Five facts about the history of tattoos

Staff writer

Updated 20 July 2020 at 2:05 pm

From expressions of love to religious symbolism, tattoos have been around for thousands of years.

But did you know how they are used in Maori culture, or where the word 'tattoo' comes from?

Watch the video above to find out more.

NEWQUAY, ENGLAND - JULY 19: The circus performers show their skills on the opening night of Britain's first ever drive-in circus performed by The Paulos Circus on July 19, 2020, at Circus Field, Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Formed in 1816, The Paulos Circus is Britain's oldest circus. The holiday season commenced in Cornwall on July 4th with the lifting of restrictions on hotels, holiday lets and camp sites after three months shutdown. (Photo by Hugh R Hastings/Getty Images)

No Parking signs outside a pre-school in East London as most schools closed for the summer term to be reopened in September as per Government advice. (Photo by David Mbiyu / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)

NEWQUAY, ENGLAND - JULY 19: A member of staff wears a protective visor and gloves on the opening night of Britain's first ever drive-in circus performed by The Paulos Circus on July 19, 2020, at Circus Field, Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Formed in 1816, The Paulos Circus is Britain's oldest circus. The holiday season commenced in Cornwall on July 4th with the lifting of restrictions on hotels, holiday lets and camp sites after three months shutdown. (Photo by Hugh R Hastings/Getty Images)

Demonstrators marching with banners, flags and placards during a Black lives Matter protest in central London.
Londoners are still marching for racial justice almost two months after the first protests. (Photo by Thabo Jaiyesimi / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)

A sign to a Covid-19 Walk in Test Centre in Plashet in East London during the coronavirus pandemic.
Londoners have slowly began going back to 'normal' with shops opening. The government advised on the opening of gyms and pools from 11 July followed by indoor gyms, pools and leisure centres on 25 July. (Photo by David Mbiyu / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Olivier Giroud of Chelsea sits on the bench during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images)

BILLERICAY, ENGLAND, JULY 18 2020: Andy Smith of Billericay CC claims LBW not given during Shepherd Neame Essex Cricket League Gooch Division between Billericay CC and Hornchurch CC at Toby Howe Cricket Club, Billericay, England, UK on July 18, 2020.(ESPA/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA)

The sun rises above Stonehenge in Wiltshire. (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Leeds United fans celebrate after winning the Sky Bet Championship title at Millennium Square on July 19, 2020 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

UK's First Drive In Circus Debuts In Newquay

NEWQUAY, ENGLAND - JULY 19: The circus performers show their skills on the opening night of Britain's first ever drive-in circus performed by The Paulos Circus on July 19, 2020, at Circus Field, Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Formed in 1816, The Paulos Circus is Britain's oldest circus. The holiday season commenced in Cornwall on July 4th with the lifting of restrictions on hotels, holiday lets and camp sites after three months shutdown. (Photo by Hugh R Hastings/Getty Images)

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