in fact, been present in many cultures, dating back to the Neolithic times.

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the earliest evidence of tattoos were found on female Egyptian mummies dating back to 2,000 B.C. Other cultures that have embraced tattooing in the early times are India, the Philippines, Persia, Greece, and Rome, among others. Latin American cultures such as Aztecs also had distinct tattoos on their bodies.

Tattoo Easily notes that Mexican tattoos are characterized by brash, bold colors and commonly feature death and the underworld because in Mexico, the Day of the Dead is celebrated to honor their loved ones who have passed. Here are some common Latino-Hispanic tattoo designs that people use to adorn their bodies.

1. Sugar skulls. According to Tattoo Easily, sugar skulls represent Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead to honor their loved ones who have passed away. Sugar skulls are also symbolic of how the natives were forced into slavery to work in sugar plantations. Sugar skulls commonly feature a skull adorned with flowers, hearts, the cross, plants, and other decorations.

2. Longhorn. Texas longhorn and bull horns represent bullfighting, which is a common in south American cultures. It may symbolize strength and valor, as being a bullfighter means having to be brave enough to risk their lives to kill the bull.

3. Virgin Mary. Latin Americans also honor their religion by tattooing images of the Holy Mother, especially Our Lady of Guadalupe, on their arms, back, thigh, or leg. The venerated image of the Holy Virgin, upon which many tattoos are inspired by, is enshrined in the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in México City.

4. Loteria cards. According to Inked Mag, loteria cards are a common Mexican design, and people most especially love the El Corazon card.

5. Frida Kahlo. What better way to honor one of Mexico's most talented feminist painters than to get a tattoo of her image?

6. Aztec prints. Aztec desings that were carved from stone are also often design inspiration for sleeve tattoos or back tattoos.

7. Familia. The word "family" is often tattooed as a reminder of the importance of family.