Body Art and Extreme Modification

Rock the Boat: Anchor Symbolism in Tattoo Art

Anchors are probably the single most popular symbol in Traditional American Tattooing. It was, and still is, popular for sailors to get anchor tattoos as a sign of experience and respect for the se...
Body Jewelry History

Celebrating Pride Month: a History of Awesome

The month of June is Pride Month, and it’s definitely time to celebrate the only way we know how… with sexy knowledge and outrageous style, of course! Pride Month began with the Stonewall Riots of ...
Body Jewelry History

Summer Vacation: the History of Getting Down Islander Style

Summer is finally about to be here, and we can’t hardly wait to break out the bikinis, the board wax, and the beach.  Before we let loose and get buck wild though, it’s always appropriate to give a...
Body Art and Extreme Modification

Ancient Symbolism and Modern Tattooing: the Tree of Life

The tree of life has carved out a place in modern mythology over the years, becoming a highly recognizable symbol of the interconnectedness of all living things.  Far more interesting though, is ho...
Body Jewelry History

Body Jewelry History: Dreamcatcher Meanings and Symbolism

By now almost everybody owns at least one piece of jewelry featuring a dreamcatcher or its elements, like feathers and beaded fringe, but what does a real dreamcatcher mean, and what is it for? The...
Body Jewelry History

Modification Around the World: Cinco de Mayo in the US and Mexico

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated in both the United States and Mexico, primarily in the Mexican state of Puebla.  Contrary to popularized notions, Cinco de Mayo has nothing to do with Mexican ...
Body Art and Extreme Modification

Modifications of the Past: the Celts and the Spiritual Body

When most people hear the term Celts, they think about Ireland, but at various points in history the Celtic territory extended across a far larger part of what is now the UK and even to other parts...
Body Jewelry History

Making Our Month: Traditional Birthstones in Modern Times

Birthstone jewelry has always been popular, especially for holidays or as a fall-back gift on female birthdays.  In modern times, the stones themselves have changed, but has their traditional meani...
Body Jewelry History

Did You Know: Saint Patrick’s Day Tidbits and Trivia

  Did You Know… Saint Patrick’s Day was originally an Irish Catholic religious holiday in celebration of Christianity’s spread to Ireland, a feat that is credited to (of course) Saint Patrick. As t...