Tattoos in Italy have gone through several phases: from a symbol of rebellion and crime to an aesthetic and cultural trend. Historically, any mark or writing on the body was often associated with marginal groups or undesirable behaviors. However, since the 1970s, partly due to the influence of American trends, tattoos have gained popularity, and today Italy has the highest percentage of tattooed people in the world, with a surprising 48%.
Women are more tattooed than men
One of the most surprising trends is that women are more tattooed than men. This fact, which might seem counterintuitive, reflects a profound shift in social perceptions. While tattoos used to be reserved for those wishing to express specific experiences or belong to particular groups (such as gangs or legions), today they have become a symbol of personal expression, detached from traditional meanings. Today, tattoos are chosen primarily for aesthetic reasons, no longer for rebellion or affiliation.
What is also surprising is the stark division in the tendency of the Italian population to get tattooed when comparing the North and the South. Three-quarters of the population in southern Italy have at least one tattoo, compared to only 15% of residents in the North.
But today, why do Italians get tattooed?
Taking a step back and looking at our origins, the motivations behind tattoos have changed significantly. Both in Italy and elsewhere, the most deeply rooted reason was linked to self-medication. Until the 1800s, it was believed that tattooing specific areas would alleviate pain or discomfort, somewhat similar to modern acupuncture. In fact, the areas of interest are almost identical (ankles, spine, joints).
Over time, tattoos gained a more romantic or symbolic meaning, becoming a vehicle for expressing deep messages. In the past, a tattoo could be a mark of infamy for traitors, a distinctive sign for soldiers claiming membership to a legion, or even an indelible confession of love, marked for life on one’s body.
Today, in Italy, tattoos are no longer seen as a taboo, as they were until the 1970s-80s. The average age of tattooed people is progressively getting younger every year, but what has changed the most is the connotation that the tattoo carries. While tattoos used to be closely tied to significant experiences, deep messages, or identity statements, today they tend to reflect more of an aesthetic culture. In fact, tattoos more and more often do not have a profound meaning for the person who wears them. We can therefore say that, although there are still personal and symbolic motivations, the primary reason most Italians get tattooed today (but not for everyone) is a purely aesthetic taste, which is far removed from the strong and meaningful intentions that once guided these choices.
