Tattoos have been around for seven thousand years. Historically tattoos told the observer of social standing, military prowess, and other things. Since then, they've grown from a practice denoting victory or fertility to one simply enjoyed by veterans, cosmetic surgeons completing a breast reconstruction, those who wish to hide skin conditions or others just looking for a rush.

Today, beyond being an occasional source of controversy in business and conservative circles, tattoos are a subject of discussion, of spending, of worrying and, naturally, of pride.

There are many gatherings at which enthusiastic people with tattoos have swapped stories of their inking experiences, talked about their plans for future tattoos and found kindred spirits in those who not only accept tattoos but embrace them personally. Far from having to defend the decision to willingly go under the needle, the invitation to celebrate the decision in public can be liberating, especially when compared to the family reunion at which one's tattoo is questioned rudely by a relative.

Tattoos are as varied as the people who get them, but for the person who isn't up to the task of drawing his or her own tattoo, thousands of designs exist. Online designs can be found for just about any tattoo one is interested in receiving. Artists have received new well-founded recognition by becoming tattoo artists and creating original designs of all kinds.

One such basic design, with elements that can be customized, is the cross tattoo. The cross tattoo can be anything from a simple cross, denoting religious devotion, to a Celtic cross, the cultural brand of an Irishman seeking to remove all doubt.

A dragon tattoo can indicate an affinity for science fiction or fantasy or a simple fondness for the (largely mythical) creature and the lore surrounding its existence.

A common choice among the college coed crowd is butterfly or heart tattoos on a female's lower back. Whether the tattoo's meaning is to enhance the appeal of a backless dress or be covered up except for private occasions, the owner's sentimentality and fun-loving nature will never be in doubt. For college males, the barbed wire band is popular, circling the upper arm. The idea may be to show strength and masculinity.

Any tattoo artist will tell you to be confident in your choice of tattoo. While tattoos can be removed, the process can be extremely painful and will take multiple sessions for removal. Also, while the practice is generally completely safe (aside from the obvious scarring that results), beware of unscrupulous tattoo artists, who will use substandard inks and old needles, exposing you to the possibility of a bad reaction to the ink, or worse, infection or disease from the needle.

Even with the industry's safeguards and the long and proud history and use of tattoos, some people will always object to them, whether sported by a grizzled veteran or a newly 18-year-old ink fan. However with today's tattoo market growing by the day, the design options are increasing in big numbers. In the past, merely finding a tattoo shop to do the work was hard enough - now the biggest decision to make is what design will fit your personality best for a very long time.