Friday the 13th: A Tattoo Tradition Thrives
While Friday the 13th may evoke a sense of caution for some, for many tattoo enthusiasts, it is an eagerly anticipated occasion to acquire new body art. Evolution Tattoo in Midtown Reno certainly embraced the spirit of the day on Friday, February 13th, with a bustling atmosphere filled with the sounds of tattoo machines and the chatter of eager patrons.
Seth Hartley, the shop hand, found himself juggling multiple tasks as he managed the busy front counter and phone lines. “Right at the jump, right as we opened, they started pouring in and just one after the other. These days are really fun to do,” Hartley remarked.
Hartley mentioned that the exact origins of this tattoo tradition remain unclear, but it has been a longstanding practice. Initially, tattoo shops would offer $13 tattoos to mark the day, drawing from its superstitious roots. However, this practice has evolved into what is now a widespread tradition, featuring discounted flash tattoos.
Displayed on the counter were flash sheets, which showcased various hand-drawn designs suitable for the occasion. These designs ranged from eerie motifs like ghosts and flaming skulls to the more whimsical, representing the proximity to Valentine’s Day with colorful hearts inspired by the film “Mean Girls.”
This year, Friday the 13th occurs three times—in February, March, and November—making it not only a tattoo event but also a family tradition for some. One such family was the Vest family, with Sydney Vest attending alongside her brother Tyler, sister Sam, and their mother Mary Lee.
Sydney proudly displayed her new tattoo, a black heart-shaped bat, while Tyler opted for the Necronomicon from the 1980s horror film “Evil Dead.” “I just love ‘Evil Dead’ and I saw it and I was like, ‘I’m going to get that one,’” Tyler shared.
Their tattoo artist, Deuce Hindelang, contributed several designs for the event. Originally from Phoenix, Hindelang noted the widespread popularity of this phenomenon. “I have friends all over the country that have people lining up the door to do the same thing that we’re doing today,” he said.
