After waiting six years, eyeing that first tattoo

When I was in sixth grade, I silently vowed to mark myself in indelible ink the very minute I turned 18. After careful consideration, I chose a butterfly. Nearly six years later, I think it was the safest of an ever-growing list -- including but not limited to -- my initials, a flower, a heart, a parrot, a Chinese symbol, the phrase "Made in America," (the epitome of class) and currently the Om symbol -- a cliché, I know.

I recently decided I need a better idea.

According to the Vanishing Tattoo, an online tattoo site, three of the five most popular tattoos of 2006 were angels, crosses and wings, which surprised me.

To me, tattoos were always a symbol of anarchy, along with multiple body piercings, grungy hair with clothes to match, cigarette butts and above all, a general disregard for anything institutional, most of all religions.

What accounts for this popularity of tattoos depicting religious symbols? Probably the most clear-cut answer can be inferred from the original use of tattoos. In Japan, the tattoo has been used for spiritual and decorative purposes for as many as 10,000 years. The stereotype of bearers of tattoos being "barbaric and unrespectable" also originated in this culture. The Meiji government was the first of many governments that banned them on these grounds.

Ironically, Christianity, the religion with which the angel, cross and wings are most associated, has historically prohibited tattoos. According to a passage in the Bible from Leviticus 19:28, "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you; I am the Lord."

So, are tattoos a way for dissenting Christians to stay connected with their faith? Or is it simply a clever way of expressing dissatisfaction with all religions?

Although the pain of a tattoo will remain constant, types of ink have undergone a huge metamorphosis in recent years. I was shocked to discover that there is new tattoo technology called Chameleon Tattoo Ink that works in much the same way a black light stamp does.

I thought the point of dermal pigmentation was and is to brand yourself, leave your mark, make a statement. Have the "disaffected youth" of America lost their creative spirit, their youthful imagination, the fearlessness and desire to stand out?

As I have grown more interested in acquiring a tattoo, I have begun to notice the tattoos that others choose to get. The arm bands a la Nick Lachey or shoulder blade art like Ms. Jolie would be completely gauche by the time I'm 50.

The only place I would put a tattoo is somewhere around my ankle. Yet, even this is too public for my taste. Because I want to hide my tattoo, Chameleon Ink sounds very appealing. But doesn't disappearing ink degrade the significance of getting a tattoo, of making a statement whether it be "peace, love and happiness" or "I had one too many at Meredith's bachelorette party."

But maybe that's the point.

The ink permanently etched on skin is only one part of a tattoo. It's the why that is far more interesting. Through my research, I have discovered that tattoos are a conversation starter, inhibitor, turn-off, turn-on, unique, mundane, repulsive and incredibly alluring.

And I have decided on the Eye of Horus. Period.