Are The Tattoos Of Henry Golding Permanent?

Henry Golding, a Malaysian actor and actor, has a unique collection of tattoos that represent his cultural identity. His bejalai tattoos are strategically placed throughout his body, each holding its own unique meaning and significance. The matching tattoos on his shoulders feature symbols of the Iban tribe, embodying his cultural identity. Golding was born in Sarawak to British-Malaysian parents and is of Ibanese heritage. He revealed that he had several tattoos, with the ones on his shoulder being of the “Henry Golding Tattoo”.

Golding’s tattoos stem from traditional Iban tattoos, which are found in Malaysia. He received his first tattoo on his right arm, designed by his father, who is translated as “Child of Sarawak, Son of Margaret and Clive”. He also has several tattoos on his back, chest, and arms, including a large dragon covering his entire back and a small phoenix in the center of his chest.

Golding’s journey ended with a traditional hand-tapped bejalai tattoo by Ernesto Kalum of Borneoheadhunters Tattoo in Kuching, Sarawak. His tattoos include matching ones on each shoulder, torso, and triceps. In an arduous 7-hour session with the BorneoHeadhuntersTattoo team, Golding played a trailer of Surviving Borneo, showing the tattoo on his right thigh.

In August 2018, a film featuring Henry Golding sparked conversations about male facial aging. Golding’s face has been analyzed to identify signs of aging and explore his unique tattoos and his connection to his cultural identity.

Why Did Discovery Golding Get A Fig Tree Tattoo?

Henry Golding's journey culminated in receiving a significant Iban tattoo from Ernesto Kalum, one of the few remaining practitioners of traditional tribal body art among the Iban people. The tattoo features the "crippling fig tree," a design that Golding interprets as representing the concept of "conquering." This design depicts a fig tree entwining another tree, symbolizing transformation and strength.

Following this ritual preparation, Golding returned to Singapore and soon married Liv Lo, a Taiwanese television presenter and yoga instructor, whom he met on New Year’s Day in 2011. They become engaged in 2015 and wed in August 2016 in Sarawak. The couple now resides in Venice Beach, California, where they have two daughters born in 2021 and 2023.

Golding’s immersion into Iban culture included completing his bejalai, a rite of passage into manhood, while also capturing his experiences in Borneo over two months of filming. Prior to his tattooing journey, Golding had a lion tattoo with a Union Jack in its mouth, reflecting his four years of service in the British Army.

The tattoo he now has on his thigh, a fig tree, represents deeper meanings across various cultures, symbolizing fertility, longevity, and wisdom. Figs also have historical associations with sacredness. The inspiration behind this particular tattoo comes from Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar," which metaphorically describes life branching out like a green fig tree, enhancing the personal significance of Golding's tattoo journey.

Golding also noted the fading tradition of tribal tattoos in Sabah, particularly among tribes like the Murut and Dusun, as colonial influences phased out indigenous practices. Traditional tattoos are often seen as cultural landmarks, representing identities and histories. This cultural significance highlights the reasons behind the surge in interest in such tattoos today and how they reflect personal as well as historical narratives.

Golding's personal journey, from his adventures in the wilderness of Borneo to tattooing experiences, has crafted a multi-layered identity that honors both personal growth and cultural heritage, embodying powerful stories through the art etched on his body.

What Does Golding'S Bunga Terung Tattoo Mean?

Henry Golding, born in Sarawak to British-Malaysian parents and of Ibanese descent, holds significant cultural ties to his Iban heritage. He is known for several tattoos, prominently featuring the Bunga Terung motif on his shoulders. This particular design is deeply meaningful, embodying the coming of age for Iban men, marking their transition into adulthood.

The Bunga Terung is traditionally the first tattoo acquired by an Iban man, as emphasized by Maclean Patrick, and signifies ‘berjalai’—the concept of journeying or traveling to acquire wisdom. For Iban men, this tattoo represents more than just personal growth; it also enhances their journey through life, symbolizing an ongoing quest for knowledge and experiences. The tattoo's design includes a central spiral that is inspired by the lifecycle of a tadpole, representing the continuity of life. This spiral, known as Tali Nyawa, or 'the rope of life,' embodies the essence of new beginnings.

In addition to its personal significance, the Bunga Terung also serves as a tribute within families. For Golding, it honors the memory of his late grandfather and holds collective familial significance. The two ‘bunga terung’ motifs can symbolize a father’s connection to his daughters, illustrating the idea of a father metaphorically carrying his children.

Culturally, the tattooing practice follows a specific sequence in Sarawak. The isi ginti (fish hook) tattoo is typically the first, received pre-puberty, followed by the Bunga Terung during adolescence, and eventually the pantang rekung leher (neck tattoo), with further tattoos extending to the back and legs. This progression highlights not only personal maturation but also the adherence to tradition within Iban society.

The Bunga Terung is also inspired by the eggplant flower, which enhances its aesthetic value—it is a representation of the Iban ethnic group’s artistic expression. The intricate spiral design within the Bunga Terung tattoo is called Tali Seput Nyawa, translating to ‘the rope of the breath of life,’ reinforcing its connection to life’s journey.

In conclusion, Golding's tattoos, specifically the Bunga Terung, serve as a cultural emblem of his Iban heritage, signifying important life transitions, memories, familial bonds, and the quest for knowledge. This tattoo is not merely an ornament; it embodies a profound narrative of identity, growth, and cultural preservation inherent in the Iban tradition. The journey of acquiring tattoos is a vital aspect of Iban cultural identity, symbolizing pivotal life stages and connections to ancestry.

Did Jason Golding Have A Tattoo In 'Snake Eyes' 2021?

In 2021, Henry Golding took on the role of "Snake Eyes," a fighter with a mysterious history, in the G. I. Joe origin film directed by Robert Schwentke. The film explores Snake Eyes' life before he becomes the iconic masked agent for the G. I. Joe organization and his recruitment into the secretive Clan Arashikage. Golding, known for his role in "Crazy Rich Asians," discussed his preparation for this action role, including insights on how he connects with his character's mindset.

During a WIRED Autocomplete Interview, he answered popular questions about himself and the character, such as how Snake Eyes sees out of his mask and the type of training required for the role. The film features an ensemble cast, including Andrew Koji as Storm Shadow and Haruka Abe as Akiko, showcasing a diverse representation in martial arts. The promotional activities around the film included a virtual Comic-Con session titled ‘Unmasking Snake Eyes,’ which generated excitement about the film's unique focus on Snake Eyes' backstory and his experience within the ancestral Japanese clan that teaches him the ways of the ninja.

The film honors various elements from the character's rich history, enhancing its appeal to fans. The inaugural trailer has been released, and the film premiered on July 23, 2021. Golding's performance depicts Snake Eyes as a tenacious loner seeking belonging and purpose, while also honoring the character's legacy from Hasbro's iconic toyline and media. The storyline emphasizes themes of honor, mentorship, and the transition from a solitary existence to being part of a community.

Where Do Golding'S Tattoos Come From?

Henry Golding has several tattoos that reflect his Iban heritage from Malaysia, which he discusses in a WIRED video. These tattoos carry deep cultural significance and are situated on various parts of his body, including matching tattoos on each shoulder, designs on his torso, a tattoo on his triceps, and a large one on his right thigh. His tattoo journey culminated with an Iban tattoo session from Ernesto Kalum, one of the few Iban artists still practicing traditional tribal body art.

Golding's intricate tattoos tell a story about his identity, as he was born in Sarawak to British-Malaysian parents with Iban ancestry. Notably, the tattoo on his right arm features Iban script that translates to "child of Sarawak, son of Margaret and Clive," marking his personal connection to his roots.

In addition to the tattoos representing his heritage, Golding has a large dragon tattoo that spans his entire back and a small phoenix on his chest, symbolizing various aspects of his identity. His tattoo experience became even more intense when he underwent a 10-hour inking session for his leg with one of the last remaining Iban tattoo artists during the filming of "Surviving Borneo."

Golding, known for his role in "Crazy Rich Asians," embraces his diverse background as he navigates life as a Malaysian TV host, influencer, actor, and model. The tattoos not only serve as body art but also as a celebration of his cultural legacy. Overall, Golding's commitment to preserving and showcasing his Iban heritage is evident through the meaningful artwork etched on his skin.

What Did Henry Golding Do After He Quit A Job?

Henry Golding, a rising star in Hollywood, started as a hairstylist before transitioning to a career in television. After working as a hairdresser on Sloane Street in London for a couple of years, he returned to Malaysia at age 21, determined to pursue on-camera roles. His journey began when he became a travel host for BBC and Discovery Channel Asia, where he gained valuable experience in the film and television industry. One of his notable projects was hosting "Surviving Borneo," which he undertook just before his wedding, marking a significant step in his career.

Born in Sarawak, Golding had a diverse upbringing, which contributed to his multifaceted career. Initially, he struggled to find his place in the competitive entertainment industry in Kuala Lumpur, despite his ambition. His background as a hairdresser provided him with early professional experience, as he began in a salon washing customers' hair. However, he expressed feelings of not fitting in, which fueled his determination to succeed in television.

Golding's persistence paid off when he landed his breakout role in "Crazy Rich Asians," which significantly boosted his profile and presented him as a key figure in Asian representation in Hollywood. Although he initially dropped out of school at 16 to pursue hairstyling, his career trajectory took a dramatic turn as he transitioned from a salon to the spotlight of the entertainment world.

In the years following his initial success, Golding sought to deepen his craft, particularly with regards to character development. He aimed to enhance the human element of his role in "Snake Eyes," showcasing his commitment to bringing depth and authenticity to his performances.

As his career flourished, Golding navigated the industry with versatility, managing to balance various roles, including acting and producing. He remained dedicated to honing his craft, reflecting on the long hours during lockdown as an opportunity to reconnect with his roots as a hairstylist, assisting his wife, Liv Lo, with her styling needs.

As of 2024, Golding continues to thrive in Hollywood, maintaining his marriage while expanding his range of roles. He recently parted ways with Paradigm Talent Agency, signaling new directions in his career. From a hairstylist to a celebrated actor, Henry Golding's journey embodies a remarkable evolution, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in contemporary cinema.

What Are Some Untold Truths About Henry Golding?

Henry Golding, originally a hairdresser in Sarawak, Malaysia, has emerged as a prominent actor known for his major roles in films like "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Last Christmas." He was born on February 5, 1987, to Margaret Likan Golding, who is of indigenous Dayak Iban ancestry, and Clive Golding, a British national. The family moved to England after living in Terengganu for five years. Notably, Golding never attended college, yet he found remarkable success in his career, embodying the idea that formal education isn't the only route to achievement.

Before becoming an actor, Golding worked predominantly as a television presenter, showcasing his charm on platforms such as Discovery, National Geographic, and BBC’s The Travel Show, ultimately leading to his breakout role in "Crazy Rich Asians." This film not only skyrocketed his career in 2018 but also highlighted issues such as Asian representation in Hollywood and addressed themes of identity, a journey Golding relates to personally, thanks to his multicultural upbringing.

In addition to his film work, Golding has been an outspoken advocate against anti-Asian hate and has highlighted mental health issues. His path from unknown travel host to leading man is emblematic of his talent and determination. He also took on diverse roles, including playing a demolitions expert in the WWII-themed project "Operation Postmaster." Throughout his journey, Golding has become an influential figure in the industry, reflecting the growing representation of Asian actors in mainstream cinema. With continued exploration of his talent projected in upcoming films, Golding is undoubtedly a star on the rise.