Grief and healing through tattoos: Memorial tattoo narratives and the attitudes behind them

In western society, tattoos are increasingly understood as a rational and therapeutic response to grief and loss. The act of permanently marking the body with a tribute to the departed allows the individual to externalize their emotions, making the abstract experience of loss more concrete and manageable. This notion is reflected in the portrayal of memorial tattoos in the first American network television series dedicated to tattoos, Miami Ink , which showcases personal stories of grief, healing and transformation via tattoos. Through these personal narratives, viewers witness how a memorial tattoo can provide comfort, closure and a sense of continued connection with the deceased, guiding the grief process towards acceptance. From elaborate life-like portrait tattoos, to mixing human cremated ashes with tattoo ink, memorial tattoos are continually viewed as a rational part of the grieving process. The decision of getting a memorial tattoo is said to bring about a healing of unresolved grief. Narrative Paradigm Theory is utilized to explore these memorial tattoo narratives to evaluate their potential persuasiveness.