Today I was giving blood at the Red Cross with some other brothers and the gal who was helping me noticed my Samurai tattoo and inquired about it. She asked me why did I put a Samurai on my body. As with all of my tattoos, they have reasons. I have only 1 that I do not have a reason for other than I like Pirates, which is REASON ENOUGH FOR ME.
I chose a Samurai because even as a small child I was fascinated by them. Samurai were warriors and soldiers who lived their live by a very strict honor system. Samurai were trained to fight to the death and honorably, their was no stabbing enemies in the back or doing anything which could bring discredit to themselves, if it fact dishonor or discredit was brought to them or their families, they would perform Seppuku. I find suicide to be very selfish to the families of the people who commit the act, but as a Samurai such an act was expected by the families if needed. I find anyone who is bound by ritual suicide as a means of not being dishonorable the be very honorable.
As the gal inquired about the tattoo, I explained that I admired the honor system Samurai’s lived their life by and the fact that being a good and honorable warrior and Man meant more to them than any material items in their life such as money and other possessions. As a good Man and Mason, I can relate to the importance of being a good Man. Also, I’m a Warrior, I have answered my Nations call, just like a Samurai and I signed a “check” away for anything up to the amount of my own life and would not take the experience I learned in the Military for anything, it’s been priceless.
She asked if I considered myself a Samurai, in which I replied with “No”. I explained that I simply felt like I could relate to a Samurai, especially where their value and honor system were concerned. The Samurai are some of the most honorable and strong Warriors the world has ever known. I’m glad that she asked me, because it really gave me a great topic to share with you [my readers].
I did not just get tattoos like some people do, because they look cool. Mine have meaning.
I’m the real fuckin’ deal, kids.
