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National Tattoo Day

Celebrate National Tattoo Day with a unique piece of art! Get inspired and find the perfect design for your special tattoo.
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When it is?
July 17
Location Icon
Country
United States
Introduction

Celebrate National Tattoo Day on July 17, and show off your stylish body art! This special day was created to honor the long-standing tradition of tattooing. It's been around for centuries and has been used as a form of expression, self-identity and adornment. Whether it's a simple design or an intricate work of art, tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years — so let’s celebrate them on this special day!

History of National Tattoo Day

National Tattoo Day Dates

National Tattoo Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>3300 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Oldest Known Tattoo</div><div class='timeline-text'>Otzi the Iceman, the oldest naturally preserved mummy, is found with various tattoos, marking the earliest known evidence of human tattooing.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1769</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cook's Voyage to Polynesia</div><div class='timeline-text'>During his first voyage, Captain James Cook encounters tattooed natives in Polynesia, bringing the art of tattooing to wider European awareness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1891</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Electric Tattoo Machine Patented</div><div class='timeline-text'>New Yorker Samuel O'Reilly patents the first electric tattoo gun, making the tattooing process easier and safer than traditional methods.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tattooing Ban in NYC</div><div class='timeline-text'>New York City bans tattooing due to a hepatitis B outbreak. The ban is eventually lifted in 1997.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Progressive Acceptance</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the 2000s, tattoos gain significant cultural acceptance and popularity worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of National Tattoo Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Tattoo Day is first recognized and celebrated in the United States on July 17th. The day honors the history, artistry, and cultural significance of tattoos.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Tattoo Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a tattoo parlor</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day browsing local tattoos and designs. Check out the portfolios of different artists and find one that you really like the style of.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Get your own tattoo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have always wanted to get a tattoo, why not take the plunge on National Tattoo Day? Make sure to do your research first and pick out the perfect design for you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a tattoo party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite all your friends over for a night of food and fun. Have everyone bring their favorite body art supplies and spend the night inking each other up.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a tattoo convention</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities hold conventions throughout the year dedicated to tattoos and body art. Spend some time exploring the vendors, checking out competitions, and meeting others who share your passion.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie about tattoos</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to relax with a movie about tattoos. Whether it's an old classic or something new, it's sure to put a smile on your face.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Tattoo Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tattoos are meaningful</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether it's to commemorate a loved one, show off your individuality, or just for fun, tattoos can be deeply meaningful and personal. On National Tattoo Day, people celebrate the power of body art to tell stories and express ideas in ways that cannot be accomplished with words alone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tattoos are beautiful</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There's something truly amazing about seeing a person's skin adorned with intricate designs and brightly colored ink. Whether it's a simple line drawing or an elaborate scene, tattoos always have the potential to captivate you with their beauty.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tattoos make statements</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Tattoo Day is more than just a celebration of body art; it's also an opportunity to make powerful statements about yourself and what you stand for. Whether you choose a symbol that represents your identity or values, your tattoo can serve as a reminder of who you are and where you come from.</p></div></div>

5 Intriguing Insights for National Tattoo Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traditional Tattoos Have Cultural Significance</h3><p class='facts-content'>In some cultures, such as Polynesian and Native American, tattoos are known to represent personal achievements, social status, or spiritual beliefs, showcasing the cultural richness tied to the art of tattooing.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tattoos were once used as a form of identity tagging in Ancient Persia</h3><p class='facts-content'>History shows that soldiers under the Persian king, Xerxes, in 5th Century B.C., used tattoos showing the king's likeness as a distinguishing mark during wartime.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The word 'tattoo' owes its origin to Polynesia</h3><p class='facts-content'>The English term "tattoo" is derived from "tatau," a Polynesian term meaning to mark or strike, further underlining how tattoo practices have borrowed from many different global cultures over time.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are different tattoo styles originating from different cultures and periods</h3><p class='facts-content'>From old school, traditional, tribal, to Japanese and biomechanical tattoos, each style has its unique characteristics and history, demonstrating the vast diversity within tattoo artistry.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Early Tattoo Inks Were Derived From Natural Materials</h3><p class='facts-content'>In ancient times, tattoo inks were made from naturally occurring substances. In fact, early recipes included items like carbon black and soot for black ink, and potentially toxic elements like mercury and lead for colored inks.</p></div></div>

National Tattoo Day FAQs

When is National Tattoo Day?

National Tattoo Day is celebrated on July 17th every year. In 2024 National Tattoo Day will occur on a Wednesday.

National Tattoo Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Jul 17

Monday

2024

Jul 17

Wednesday

2025

Jul 17

Thursday

2026

Jul 17

Friday

2027

Jul 17

Saturday

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