Tramp Stamp? Like/Dislike

I Like! Unless its the motorcycle handle bar tatt.... That ones dumb. Haaah. I like mine of course. Its the Armenian Cross with grape leaves.. Would have liked to add some beautiful flowers. And mine shall entertain the CNA's who will be showering me one day, in the shower room, at the Alzhemiers Home. Give em something to look at! :laugh:

Am I quoting myself??? Yes I am... And the Armenian Priest approved of my stamp. And he told me, getting a tattoo is part of becoming a priest. Don't see anything trampy about that. As long as the person getting it likes it, its not harming anyone else.

Aram said this:
I know that is also a tradition for Armenians to have a similar type of "small cross" tattooed on the inside of their wrist when they first visit Jerusalem.

This is a tradition for Armenians that goes back hundreds of years. A "Haji" tattoo signifies you have completed a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The usual location is on the inner right forearm, but it has become more common in recent years (especially for women) for a tiny cross to be instead tattooed on the inside of a finger or at the wrist where it is inconspicuous or easily covered by a watch or ring. Ordinarily, the cross is of Armenian design, though some prefer different designs, and will usually have the date of your first pilgrimage inscribed underneath.

I have my Haji from my pilgrimage on my right inner forearm. They're very, very common in our community, even for priests. It is additionally tradition that one who makes a pilgrimage can also use the personal title of Haji, though this is less common. My great grandfather was known to many people as Haji Levon, as he made his pilgrimage as he was emigrating from Turkey to the United States before the Genocide, and I think it's even on his gravestone.

One must understand the special relationship Armenians have with Jerusalem, a presence that goes back (quite literally) to the time of Christ, to understand the importance of the Haji. The Haji binds you with all others who have prayed in the Holy City, in the Cathedral of St. James in the Armenian Quarter, and reminds you always of your time in Jerusalem. I carry Jerusalem with me everywhere I go.