Although singer Jimmy Buffet cautioned that tattoos may be a “permanent reminder of a temporary feeling,” college students are joining an ever-growing population of people in search of the perfect body artwork.

For many people tattoos are a form of expression, while others fear the commitment or the repercussions. Whatever the reason, this ancient art form is enjoying a surge of popularity.

“They’re fads,” claimed Joe Stahall, a Humboldt State University recreation senior.

However, for Maureen Gillis, an undeclared sophomore, her Hindu ohm tattoo represents an important memory. “After I went to India I decided to get it,” Gillis said. “It has always been a big part of my life and I want to be reminded of it every day.”

HSU alumnus Christina Antipa has a blue bird on her shoulder, which falls into the temporary feeling category. “I got it with a friend who said we’d be friends forever,” Antipa said. “Well, guess what? Were not anymore! And hers came out really bad; like a big blob on her stomach.”

Phlebotomist Rio Aeryn cautions that blood banks, including the Northern California Community Blood Bank where she works, do not take blood from people who recently got a tattoo.

“We follow FDA guidelines for taking blood from people with tattoos. To donate blood there is a one year waiting period because the inks are not yet certified ‘one use’ and there is the risk of hepatitis contamination.” Aeryn does not want a tattoo. “I’m too fickle. I’d get sick of it and want it gone–that’s why I go with piercing!”

Whether fad, expression or whim, tattoos are among the most ancient of art forms. Egyptians are considered the first people to practice the art of tattooing in approximately 2000 BC. However, the oldest tattoo dates to 4000 BC on a man preserved in the permafrost of the Italian Alps.

The Roman culture associated tattoos with barbarians and used tattooing as a punishment for criminals. Likewise, criminals and outcasts in Japan were identified by tattoos and were marked with a variety of symbols that designated both the crime and the places it occurred. More recently, Nazi Germany used tattoos to identify Jewish people.

Since their arrival in North America, tattoos have signified clan membership, societal or political roles and even gang membership. Many people associate tattoos with stereotypical groups such as motorcycle gangs – the Hells Angels tattoos being among the most familiar.

Today, peer pressure also plays a role in the tattoo business.

Nikkia Brown, child development sophomore said, “Me and my best friend have done this together since the end of high school. It’s an annual thing. I think this next one (the third) will be the last.”

Communications sophomore Stephen Smith selected his tattoos as a permanent tribute. He has a cross on one arm and praying hands on the other in honor of his grandmother who passed away.

HSU alumnus Amanda Lang recommends plenty of forethought before taking the big step. The Betty Boop tattoo on her hip is an example of a spur of the moment decision. “I was drunk and was doing this bonding thing with a co-worker,” she said. “I recommend anyone considering getting one to think long term. It’s permanent and you’ll have to explain it.”

Junior Megan Nelson, whose major is social work, says a tattoo should be something a person believes in. “It’s what I believe, putting it on my body represents how I feel,” she said. “Make it represent you.”

The most common advice echoes the Jimmy Buffet song; make sure the tattoo is something you like since it is permanent.

Ray Moss, junior engineering major, who has a peyote bird on his shoulder, echoes this sentiment. “Think about what you’re going to get. You’ll go through lots of changes in your life.”