Anthropologists believe that tattoos have been central to society's rituals for hundreds if not thousands of years. In the 20th century they were frowned upon at first, but they are now more accepted in mainstream society. However, many people who like the idea of body art still experience discomfort when thinking about having a permanent decoration on their body. If this sounds like you, then enter the world of temporary tattoos.

Some people get a temporary tattoo because they want a permanent tattoo, but feel the need to experiment with temporary body art before committing to ink that will never disappear. A host of other reasons to get a temporary tattoo exist. Children and adolescents may enjoy temporary body art but parents can justly say they are not grown enough to decide whether to have permanent marks on their body. You can find also the temporary tattoo used for a range of purposes including advertising, holiday festivities, and political events.

Actors have been known to get a temporary tattoo to help them identify with their character in a play or movie. Often they continue to wear the tattoo during promotion of the event to help the advertising campaign. When they appear in front of cameras on shows like Entertainment Tonight and Good Morning America the temporary tattoo contributes to the production's promotion.

A temporary tattoo can help you find your child if he gets lost in a large crowd. One businesswoman has sold over 150,000 tattoos specifically designed for children. These tattoos display the parent's cell phone number. That way, if a child gets lost, he can go to the proper authorities and the parent will quickly get a phone call.

The Democratic Party employed temporary tattoos in creative ways to get out the vote for the 2008 presidential election. The Indiana Democratic Party spent over $1000 inking members with tattoos that said "Vote November 4" and "Vote for Change." (Presidential nominee Barack Obama ran on the platform that he could bring change to America after eight years of Republican leadership.)

You can find a use for a temporary tattoo no matter what the occasion. Many communities enjoy temporary body art for holiday festivities to help celebrate occasions such as Halloween or Easter. Applying a temporary tattoo can also provide an occasion for family fun on any day of the year.

There are three kinds of impermanent tattoos: temporary transfer tattoos, henna tattoos, and temporary airbrush tattoos. All have the same effect and have existed for decades, but temporary airbrush tattoos use the highest quality airbrush equipment and inks and they are virtually indistinguishable from permanent tattoos.

You can buy temporary tattoo supplies on the Internet and in tattoo parlors. In addition, artists can be found in high-traffic public places. Simply stroll along the beach or go to a state fair and you can get tattooed. Tourist spots like Harvard Yard and the Promenade along the San Francisco Bay host competing artists.

Getting a temporary tattoo is fun and safe. If you don't like the results, have no fear. The tattoo will disappear soon enough.