A 5,300-year-old mummy nicknamed Ötzi the Iceman provided historical insight on tattoos. The fossil was concealed in the Italian Alps for thousands of years until a few German tourists uncovered it in a glacier around 30 years ago.

The world-famous mummy was covered with 61 tattoos, each indicating a meaning according to those studying historical tattoos and markings. The visibility of the tattoos on the remains is remarkable since they were maintained in freezing climate conditions.

Ever since its discovery, researchers have been trying to determine the meaning behind each tattoo. A majority of the tattoos were lines sketched over body regions such as the knees, lower back, wrists, ankles, and other body parts that bring on chronic pain when they get older. Those particular line tattoos are hypothesized to be ancient pain remedies. Medicinal herbs found nearby Ötzi’s location enhanced the likeliness of this theory.

Tattoos and other marks on the body are popular topics in the Bible. Leviticus 19:28 states, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” This verse is what many references as God forbidding tattoos. However, in Galatians 6:17, the Apostle Paul says, “From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” The Biblical word for “marks” was the word “stigmata,” also known as the term used to describe tattooing practices. Paul could have been talking about metaphorical marks, but the terminology is intriguing.

Many researchers theorize that Paul’s alleged tattoos were created to display his devotion to Jesus Christ. The distinct symbolic markings would also help other Christians identify the former persecution enactor as a Christian and ally.

In the present day, many individuals worldwide are seen adorning religious tattoos with sacred meanings. Many people who identify as Christian have tattoos of Bible verses, crosses, and many other Christian symbols.

Although the true meaning of Ötzi’s 61 tattoos remains undetermined, this incredible discovery is a crucial reminder that tattoos are a sacred aspect of various cultures worldwide.