So, I did it.
As the title says, it’s not about religion. I don’t subscribe to a belief system but I wanted to have something that represented where I come from and this is the simplest way for me to do that. I have always thought it was a beautiful design, but I understand there will be those that won’t agree with me. I can deal with that.
In fact, I used to wear a necklace that had a cross and a Star of David but stopped wearing it many years ago as the chain needs fixing and I never got round to sorting that out. When I first visited Israel with Mum, I got told off by a Christian Arab for wearing my necklace; he said it was wrong to wear a Christian and Jewish symbol together, but I quickly told him that I would never deny where I come from. And to me, this is no different. Well, it is in one respect, as it is permanent!
You see, I have a stupidly enormous pride in my heritage, I love being a mongrel of mixed backgrounds and I could bore the pants off you talking about my family and ancestors from east London and France. I won’t of course, unless you wish to ask me about how to get started researching your family tree.
This is my way to honour my parents and their beginnings, sentimental twaddle you might think. You might be right, but I love them, so there we are. Of course, Mum was not very happy when I told her I was getting this done and if Dad was alive, I know he wouldn’t have been either!
The procedure itself took about 30 minutes and it was not the most comfortable sensation in the world; the outline was more painful than the shading. It stung for a good while afterwards as well and is a bit tender today. I know that there is a small imperfection in the symmetry, but that just adds to the charm for me as neither religion or the human race are perfect! I’m looking forward to when the redness goes and it has healed properly, and I must remember not to scratch it when it itches!
Anyway, it’s done now and I love it.
This Blog Belongs To Bint 
Love it! And the imperfection in the symmetry makes it look real. I know it is ‘real’ but can’t explain it better than that!
And I think it is a perfect choice. Well done you!
Thank you! And I understand totally what you are trying to say. xx
It beautiful & represents what is dear to you. That’s what tattoo’s are all about in my eyes. It’s an expression of yourself. Wear it with pride, not that you have any other choice! IT’S PERMANENT. Any plans for any more? Xx
Thank you! I agree, I did not want a generic design, I wanted something that is unique to me. Plans for anymore? Not at the moment! xx
Well done! I’m sure that the procedure was painful, but you’ve finally done it and the tattoo looks really great. For some reason I feel strangely proud. The tattoo represents our heritage and although our family members may not have approved, I appreciate that you’re honouring our heritage via them – whether they would have understood that is another question. If I can be so bold and if it’s correct to say: Mazel Tov!
So anyway: Mazel Tov! which dear Anonymous so cleverly said. Am guessing it’s Yiddish for something like congratulations. It feels great to do something you’ve wanted to do for ages and if you’re happy with the result, well: rock on. Yeah. I look forward to seeing the tatoo and you viz a viz at some point. Hope by now the itching and soreness have gone. Hmmm, inside left wrist… any reason why there?
Thank you! It is still a bit tender to the touch but the redness is slowly going. It is actually closer to the elbow now but I have no idea why I was drawn to the left arm! But there we are.