Flowers are among the most prominent decorative motifs in human culture. They accompany us through all the major events in our lives, be it our birth, wedding or passing. The reasons for this are many. To begin with, their attractive fragrance and delicate beauty make them an obvious choice for decoration. They come in a vast variety of shapes and sizes, and can be arranged in numerous different ways. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, flowers represent the fleeting beauty of life and the idea of rebirth. Although their lifespan is short, they bring a lot of joy, and even though they quickly wilt, they sprout again in a year’s time. As a result, floral designs have been a part of our culture since the dawn of time, gracing clothes, furniture and accessories.Unsurprisingly, they have also made their way to the world of body art. Flower tattoos have always enjoyed a fair share of attention but lately their popularity has sky-rocketed to incredible dimensions.
Many people choose them, simply because they are beautiful. After all, what better way to permanently decorate your body than by adding a gorgeous flower? For those familiar with the symbolism of plants, however, botanical tattoos have a deeper significance. According to the so called “language of flowers,” each flower had its own distinct meaning. More than just a simple reference to femininity, flower tattoos can represent concepts such as varied as wisdom, change, passion, vitality and more. As such, they are popular among people of every gender, background and age group.
The symbolic meaning of the lotus varies between cultures. In Ancient Egypt, it was perceived as an allusion to the acts of creation and rebirth, signifying the power of the sun god Ra. In Buddhist tradition, it embodies purity, spiritual awakening and beauty – although it grows in murky waters, it always looks immaculate and clean. It also represents the triumph of human spirit over adversity – just like the lotus breaks the muddy surface of the pond and grows into a beautiful flower, so too, the can our spirit overcome the difficult and painful moments in life to achieve happiness. The meaning of the lotus is also effected by its color. Blue flowers are associated with wisdom, white signify purity, while red allude to feelings of love and compassion. The pink lotus is known as the “supreme” lotus, often referred to as the flower of Buddha.
Another immensely popular flower, often used in tattoos is the peony. In China, this gorgeous and captivating plant is held in very high regard. It is the official emblem of the country and its local name translates as “most beautiful.” Because of this, it is associated with royalty and signifies honor, wealth, good fortune and prosperity. In western tradition, it was believed that fairies hide among peonies. Due of this fact, the flower symbolizes love and beauty but also stands for bashfulness and shame. Peony tattoos come in a staggering variety of designs. There are lavish, colorful compositions with dragons, birds and other creatures and simple minimalist options done with black ink.
Designs featuring leaves are also very popular
Whether large and elaborate or tiny and minimalistic, flower tattoos are always charming
Daisies are great for people who want a simple, less garish tattoo. They stand for innocence and purity, but also signify new beginnings and true love. In Scandinavian mythology, daisies were the flowers of Freya, the goddess of love, fertility and beauty. Depending on the color of their petals, these sweet, tiny plants can have different meanings. Here, white is associated with love and seductive beauty, while pink alludes to innocence. Blue petals signify loyalty and devotion. The simple design of the daisy makes it ideal for delicate minimalist tattoos, although they can also be incorporated as into large and intricate patterns.
Beautiful example of a symmetrical peony half-sleeve tattoo, with geometric elements
The rose tattoo – an enduring and timeless classic
In western culture, roses are the undisputed king among flowers. Even in ancient times they used to symbolize romantic love, beauty and passion. The Ancient Greeks associated the plant with the goddess of love Aphrodite, the Romans depicted Venus adorned with the lovely flower. And yet, the rose’s meaning is not simple or clear cut. Its shape, its color, the stage of its blossom (whether it is open or still closed) – all have a significant symbolic value. Red roses are traditionally believed to embody passion and love, white roses convey innocence, while the yellow and orange ones allude to friendship and desire, respectively. A single red rose usually signifies endless love that cannot be affected by time or even death.
A delicate, water-color effect tattoo
Designs featuring dandelions have surged in popularity in recent years
Blueberries on a branch – a cute and unusual idea
Symmetrical flower tattoos are a big hit at the moment
Beautiful idea for a couple – rose infinity symbols
Poppies are delicate and charming, especially when incorporated in tasteful, minimalist designs
A chic and feminine rose tattoo
Adorable pansy wrist tattoos – a great idea for gentle, artistic souls
Gorgeous peony tattoo design
Combine different kinds of flowers for a beautiful look, filled with symbolism
Here are some more jaw-dropping designs to inspire you
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