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Tattooing In Vietnam: An Art Form Deeply Rooted in Vietnamese History
The word "tattoo" originates from the Tahitian term "tatau," meaning to mark, draw, or strike, and stems from the phrase "Ta-atuas." Tattooing has a long history, dating back to the Neolithic period in Eurasia, where it often signified belonging to a specific group such as tribes, religious communities, pirates, ex-prisoners, or legionnaires.
Historically, tattoos also served as permanent marks for slaves or prisoners. Once considered a fringe art form associated with rebels, gangs, and the rock, punk, and rap scenes, tattooing has now entered the mainstream, with its popularity soaring globally, including in Vietnam. The proliferation of tattoo parlors in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is testament to this trend. Explore the fascinating world of Vietnamese tattooing in this article.
1. The Tattooing Of The Former Viets
Tattooing is one of Vietnam's oldest traditions, dating back to the early fourteenth century and rooted in ancient legends. According to folklore, 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, Vietnamese hunters frequently faced attacks from sea monsters while wading in rivers. Believing that these creatures targeted only those who resembled them, people began tattooing images of sea monsters on their chests, backs, legs, or arms to protect themselves.
In feudal Vietnam, tattoos also signified clan membership. Warriors often tattooed themselves to pay homage to their lords, particularly in battles against Chinese invaders. Additionally, the practice was prevalent among the pirates of Halong Bay, who used the area's complex geography as a hideout. This rich history highlights the deep cultural significance of tattooing in Vietnam.
2. Traditional Vietnamese Tattoo Designs
A Vietnamese tattoo often marks an important moment in life, if pleasant or painful, such as birth, death, or personal and professional success. As a result, both the design and the placement of the tattoo on the body (such as the back, torso, arms, legs, or private areas) carry significant meaning.
In Vietnam, tattoo styles and designs frequently incorporate symbols from Vietnamese culture. Among the most popular symbols is the dragon, a sacred mythical creature considered the most important of the twelve zodiac animals. Symbolizing honor, power, and intelligence, the dragon is believed to bring good luck.
The lotus flower is another highly regarded tattoo design, especially among women, due to its deep symbolic value in Vietnamese Buddhist culture. Despite growing in muddy water, the lotus blooms into a pure and beautiful flower, representing wisdom and enlightenment.
The phoenix, symbolizing immortality, resurrection, and life after death, is also a sought-after motif. It represents male majesty, much like how the tiger’s rich coat pattern distinguishes it from the female and the rooster’s shiny plumage sets it apart from the hen.
Yin and Yang represent the duality of all things—contrary yet complementary forces that are foundational to Eastern philosophy. This concept illustrates the dual nature of existence, such as good and evil, light and dark, and positive and negative. Many people choose to embody this balance through tattoos, showcasing the interplay between their inner Yin and Yang.
Additionally, Vietnam's rich diversity, with 54 distinct ethnic groups, introduces a vast array of cultural and artistic concepts. This diversity provides an endless source of inspiration for tattoo designs, each drawing from unique cultural heritages and artistic traditions.
3. Where To Get A Tattoo In Vietnam?
Best places to get tattooed in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, the capital of southern Vietnam, is vibrant and dynamic, and is now a hub for tattoo culture. While tattoos were once viewed negatively in Vietnam, associated with marginalized groups, they have now become a widespread social phenomenon.
For those seeking a tattoo during their stay, District 1 is the place to be. This area, rich in tourist attractions, hosts over twenty tattoo parlors. Here are some of the top recommendations:
Tery Dô’s Salon (Bui Vien Street)
- Strict hygiene standards
- Specializes in Japanese style and pure biomechanics
- Expertise in both color and black-and-gray tattoos
- Numerous awards in Vietnam and Southeast Asia
Saigon Ink (Tran Hung Dao Street)
- Run by Danis Nguyen, a brilliant tattoo artist
- Many national and international awards
- Team of nine artists, each with unique specializations
Best places to get tattooed in Hanoi
Although reputed to be more conservative, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is also experiencing a real craze for tattooing. Among the many tattoo parlors that have sprung up in recent years, five stand out, all located in the old quarter of Hanoi:
Silver Ant Tattoo
- Creates custom designs for any client
- Five artists, each with at least four years of experience
3 INK
- Specializes in trendy Vietnamese tattoos seen on Instagram
- Ideal for newcomers to tattoos with a friendly and clean environment
La Thanh Tattoo Studio
- Artists are particularly attentive to detail, offering personalized designs
Bros Ink
- Known for modern and stylish tattoos, from minimalist to complex designs
- Check out their Instagram and Facebook for a variety of tattoo styles
1984 Studio
- Features nine talented artists, each with their own specialty
- Ensures expertise in your desired style
5. Practical Tips Before Getting A Tattoo In Vietnam
Getting a tattoo in Vietnam is not a trivial practice. A tattoo is for life! Because it is an irreversible act, tattooing in vietnam requires careful consideration. Here are some practical tips before getting a tattoo.
1. Never get a tattoo on a whim
Ask yourself the right questions before going to a tattoo parlor. Why do you want to? Have you learned enough about the subject? Are you ready to wear this tattoo for the rest of your life? Won't you regret it and talk about a mistake later?
2. Choose the right tattoo artist
The tattoo artist will be in charge of making a permanent drawing on your body, so you might as well choose it carefully! Make sure of his artistic professionalism but also of his strict compliance with hygiene rules. Don't hesitate to visit several tattoo parlors and talk to the tattoo artist and explain your project. See our best places to get a tattoo in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
3. Avoid sensitive areas
On some areas of the body, the skin is thinner (ribs, inner arms, etc.) and is therefore more painful to tattoo. On the other hand, some areas are less sensitive than others: the shoulders, back, pectorals and fleshy areas of your anatomy that will best dampen the vibration of the needles.
4. Practice good hygiene during the day
Don't drink or smoke cannabis before getting a tattoo, even though it may de-stress you. Just like aspirin, cannabis thins the blood, and this could make it difficult to get a tattoo if you start bleeding a lot.
5. Take care of your Vietnam tattoo
Once your Vietnamese tattoo has been done, you will need to take care of your tattoo (hygiene, healing ointment, bandages...) You will have to be patient, not expose it to the sun and wait until everything is well healed before exposing it to the eyes of the world.
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