( CNN ) -- Tattoos have had a variety of purposes over their 5,000-year history . In cultures from ancient Egyptian to Polynesian , they 've served as medicine , rite of passage , good-luck charm , punishment , decoration , religious , political or status symbol , and , of course , tribute to a loved one . And many times , that loved one is Mom . `` Just about anybody that 's heavily tattooed , if they do n't have it already , [ a mom tattoo ] is definitely on their list of things to get , '' said tattoo artist Alan Flores , who works out of 13 Roses Tattoo Parlour in Atlanta . What 's thought of as the `` traditional '' mom tattoo -- a heart with a banner , stereotypically seen on World War II-era sailors -- is still a popular design . `` I 've done plenty of mom tattoos with banners around hearts , '' said Flores . But custom motifs , handwriting and even portraits are gaining ground -- check out the gallery above . `` I did one the other day on a guy ; his mom is a tennis player , so I drew up a head with a tennis racket , '' said Flores . And sometimes customers just come to him with general ideas -- `` favorite flowers , things she likes '' -- and then `` it 's up to me to create that image that they 're picturing . '' In Flores ' experience , people usually get mom or dad tattoos as memorials for a parent after they 've passed away . Of course , they can also honor a special occasion or serve as a tribute . Kyle Divine , in the gallery above , got his tattoo on Mother 's Day in 2006 , and John Clarke got his for his mother 's 70th birthday . Amanda Clifton and her mom got matching tattoos during a mother/daughter vacation . `` When you have so much love for a person , it 's hard not to show some love with ink , '' Clifton remarked . Pondering a tattoo of your own to honor mom ? If you 're thinking of a custom or unique piece , like a portrait , Flores recommends bringing in your tattoo artist from the start to refine your vision . `` I know what works as a tattoo and I know what does n't work , '' he said . `` A lot of art ca n't be translated to skin . '' Once you 've got your mom ink , be sure to share the love and show off your design on CNN iReport . Happy Mother 's Day !
For more than 100 years , tattoos have been a popular way to honor mom . Designs range from the iconic banner and heart to custom portraits and handwriting . The most common designs are on the arms of moms who were born in the United States or Canada. Have a mom tattoo of your own ? Show it off on CNN iReport .