When I was growing up in former Yugoslavia, tattoos were rare. One could see them only on people of rural background. More often than not, they were made during the military service far from home. Many of the tattoos thus had the initials of the Yugoslav People’s Army, a star, and the date of entry into the service. But whence the tattoo craze? As far as Croatia is concerned, it is an import, no doubt. Chances are that tattoos started with the tough guys in America and Europe. The pain that goes with tattooing only added to their appeal. Everyone else wanted to look just like the tough guys, which can also be seen in men’s clothing. Beltless pants barely held by the hips are a part of the same trend, for belts were not allowed in jails. By and by, women wanted to look tough, too. And the craze took off. It spread around the globe in only a few decades. Now every third or fourth man or woman visiting Motovun has a tattoo in a conspicuous place. Most of them are in their twenties and thirties. Everyone is tough nowadays, in short. As far as the next craze is concerned, ask the jailbirds. They are sure to come up with a new trick pretty soon.