What Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings

What to consider when choosing a tattoo location

Many people enjoy getting tattoos—whether because they want to mark an important life event, recognize a special symbol, display a certain character trait, or just have fun adding art to their body! However, did you know that every tattoo placement can have a different meaning? Where someone places a tattoo on their body can have a personal, spiritual, cultural, or aesthetic significance, depending on the person and their beliefs. We’ll break down the meanings of every tattoo placement in the article below.

Tattoo Placement Symbolism

• Ankles: Discreet, balanced, honoring a loved one.
• Arms: Bold (full-sleeve), balanced (half-sleeve), pragmatic (stickers).
• Back: Confident, sensual, strong.
• Chest: Sentimental, loving, confident.
• Ears: Discreet, creative, empathetic.
• Face: Bold, proud, intelligent.
• Feet: Mysterious, discreet, shy.
• Fingers: Bold, courageous, non-committal.
• Forearms: Confident, strong, tough.
• Neck: Tough, proud, courageous.
• Ribcage: Brave, strong, artistic.
• Thighs: Sentimental, confident, adventurous.
• Wrists: Reflective, sentimental, healing wounds.

Steps

Spiritual and Cultural Tattoo Placement Meanings

1. Arms{endbold} Different parts of the arm represent different personalities, aesthetics, and spiritual meanings. Energetically, your arms represent what you want to embrace, so the arm may be a good place to tattoo something that you want to metaphorically hold on to. Arms are an incredibly popular spot for tattoos since this area hurts a lot less than other placements, and most arm ink can easily be hidden with long or half sleeves.^[1]
   
   • Small upper arm tattoos, for example, often mean that you have a pragmatic personality. You want something that you can both exhibit and cover when needed.
   • The forearm, on the other hand, can’t be covered with short sleeves. You’re probably proud of your design work and want to show it off!
   • Full and half-sleeves are a step up from your typical arm tat. A half sleeve is great if you have a balanced personality and want to both express creativity while considering how a tattoo may affect your environment and future goals. If you have a full sleeve, you’re probably a loyal person who likes to see things through.
   • The exact arm you choose can also affect its possible significance. The right arm is spiritually associated with attacking, action, and impulsive energy. The left arm represents a protective shield that’s linked to the heart and emotions.^[2]
2. Ankles and feet{endbold} Foot and ankle tattoos are a common choice since they’re both discreet and easy to show off whenever you feel like it (aka in some nice sandals when the weather’s nice!). Personality-wise, you may be relatively introverted, wise, and reserved if you choose one of these tattoos, as they don’t draw much attention.
   
   • You might also choose an ankle placement to honor a person or pet that you’ve lost. Energetically, ankles represent balance and support, so they’re a great place to honor something or someone that keeps you grounded.
   • According to many spiritual beliefs, the feet and ankles represent someone’s “root” that keeps them safe, stable, and grounded. They may also indicate your primary link to Earth and how you move through it.^[3]
3. Wrist{endbold} Wrist tattoos are popular for a number of reasons. You may not be ready for larger pieces on more exposed body parts, but still want a tattoo that you can see regularly—thus, the wrist tattoo! Wrist tattoos often indicate a sentimental personality—the design may represent someone or something you love so that you can just glance down at it at any time.^[4]
   
   • If you’re a survivor of depression or self-harm, you might choose a wrist tattoo to adorn or cover up any scars. Transforming these scars into a work of art can represent how you’ve overcome hardship and fought to find yourself in a better place.
4. Ears{endbold} Ear tattoos are a stylish and decorative statement that can say a lot about your personality. Practically, ear tattoos are a popular choice because they’re easy to hide if you have long hair, but they’re also easy to show off whenever you want to. Ear tattoos may also show off your creative personality if you’re an artistic person who chooses to place a music note or other symbol around your ear.^[5] However, it’s a great spot for other small and delicate symbols!
   
   • Ear tattoos are also connected to hearing and communication. Spiritually, an ear tattoo may mean that you’re open to spiritual messages and are willing to understand others.
   • Ears are often believed to energetically open you up to guidance and listening. So, the exact theme or symbolic meaning of your design may also represent what influences you’re listening to in life.
5. Ribcage and stomach{endbold} Your ribcage and stomach are very intimate and vulnerable parts of your body—plus, they’re some of the most painful areas to get tattooed. So, the designs you choose to tattoo on your ribcage and stomach may show your innermost and most intimate self. Symbolically, the belly and abdominals may exude an energy related to sexuality, gut instinct, or the things that nourish and energize you.^[6]
   
   • These tattoo placements are also associated with strong and creative personalities, as they show that you’re willing to endure a lot of pain for art that you love.
   • Despite the pain level, however, the ribs and stomach are great for your first tattoos since they can easily be hidden and shown off at will.
6. Back{endbold} The back is the largest blank canvas on the body, so it’s usually used for pieces of art that are very important to you. If you have a back tattoo, you may have a very stable and strong personality, but you still prefer a tattoo that can be hidden when needed. Back tattoos may be a way to tell a specific story with your tattoo, enhance your appearance, or even highlight muscles. Lower back tattoos, in particular, are a great way to express sensuality, confidence, femininity, and strength.^[7]
   
   • Back tattoos have a lot of important spiritual meaning, as they’ve been important to various cultures throughout time. For instance, large Japanese back tattoos have traditionally been used to show strength.^[8]
   • Other schools of thought argue that back tattoos energetically represent memories or values that you’ve moved past or want to leave behind. Tattoos on the spine, in particular, may symbolize lasting values or past experiences that still influence you.
7. Chest and shoulders{endbold} Getting a tattoo on your chest or shoulders is a sign that this design is incredibly important to you—after all, the chest and torso is meant to be energetically linked to your most private self. If the tattoo sprawls across your whole chest, you’re probably very confident and aren’t concerned about the attention and power that this tattoo may bring you. If the tattoo is centered on the left side of your chest (close to your heart), it may represent something that’s close to your heart, like a symbol or name that belongs to someone you love.^[9]
   
   • In general, chest and torso tattoos can feel very vulnerable, so it’s a great place to get something personal, like an angel number or important date. Shoulders, specifically, may energetically represent the burdens you carry through your life.
   • If you’re a breast cancer survivor, you might choose a chest tattoo to complement your mastectomy scars. In this case, these art pieces represent beauty, strength, perseverance, and bravery.^[10]
8. Legs{endbold} If you choose to get a tattoo on your leg, you probably have a lot of body confidence or are aspiring to feel more comfortable in your own skin. You may feel like you shouldn’t have to hide that part of your body—especially if the placement is around your upper thigh—or maybe you even specifically designed the tattoo to enhance your leg muscles!
   
   • According to their spiritual energies, legs are all about the journey that your life is on. Your right leg starts new journeys (sometimes impulsively) while the left leg follows behind the right leg with more experience and wisdom.
   • Tattoos on the left leg may also symbolize the end of a journey, while the lower part of your leg (like the calf or shin) represents what you’re working or moving towards.
9. Buttocks, hips, and genitals{endbold} Tattoos on or around the buttocks, hips, and genitals often represent your playful or sensual personality. Traditionally, tattoos in these areas were believed to spiritually enhance the fertility and sensual energy of the wearer.^[11] So if you have a tattoo between your lower torso and legs, you may be more filled with joy, playfulness, creativity, and sensuality than others!
   
10. Hands and fingers{endbold} Hand and finger tattoos are pretty small, but they’re also hard to hide! Finger tattoos, in particular, became pretty trendy around the 2010s—however, they often fade fast so aren’t a great spot for meaningful tats. When it comes to personality, hand and finger tattoos may show that you’re classy, elegant, or conservative with a hint of rebellion. Or, you want a way to express yourself without making a huge commitment.
    
    • Symbolically, hands represent action, creativity, and the transformation of dreams into reality. Some people believe that getting tattoos on your hands can improve your overall well-being and health.^[12]
    • A tattoo on your right hand may also symbolize the things that you give to others, while tattoos on your left hand may represent what you receive.
    • Similarly, each finger can actually have a different meaning and energy. In astrology, for instance, each finger aligns with a different planetary force—so if you’re an astrology lover, your tattoo may carry this meaning for you!
11. Face{endbold} Face tattoos are one of the most visible and bold tattoos that you can get. Often, they indicate that you have an extremely bold and courageous personality and you don’t care about the judgment of others. Some people believe that the tattoos you put on your face show the energy that you're putting out into the universe.
    
    • Face tattoos are also associated with intelligence and consciousness, so they may indicate your desire for personal growth and transcendence past life challenges.^[13]
    • Certain parts of the face may also have specific meanings. For instance, eye tattoos may symbolize insight, nose tattoos may indicate balance, and mouth tattoos may represent communication and mindfulness.
    • In some cases, you may have a face tattoo due to gang or prison affiliations. While these face tattoo placements and their meanings can vary, some common ones include a teardrop or three dots near the eye.
    • The teardrop tattoo under the eye can represent a long prison sentence or that the wearer has committed murder. The three dots around the eye also has various meanings—it may represent the Holy Trinity in the Christian faith, or it may indicate a general association with “gang life.”^[14]
12. Front{endbold} The front of the body is thought to symbolize the future. Tattoos on your front (e.g., your chest, the front of your legs, or face) may represent your aspirations, values, dreams, and life lessons that you’re carrying into the future. If there’s a specific goal you’re working toward, choose a tattoo to represent it and place it on the front side of your body. ^[15]
    
13. Back{endbold} Tattoos on the back of your body, may represent your past. They might symbolize life chapters and experiences that you’ve completed and moved on from—but don’t want to leave behind completely. If you want to get a tattoo related to your past, anywhere on the back of your body (e.g., your back, the back of your thigh, the back of your neck) will make a great spot for it!
    
14. Left{endbold} The left side of the body is linked to right-brained qualities like creativity, intuition, and big-picture thinking. Depending on your culture and belief system, it may also represent emotion, protection, femininity, receptivity and nostalgia. Tattoos on your left side of your body may feel more significant or harmonious if they correspond with these qualities.^[16]
    
15. Right{endbold} The right side of your body is associated with left brain qualities like logic, analysis, order, and quantitative. Spiritually, this side of your body may also represent action, strength, positivity, and masculinity. If the tattoos you want embody these types of energies, then they may be best placed on the right side of your body.^[17]
    
    • Curious why other people get tattoos? See what fellow readers have to say on the wikiHow forum post, "Why do people get tattoos".

How to Choose Your Tattoo Placement

1. Consider how visible you want your tattoo to be. The visibility of your tattoo will also influence the potential size and location of your design. Start by considering how visible you want your tattoo to be—if you want a hidden tattoo, choose a concealed spot like your torso, upper thighs, back, upper arms, or feet. Then, consider how big or detailed you want a tattoo to be—if you want a small tattoo, it can’t be as detailed, but if you want a large tattoo, you’ll have to choose a larger area. A good tattoo artist will likely inform you if your tattoo design and placement aren’t compatible, but you can also follow the guide below:^[18]
   
   • Small tattoos can be simple designs with basic shapes. Possible placements include the wrist, back of the palm, top of the foot, fingers, ankles, behind the ear, above the elbow, and knee.
   • Medium tattoos can be flash tattoos, script tattoos, and any relatively simple design that can fit on a long and skinny area. Possible placements include the forearm, calves, shins, neck, shoulder, upper arm, inner thigh, and sternum.
   • Large tattoos can be more detailed tattoos with more elements. Possible placements include the upper thigh, upper back, lower back, chest, stomach, hip, and ribs.
   • Extra large tattoos can be more expansive pieces of work designed with the tattoo artist. Possible placement options include a full arm sleeve, a full leg sleeve, a chest and stomach piece, and a full back piece.
2. Consider how the tattoo will lay on your body. Some people like to take into account the shape of their body when choosing a tattoo, although this step isn’t at all required. Some people prefer larger designs that emulate strength and help to define their muscles. Often, these pieces require placements like an arm sleeve or a neck, calf, chest, or back tattoo.^[19]
   
   • Others choose tattoo placements that highlight their body’s natural curves. For example, a larger tattoo may wrap around the hip and thigh or curve around the chest.
   • For smaller tattoos, some individuals opt for placements that make their ink resemble jewelry. For instance, wrist tattoos = bracelets, sternum tattoos = necklaces, ankle tattoos = anklets, and finger tattoos = rings.
3. Take into account your pain tolerance and tattoo experience. If you have a low pain tolerance or are brand new to getting tattoos, you may want to stay away from large tattoos or particularly painful placements (e.g., the ribs, armpits, or other bony spots). Unless you really have your heart set on a certain placement, consider sticking to less painful areas like the thigh, outer bicep, or forearm.^[20]
   
4. Consider your future with this tattoo. You might have career plans, physical goals, or even future tattoo plans that can influence your current placement. For instance, despite the fact that mainstream attitudes toward tattoos are changing, “hand, neck, and face tattoos are ‘job stopper’ tattoos,” says professional tattoo artist Burak Moreno. As Moreno goes on to advise, “it’s very important to think about where you work or are planning to work in the future” before getting a high-visibility tattoo.^[21]
   
   • “Job-stopper” tattoos may even affect the way you are treated by others, including security guards, police officers, and other authority figures.
   • Alongside career goals, you might have future plans to make changes to your body. While all bodies naturally change over time, major changes like weight loss, pregnancy, or significant muscle gain may warp the tattoo design in areas like the stomach, hips, upper arms, and upper legs.
   • Lastly, consider any plans you have for getting larger tattoo pieces in the future. If you want a full sleeve in the future, for instance, avoid getting smaller tattoos dotted on your arms. These tattoos will make it harder to get a cohesive sleeve later on.
5. Get inspiration from common tattoo design and placement pairings. While you can definitely get your tattoo anywhere on your body that you like, you may be unsure about where your design will look best! For instance, a swirling vine design may look best wrapping around your thigh or on a long and narrow area like your forearm. If you haven’t decided what kind of tattoo you want or where you want it placed, check out this list of some of the most common combinations of designs and placements:
   
   • Ear tattoos: Possible placements on the earlobe, behind the ear, or on the cartilage. Try delicate and tiny designs, like a music note or wrapping vine.
   • Neck tattoos: Possible placements on the nape or front of the neck. Try small and dainty or large but moderately-complex designs, like geometric patterns or cursive script.
   • Shoulder tattoos: Possible placement on the shoulder blade or draping across the shoulder. Try large floral designs or angel wings.
   • Chest tattoos: Possible placements on one pectoral muscle, on the sternum, over the heart, or across the entire chest. Try a floral wrap or outstretched wings on the sternum, an animal face on the pec, or a special someone’s name over the heart.
   • Arm tattoos: Possible placements on the upper arm or forearm. Try a sticker tattoo or geometric design on the upper arm and a large script tattoo or floral design on the forearm.
   • Thigh tattoos: Possible placements on the upper or inner thigh. Try “wrapping” tattoos that work their way up to the hip bone, like florals, snakes, and other long and slender pieces.
   • Finger tattoos: Possible placements on the top or side of the finger. Try tiny pieces of script or very small symbols.
   • Ankle and foot tattoos: Possible placements on the top of the foot or side of the angle. Try flowers, quotes, and small characters.

Cultural Significance of Tattoos

1. Research the cultural significance of a tattoo before getting it. Tattooing is an ancient art and tradition that traces its origins to many cultures across many centuries—the first recorded tattoo was done around 3300 BCE in the Ötztal Alps.^[22] Whatever your cultural or spiritual background and beliefs, it’s a good idea to thoughtfully choose an appropriate tattoo design and carefully consider the right placement for you.
   
   • In particular, do your research before getting a tattoo that’s related to a culture you’re not connected to. For instance, you might be interested in a Buddha statue, African tribal print, or Native American totem symbol—if you have no cultural or ethnic ties to these cultures, their designs may not be appropriate for you to wear.
   • It’s important to remember that there’s no one meaning for every tattoo design or placement. What a specific tattoo and placement mean to you may be very different to what it means to another person.
   • People who have cultural or heritage connections to certain regions of Africa, for example, may view tattoos and their placements as a way to indicate tribal belonging.^[23]
   • In mainstream North American culture, however, tattoos are often imbued with less specific meaning, so silly tattoos like food, cartoon characters, and pop culture references are more common.

Tips

• Ultimately, pick a tattoo placement that feels good to you. Tattoo placements don’t have any universal or specific meaning attached to them—it’s up to you! Go for whatever tattoo design and placement feels best.
• If you want to test out a tattoo placement or brainstorm some cool designs, check out apps like InkHunter and Tattoodo. InkHunter uses augmented reality to preview what the tattoo will look like on your body, and Tattoodo is an online library of tattoos and tattoo artists with different styles and placements.

References

1. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a20964011/best-places-hide-tattoo/
2. ↑ https://www.unaltroblog.it/en/tattoo-blog-en/pre-tattoo-en/dove-mi-tatuo-20-consigli-della-simbologia-del-corpo/
3. ↑ https://www.zealandtattoo.co.nz/tattoo-styles/polynesian-tattoo-history-meanings-traditional-designs/
4. ↑ https://themighty.com/topic/self-harm/tattoos-that-cover-self-harm-scars/
5. ↑ https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/21-delicate-ear-tattoos-better-earrings-171019/page11
6. ↑ https://www.sohtattoo.com/blog/what-your-tattoo-placement-says-about-you/
7. ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/an-ode-to-the-misunderstood-beauty-of-the-tramp-stamp/
8. ↑ https://thinkglobalschool.org/the-culture-of-tattoos-in-japan/
9. ↑ https://hiddensignificance.com/spiritual-meaning-of-tattoo-placement/
10. ↑ https://people.com/breast-cancer-survivors-turned-mastectomy-scars-into-art-with-tattoos-exclusive-8644426
11. ↑ https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/middle-east-face-tattoos-traditional-amazigh-bedouin-kurdish
12. ↑ https://www.zealandtattoo.co.nz/tattoo-styles/polynesian-tattoo-history-meanings-traditional-designs/
13. ↑ https://www.zealandtattoo.co.nz/tattoo-styles/polynesian-tattoo-history-meanings-traditional-designs/
14. ↑ https://www.corrections1.com/prison-gangs/articles/15-prison-tattoos-and-their-meanings-pzgKItC7WYoa1wvk/
15. ↑ https://www.jstor.org/stable/972224
16. ↑ https://www.zealandtattoo.co.nz/tattoo-styles/polynesian-tattoo-history-meanings-traditional-designs/
17. ↑ https://www.zealandtattoo.co.nz/tattoo-styles/polynesian-tattoo-history-meanings-traditional-designs/
18. ↑ https://thomazcauchi.com/2021/08/01/what-to-know-before-getting-your-tattoo-placement/
19. ↑ https://www.floridatattooacademy.com/how-to-choose-a-tattoo/
20. ↑ https://www.floridatattooacademy.com/how-to-choose-a-tattoo/
21. ↑ [v161204_b01]. 11 October 2019.
22. ↑ https://www.si.edu/stories/ancient-ink-iceman-otzi-has-worlds-oldest-tattoos
23. ↑ https://folkculturebh.org/en/?issue=13&page=article&id=7

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/i6Aweru

19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World

Discover the 19 most unbelievably rare things on our planet

There are tons of plants, minerals, and phenomena that are super rare to be found on Earth, and even rarer to see first-hand. From the rarest minerals to the largest, stinkiest flower, there are tons of incredible things that people have discovered. Keep reading for a list of the most unique and precious items on earth (and maybe even some beyond).

Things You Should Know

• Kyawthuite, an extremely rare orange crystal, was discovered in the Mogok region of Myanmar. There are only a handful of samples worldwide.
• Pennantia baylisiana is one of the rarest trees on earth. Only one tree exists in the wild, on one of the Tree Kings Islands just off the coast of New Zealand.
• The Blood Falls in Antarctica is a rare crimson waterfall that comes from a lake trapped in ice. When the iron-rich water is exposed to air, it rusts, appearing red.

Steps

Kyawthuite

1. {endbold} Kyawthuite, found in the Mogok region of Myanmar (formerly Burma), is a deep orange crystal that was only officially recognized in 2015, making it one of the rarest minerals on earth.^[1] The only sample ever found is a 1.61-carat gem that was thought to be formed in pegmatite.^[2]
   
   • The gemstone was found in the bed of a stream by sapphire hunters in 2015 and is now kept in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.^[3]

Pennantia baylisiana

1. {endbold} This tree, known only by its scientific name, is one of the rarest trees on Earth. Only a single tree exists in the wild, on one of the Three Kings Islands off the coast of New Zealand. All other P. baylisiana trees were eaten by goats that were introduced to the island in 1889, making this last tree one of the rarest and loneliest in the world.^[4]
   
   • In 2005, a team of scientists managed to raise 6 more trees that produced seeds and in 2019, they were attempting to reintroduce new saplings into the environment.^[5]

Dragon’s blood tree

1. {endbold} This other-worldly tree is only native to Socotra, a remote island off the coast of Yemen. Named after their bright red sap, dragon’s blood trees can live to be thousands of years old.^[6] Forests of these ancient trees have been wiped out by intense storms, goat herds, and climate change, making these trees some of the rarest in the world.^[7]
   
   • The sap of the tree has been used by locals for its beautiful color and medicinal properties.^[8]
   • Without replanting efforts, experts estimate that these beautiful trees will be gone in only a few decades from 2021.^[9]

Corpse flower

1. {endbold} Native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, this 8 foot (2.4 m) flower only blooms for 2 to 3 days once every 1 to 2 years. When it does, it generates heat and releases a powerful stink that smells similar to the stench of rotten flesh, luring pollinators like carrion beetles and flies.^[10]
   
   • Most corpse flowers live for 7 to 10 years before their first bloom.^[11] Once the flower blooms, it typically only stays open several hours until it closes again.^[12]

Diquis Spheres

1. {endbold} These mysterious spherical stones can be found in Costa Rica, measuring between in diameter and weighing up to .^[13] These monumental sculptures were believed to have belonged to an ancient civilization in the area, who ground the rocks into perfect spheres using only other stones.^[14]
   
   • No one knows for sure when these stones were made, or what the cultural and symbolic significance of them are.^[15]

Nazca Lines

1. {endbold} The Nazca lines are giant designs etched into the ground in the Peruvian coastal plain, about 250 miles (400 km) south of Lima. Created by the Nazca people, these lines are believed to have originally been a ritual to the gods to bring rain, but their true purpose might have changed over time.^[16]
   
   • The designs of the lines are usually plants and animals, like a monkey, a killer whale, and a hummingbird, but also include geometric shapes like triangles, trapezoids, and spirals.^[17]
   • The rocks that cover this desert are rust-colored, so the lines were made by removing the top of rock to expose the light-colored sand underneath.^[18]

The underground city of Derinkuyu

1. {endbold} The ancient city of Derinkuyu (or Elengubu) is a series of cave-like dwellings found below ground in Turkey’s Cappadocia region. The city is believed to have been constructed before 370 BCE and was carved out with shovels and pickaxes. As one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, it’s now a popular tourist destination.^[19]
   
   • In 1963, a local man noticed his chickens disappearing through a gap in his basement, and after knocking down a wall, he accidentally discovered the sprawling city.
   • The city was most likely originally used for the storage of goods but was then expanded and used as protection from foreign invaders during the Byzantine Era.

Lake Abraham’s frozen air bubbles

1. {endbold} This man-made lake in Canada has frozen bubbles just under the surface that are actually pockets of methane gas made by bacteria munching on decaying plants and animals. Lake Abraham also sits against the Rocky Mountains, making it a perfect destination for tourists and avid photographers alike.^[20]
   
   • Scientists research the methane bubbles in this lake and others up north because warmer temperatures may be releasing methane greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change.^[21]

Blood Falls

1. {endbold} Antarctica’s rare blood-red waterfall isn’t actually made of blood. Instead, it appears as a rare crimson color because the lake it comes from has been preserved under salty ice for years. The lake is rich in iron, too salty to freeze, and has no oxygen. When the iron-rich water comes in contact with the oxygen in the air, it rusts, creating a disturbingly beautiful red color.^[22]
   
   • Blood Falls can only be reached by helicopter from nearby Antarctica research stations or cruise ships visiting the nearby sea.

Australia’s pink lakes

1. {endbold} These unique bubblegum pink lakes in Western and Southern Australia don’t taste as sweet as they look—they’re actually as salty as the Dead Sea. No one knows for sure what causes their vibrantly pink color, but some researchers think it’s because of the pink- and red-colored salt-loving bacteria and algae that live there.^[23]
   
   • Many of these lakes change color depending on the season, time of day, and cloud coverage.^[24]
   • For example, Lake Bumbunga shifts between pink, white, and blue while Hutt Lagoon changes from red to pink, and even purple.

Sea of Stars

1. {endbold} The “Sea of Stars” is a beautiful phenomenon in the reefs of the Maldives caused by bioluminescent glowing blue plankton.^[25] This unique and mysterious sight only happens when the water temperature, salinity, tides, and nutrient levels are just right. Witnessing the billions of plankton at the sea’s edge is a matter of being at the right place at the right time.^[26]
   

Buddha’s Hand citrons

1. {endbold} A Buddha’s Hand citron is a citrus fruit that looks like a lemon with long, lumpy fingers. Originally brought from India by Buddhist monks and cultivated in ancient China, this hybrid fruit is served during the New Year as a symbol of happiness, wealth, and longevity.^[27] In the U.S., they’re only commercially grown in California.^[28]
   
   • If you ever come across one of these crazy-looking lemon hands, you can slice it up and add it to your cocktail or add the zest to a vinaigrette or your favorite buttermilk waffles.^[29]

Rafflesia Arnoldii flower

1. {endbold} Native to the rainforests of Indonesia, this parasitic flower is well-known for being the largest in the world, stretching more than across and weighing up to .^[30] Rafflesia Arnoldii flowers bloom for only a little longer than a week and are designed to attract small carrion flies with the scent of rotting meat.^[31]
   
   • There are only about 40 species of the flower in Southeast Asia, and most are under severe threat of habitat destruction.^[32]

White peacocks

1. {endbold} White peacocks have a rare genetic mutation called leucism that causes a lack of pigment in their feathers, but not in their eyes.^[33] Although leucism is an inherited trait, the position and pattern of the white coloring can vary or skip generations, which means seeing a white peacock in the wild may be an extraordinarily rare event.^[34]
   
   • Leucism is often confused with albinism, however, an albino bird would have pink eyes, while a bird with leucism does not.^[35]
   • Spiritually, white peacock feathers are often thought to symbolize rebirth, wisdom, and kindness.

Kaindy Lake underwater forest

1. {endbold} Kaindy Lake is a mountain lake in Kazakhstan, located close to the country’s largest city, Almaty. Formed after a 1911 earthquake caused a landslide, creating a natural dam, this lake is famous for the limbless, bleached spruce trees that stick out of the water. These trees and the beautiful turquoise water create a unique scenic underwater forest.^[36]
   

Bismuth crystals

1. {endbold} Bismuth is a somewhat rare crystalline white metal that melts at low temperatures.^[37] When it’s melted and cooled down, it organizes into cubes and creates a rainbow-colored geometric pattern. ^[38]
   
   • Bismuth has also been used for centuries in cosmetics and medicines to treat various diseases.^[39]

Rainbow eucalyptus

1. {endbold} Native to tropical regions like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, these evergreen trees have a stunning secret. When they shed their bark, they reveal layers of color, including neon green, bright red, orange, pink, and purple. They also grow up to tall in their native environment, making them one of the most beautiful trees on earth.^[40]
   
   • In the U.S., the rainbow eucalyptus grows in Hawaii and southern portions of California, Texas, and Florida. However, it only grows to a height of .

Purple carrots

1. {endbold} While most of the carrots we eat today are orange, the first cultivated carrots were purple and yellow. It wasn’t until a carrot geneticist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture started cross-breeding purple carrots from Syria that they started coming back into supermarkets. However, they’re still fairly rare and sometimes cost higher prices.^[41]
   
   • No one’s sure how the orange carrot took over the others, but some believe that purple carrots fell out of favor because they might turn whatever else they were cooked with purple.
   • One story says that the orange carrot was developed in the Netherlands to pay homage to William of Orange, but there’s no evidence to support this claim.^[42]

Ring galaxies

1. {endbold} Only 1 in 1,000 galaxies can be classified as a ring galaxy, meaning they have a dense core of old stars with a ring of bright blue young stars around them.^[43] The first ring galaxy, Hoag’s Object, was discovered in 1950. How it formed remains unknown and only a few similar objects have since been identified and named as ring galaxies.^[44]
   
   • Other ring galaxies include the Sloan Great Wall, which is around 1.5 billion light-years in length, and the South Pole Wall, which stretches 1.4 billion light-years across.^[45]

Video

References

1. ↑ https://www.livescience.com/rarest-mineral-on-earth
2. ↑ https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/minersoc/minmag/article-abstract/81/3/477/285376/Kyawthuite-Bi3-Sb5-O4-a-new-gem-mineral-from-Mogok
3. ↑ https://www.iflscience.com/there-is-only-one-specimen-of-the-rarest-mineral-on-earth-67276
4. ↑ https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/worlds-rarest-tree-gets-some-help/
5. ↑ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/story-of-worlds-loneliest-tree
6. ↑ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/see-the-otherworldly-tree-of-life-socotra-dragon-blood
7. ↑ https://phys.org/news/2021-06-yemen-unique-dragon-blood-island.html
8. ↑ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00049-016-0212-2
9. ↑ https://phys.org/news/2021-06-yemen-unique-dragon-blood-island.html
10. ↑ https://www.usbg.gov/gardens-plants/corpse-flowers
11. ↑ https://today.appstate.edu/2023/11/30/mongo
12. ↑ https://huntington.org/corpse-flower
13. ↑ https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/costa-rican-stone-spheres
14. ↑ https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/321295
15. ↑ https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/321295
16. ↑ https://www.history.com/topics/south-america/nazca-lines
17. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/place/Nazca-Lines
18. ↑ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/nasca-lines
19. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220810-derinkuyu-turkeys-underground-city-of-20000-people
20. ↑ https://naturecanada.ca/news/blog/the-story-behind-this-alberta-lakes-frozen-bubbles-and-what-they-say-about-our-changing-planet/
21. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20180218-lake-abraham-an-ethereal-landscape-of-frozen-bubbles
22. ↑ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/antarcticas-blood-red-waterfall-180949507/
23. ↑ https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2016/12/australias-pink-lakes/
24. ↑ https://www.australia.com/en-us/things-to-do/nature-and-national-parks/australias-pink-lakes.html
25. ↑ https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230529.html
26. ↑ https://visitmaldives.com/en/experience/the-sea-of-stars-in-the-sunny-side-of-life
27. ↑ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/what-heck-do-i-do-buddhas-hand-citron-180949871/
28. ↑ https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2013/12/Buddhas-Hand-Citron-A-Truly-Extraordinary-Fruit/index.cfm
29. ↑ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/what-heck-do-i-do-buddhas-hand-citron-180949871/
30. ↑ https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/botany/item/what-is-the-largest-flower-in-the-world/
31. ↑ https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2017/02/colossal-blossom
32. ↑ https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/article/chasing-plants-in-search-of-rafflesia
33. ↑ https://www.galvestonnaturetourism.org/west-end-peacocks/
34. ↑ https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/behaviour/plumage/leucism
35. ↑ https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/arts-culture/2023-08-15/white-peacock-mystery-boise-bench
36. ↑ https://rees.sas.upenn.edu/about/spotlight/kaindy-lake-kazakhstan
37. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151860/
38. ↑ https://www.fleetscience.org/blog/2021/01/what-are-bismuth-crystals
39. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151860/
40. ↑ https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-rainbow-eucalyptus/
41. ↑ https://www.popsci.com/wtf-are-purple-carrots-and-where-did-they-come-from/
42. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/why-carrots-are-orange-and-not-purple-food-history-206311
43. ↑ https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/ring-galaxies/
44. ↑ https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/strange-ring-galaxy/
45. ↑ https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/strange-ring-galaxy/

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What Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their Benefits

Plus, life coaches explain how to have more fulfilling fun

Did you know that the fun you have can be categorized into three different types? Well, it can! According to geologist Rainer Newberry, there are three levels or types of fun, and the type of fun you’re having depicts what you’ll gain from the experience. In this article, we’ll break down each type of fun, from what it is to how to have it. Plus, we spoke with life coaches Desiree Panlilio and Guy Reichard to give you the best tips on bringing more fun into your life.

What are the 3 types of fun?

Steps

What is the Fun Scale?

1. The Fun Scale measures enjoyment based on current and past fulfillment. Chances are, when you’re having fun, you’re not really thinking about what “type” of fun you’re having—that’s what the Fun Scale is for!^[1] Geologist Rainer Newberry coined the term “Fun Scale” in his novel Climbing Dictionary: Mountaineering Slang, Terms, Neologisms & Lingo in 1985.^[2] The Fun Scale was originally applied to outdoor or adventure activities and has three main levels of fun: Types 1, 2, and 3. Each level weighs how rewarding and memorable an activity is based on the overall experience:^[3]
   
   • Type 1 fun is fun in the moment and is pleasant to remember.
   • Type 2 fun is not fun in the moment but is fun or pleasant to remember.
   • Type 3 fun is not fun at all in the moment and you don’t look back on it fondly (but it may make for a great story).
   • Some Fun Scale enthusiasts add a Type 4 fun, which is fun in the moment but unpleasant to look back on or something you regret doing later.
   • While the scale has a general premise, everyone’s interpretation of the scale can be different based on personal experiences and expectations. In other words, what you find to be Type 2 fun may be a friend’s Type 1.

What is Type 1 fun?

1. Type 1 fun is fun to do and remember. Type 1 fun is the ultimate type of fun—it’s what everyone craves! An activity that’s Type 1 is fun to do in the moment and is equally as fun when you think about it. It’s carefree and enjoyable—something you’d do again in a heartbeat.^[4]
   
   • Examples:
     • Eating your favorite dessert
     • Going to the beach with friends
     • Going to an amusement park
   • Benefits:
     • Increases dopamine
     • Improves mood
     • Creates enjoyment
2. How to have Type 1 fun{endbold} Have Type 1 fun by doing things that make you happy! Choose a hobby or activity that you feel happy or at peace doing. Chances are, if you do something and want to quickly do it again, it’s a Type 1 activity.
   
   • Type 1 activities vary per person, so find what clicks for you. Maybe that’s coloring, going for a walk with your dog, or skateboarding.

What is Type 2 fun?

1. Type 2 fun isn’t fun in the moment but is fun to look back on. When you’re having Type 2 fun, you likely don’t feel like you’re having fun. But when you reflect on the activity, you feel fulfilled and think of it as fun. This type of fun usually comes with a sense of accomplishment or achievement.^[5]
   
   • Examples:
     • Completing a marathon
     • Writing a book
     • Doing a cold plunge
   • Benefits:
     • Builds resilience and character
     • Enhances problem-solving skills
     • Increases self-efficacy
2. How to have Type 2 fun{endbold} Incorporate more Type 2 fun into your life by stepping outside your comfort zone more. Type 2 activities feel uncomfortable at first, but they’re the most rewarding. Set goals of what you hope to gain and accomplish. Then, do what it takes to make them happen!^[6]
   
   • This can look like setting a goal to run a 5k or go on an overnight backpacking trip alone.

What is Type 3 fun?

1. Type 3 fun isn’t fun to do or to remember. Type 3 fun is no fun all around. You don’t enjoy the activity during or after the fact, but it makes for an awesome or educational story. This type of fun can be scary and dangerous in the moment. It likely starts from an activity you thought would be Type 2 fun but quickly becomes something you didn’t expect (and likely something you’ll never do again).^[7]
   
   • Examples:
     • Getting lost in the woods while hiking
     • Meeting a bear in the wild
     • Climbing a steep mountain in the snow
   • Benefits:
     • Improves confidence
     • Builds character and resilience
     • Provides lasting memories
2. How to have Type 3 fun{endbold} Let Type 3 activities come your way—don’t force them. Type 3 fun is the most difficult and challenging level on the Fun Scale. It comes when you least expect it, often branching out of what you’d expect to be Type 2 fun. So, let it come naturally and face the challenge head-on when it does. Remember, it’ll make for one epic story.
   
   • For instance, maybe you plan on going camping with friends. As the camping adventure goes on, you start to have less and less fun, turning into a Type 2 activity. When you think things can’t get any worse, a skunk attacks your tent, making it a Type 3.
   • Don’t try to seek out dangerous activities just for the sake of having Type 3 fun. At their worst, Type 3 activities can cause injury, psychological distress, or potentially even death if things go truly awry.

What is Type 4 fun?

1. Type 4 fun is fun in the moment, but only in the moment. While Type 4 fun isn’t technically a part of the Fun Scale, many argue it should be included. Internet users categorize this bonus level of fun as something that feels like “the best time ever” in the moment, but makes you feel absolutely horrible afterward. You may experience this type of fun as you get older and realize you can’t do the same things you used to do when you were young.
   
   • Examples:
     • Going out for a few to many drinks with friends
     • Staying up all night to binge-watch a show
     • Eating 3 cheeseburgers back-to-back
   • Benefits:
     • Provides quality memories
     • Improves self-boundaries
     • Enhances self-awareness
   • Tip: Type 4 fun isn’t recommended to chase after, which is likely why it isn’t included in the Fun Scale. This level of fun is learned from, not sought after.

Why do you crave different types of fun?

1. You crave fun for both enjoyment and achievement. Each type of fun comes with its own outcomes. Type 1 fun is simply pleasurable and makes you feel joyful and ecstatic. Type 2 fun is challenging but rewarding, helping you step outside your comfort zone and learn more about yourself. Type 3 fun is the ultimate challenge that teaches you lessons and makes you feel like you can accomplish anything (even if you never want to do that activity again).^[8]
   
   • Each type creates memories and life lessons—they build character. While you may not realize it, you crave these activities to create a fulfilling, well-rounded, and liberating life.

How to Have Fulfilling Fun

1. Don’t think about how happy you are in the moment. The key to happiness is to just have it! Try your best to avoid thinking about what type of fun you’re having while you’re having it. Instead, simply do something you think will be fun rather than worrying about what type of fun it’ll be.^[9]
   
   • “We can learn to create or nurture [feelings of happiness],” Reichard says. “Do more activities that invoke positive emotions, like spending time with people you love or playing and being active.”^[10]
2. Discover what you enjoy. Focus on activities that fill your cup, whether that’s in the moment or down the road. Spend most of your time doing things that are enjoyable and fun for you overall. It’s okay if you hit a lull every now and then, but stick to what ultimately makes you happy.^[11]
   
   • Reichard recommends getting “in touch with that part of you that is fun and likes to have fun. Then, let yourself enjoy life from that part of you. Encourage yourself to look for the fun or funny, the light and positive, and you’ll find it.”^[12]
3. Make time to have fun. We get it! You have a busy schedule, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make time to have a little fun. Schedule time in your regular routine to do something for yourself. Maybe that’s writing one chapter of your book a week or going for a regular jog. The more fun you have in your everyday life, the happier you’ll be.^[13]
   
   • “It’s really about self-care,” explains Panlilio, “and having that opportunity to focus on you for a few minutes.”^[14] Whether you’ve had a good or bad day, you can do something you enjoy to decompress and feel happier.
4. Reflect on your experiences. Even Type 3 fun can have enjoyable moments (even if you can’t see them right away). Remember to take time to reflect and reminisce about all the fun times you’ve had. Looking back on fun or silly memories can make more painful experiences bearable.^[15]
   
   • Even though Type 3 fun is typically unenjoyable to look back on, time has a funny way of changing your perception. Years down the road, you may look back on horrible Type 3 activities with a smile!

Video

References

1. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277973145_A_Fun-Scale_for_Understanding_the_Hedonic_Value_of_a_Product_The_Destination_Context
2. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/03/24/what-is-type-2-fun/
3. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=jpcXCRMyDGwC&pg=PA100&lpg=PA100&dq=fun+scale+professor+of+geology+alaska&source=bl&ots=eZtFPsgaue&sig=ACfU3U1fY7enYSsOqZUXKoFC7SiAwVrY6g&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIkYX-74H2AhWuD0QIHa5IA-YQ6AF6BAgaEAM#v=onepage&q=fun+scale+professor+of+geology+alaska&f=false
4. ↑ https://as.csuchico.edu/blog/2016/02/reblog-the-three-and-a-half-types-of-fun-explained-from-tetongravity-com
5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-of-fun/202404/type-ii-fun-embracing-hard-fun-for-personal-growth
6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-of-fun/202404/type-ii-fun-embracing-hard-fun-for-personal-growth
7. ↑ https://as.csuchico.edu/blog/2016/02/reblog-the-three-and-a-half-types-of-fun-explained-from-tetongravity-com
8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pursuit-fun/202106/what-is-the-underlying-psychology-having-fun
9. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/02/04/1150518287/fun-play-happiness-stress-reduction
10. ↑ [v161308_b01]. 20 Sep 2021.
11. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/02/04/1150518287/fun-play-happiness-stress-reduction
12. ↑ [v161308_b01]. 30 Mar 2021.
13. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/02/04/1150518287/fun-play-happiness-stress-reduction
14. ↑ [v161974_b01]. 12 Oct 2021.
15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-antidepressant-diet/202107/are-we-forgetting-to-have-fun

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