Beliefs of Tattooing among the Li ethnic group in Dong Fan village, Hainan province, People's Republic of China

Abstract

          This independent study has two purposes, 1) to analyze the tattoo belief of the Li people in Dongfang Village, Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China 2) to study the meaning of tattoo among the Li people inDongfang Village, Dongfang City, Hainan Province, China. Results of the research results found that there were 8 types of tattoo patterns: frog tattoo, rake tattoo, basket tattoo, insect tattoo, ancestor ghost tattoo, thunder god pattern, text pattern of showing one's name and free tattoo. 1) it was found that there were three types of tattoos with meanings and beliefs related to agriculture, rake tattoo, basket tattoo, and insect tattoo in order to make the lives of Li women better and to protect crops. 2)There are two types of tattoos with meanings and tattoos related to protecting oneself, ancestor ghost tattoo and thunder god tattoo. Li women believe that ancestors exist in this world and believe that ancestors can protect themselves. 3)The tattoo that has meanings and beliefs related to spreading children is the frog tattoo. Li women believe that frogs are highly reproductive animals because the frog’s belly is as round as a pregnant woman’s belly. 4)There are also tattoos that reflect the meaning and belief of knowledge and status. There are two kinds of tattoo designs that reflect their own names and free tattoos. Li women believe that tattoo designs that reflect their names can make Li women’s lives better. In addition, there are Having free tattoos can reflect the family and status of Li women, Because Li women believe that the more tattoos they have, the more beautiful they look and reflect the family's wealth and status. For Li women, tattoos are not only pain and beauty on the skin, but also a symbol of their desire and desire to make their lives better and to protect themselves.