What do Japanese flower tattoos mean?

Across the world, flowers are used to represent any number of emotional states and aspects. Most are traditionally a symbol of femininity, but in Japan, flower tattoo design and symbolism tends to trend more towards the masculine, such as a lotus flower embodying the attributes of enlightenment and perseverance. Japanese flower motifs typically recognize the cycle of birth and death, as well as rebirth, since some flowers will bloom more than once consistently, representing the life struggles we all have to go through yet still persevere from.

What do flowers symbolize in tattoos?

Flower tattoos can symbolize everything from good fortune to the somber embrace of death. The passion seen from a red rose tattoo to the enlightened power of a lotus blossom are all indicative of the multifaceted qualities of flowers across the world. Colors of the flowers are important as well. Depending on the area and time in which they grow, flowers can have an undeniable connection to the changing of the seasons and blossoming of new ideas and beginnings. The birth and rebirth aspects of blooming flowers makes them a wonderful addition to an existing tattoo design or a new one with its own personal style and symbolism.

Types of Japanese Flowers

The Japanese have a long history of flower symbolism that offer the bearer courage and perseverance, as well as passion and integrity towards oneself and others. The cherry blossom is probably the best known representative of a Japanese flower that is the most representative of Japanese culture: traditional and respectful of the various aspects of familiarity. The “chrysanthemum throne” is a regal and significant aspect of Japanese culture, as it is the name of the throne upon which the emperor sits. As such, it carries a significant weight when represented in permanent art, symbolizing honor and a powerful headship or independence.

What flowers are good for tattoos?

There are many different types of flowers that can be used in permanent art, but some contain more representative symbolism than others. This is often due to their historical significance or simply beauty, as translated by the various cultures from which they are native to. Roses Lilies Lotus Chrysanthemums Each of these flowers contain relevant symbology and effective ways to communicate even more complex emotions to those around you in your tattoo art.

Roses

The passionate aspects of the red rose are known around the world, and its large array of colors allows it to have a multifaceted and complex range of emotions. Rose tattoos represent the vast and compassionate appearance of the flower itself, whether closed or open in bloom. Different colored roses offer their own unique take on the “king of flowers”, as well as a multitude of different meanings that stray from the traditionally passionate and emotional view.

Lilies

The humble lily has long been used as a symbol of purity and virtue, as well as motherhood and remembrance, which is why lilies are traditionally used as flowers put on graves. Lilies come in a variety of colors and types. Water lilies represent the divine aspects of purity and grace, such is a flower over flowing water, ebbing in and out of various emotions and states of being. The feminine lily serves as a reminder to women that though the flower is delicate, they can grow surreptitiously amongst other water flowers.

The Lotus Flower

The lotus has long had a history of spiritual power across many Asiatic countries. Tattoo designs for lotuses are recognized the world over, with the fully open and blossoming lotus being the most frequently pictured. The unique aspect of how a lotus blooms is what attributes it to a sense of enlightenment and spiritual virtue, as they grow underwater in murky depths and emerge as a fully blossoming and beautiful flower. Japanese lotus tattoo styles are frequently used to symbolize someone’s spiritual journey. Once fully opened, the person has achieved that wonderful enlightenment that they have strove to attain, most oftentimes through a difficult journey of personal trials.

Getting Japanese Tattoos

While it may seem exotic, more and more people are coming to understand the ancient symbolism associated with Japanese tattoos. This ever-present form of permanent art only serves to represent the culture in a way that honors these traditions in a way that is more respectful than patronizing. Ensure that your artist is knowledgeable about the various aspects of tattoo design, as to be accurate and consistent with the type of art style and design aesthetic that Japanese tattoo artists represent. The best thing you can do to see if someone has experience with a particular design you like is to look through their portfolio or social media. Once you have an idea in mind, you can effectively execute it in a way that adequately represents your own personal style whether or not its a dragon or a flower tattoo.