Flower Tattoos & Their Meanings

Flowers and tattoos have a lot in common. Countless flowers are given every day to prompt some type of emotions. Tattoos communicate those same gestures and feelings in a more permanent way. They both externally express what one is internally feeling. There are thousands of different designs, styles, and meanings for each different flower. And there are thousands of different flowers to choose from. Nearly every flower has some kind of symbolic meaning associated with it. Flower tattoos are feminine in nature and are more common among women. Although men do often go for this design as well. One thing that most of us know about flowers is that certain flowers grow in certain areas. Therefore flowers can be based on which geographical area you live in. So most people will choose a flower that is common in their area.

Flower Tattoo Symbolism

Flower tattoos represent all kinds of different meanings; they can symbolize life, victory, marriage, death, vitality, youth, femininity, love, and so much more. Flowers have marked graves and burial sites for centuries. They symbolize those who have passed away, and we honor the memory by placing flowers in their final resting place. One of the main reasons that people, especially women, choose to have flower tattoo designs is because of the beauty of the design. While other people choose a specific flower for its symbolic meaning.

Many cultures believe that flowers are a sign of rebirth. The flower is born in spring and dies a few months later. The following year the flower is reborn and blooms once again. Other cultures believe that the flower is associated with the sun and life. The sun is a power source that makes life possible. And when flowers grow, it is a symbol of life.

Even though we symbolize these flowers by their breed, we also symbolize flowers based on their color. Some of these colors can have a positive, or negative meaning associated with them. And the color of the actual flower can affect the overall meaning. If you are planning on choosing to have a specific flower tattoo design. Then it is really important to do your research. As it will be on your skin for the rest of your life.

Flower Tattoo Designs

Flower tattoos come in many different designs. Some flower tattoos only have one flower petal, while others may include the stem, butterflies, birds, ladybugs, vines, and hummingbirds. Other designs are also part of a landscape that includes mountains, plants, trees, or water. Some tattoo designs may be in a group of many different flowers or a group of the same flowers. The flower design can be small and delicate, or big, bold, and colorful. There are lots of different areas on your body where you can place the flower tattoo. The most popular place for women is the ankle, leg, back, shoulder, lower back, or stomach. For men, the outer upper arm, back, or shoulder.

Overall the flower tattoo design gives you the ability to be very creative, and come up with your own unique design. This is what makes the flower tattoo so much fun, as there are so many different options. If you’re planning to choose this design, you will easily be able to figure out a great design that you will enjoy. All you have to do is remember to be creative and think outside the box.

Flower Meanings

Rose

The rose is one of the oldest and, by far, the most popular flower tattoos. Common among both men and women. In mythology, the rose has played a symbolic role. The ancient Greeks believed that the first rose was actually white. The goddess of love, Aphrodite, was poked by a thorn on a rose bush and bled on the blooms making it red. The rose tattoo began gaining popularity in the 1930s/1940s. During this time, rose tattoos were worn by sailors for honorary purposes or to represent their girlfriend, wife, or even their mother.

Today the most common meaning of the rose tattoo is love. The rose tattoo can be worn by both men and women. Men often get a rose tattoo with a loved one’s name inked in a ribbon across the rose. The rose often appears solo as the complete design but can also be embellished with leaves, a long stem, and even thorns. The rose doesn’t always have to be colored in red; each color has its own symbolic meaning:

• Red Rose – True love and passion
• Pink Rose – Grace, elegance, and gentility
• White Rose – Innocence, youth, and purity
• Coral Rose – Desire
• Orange Rose – Enthusiasm, excitement, and fascination
• Purple Rose – Enchantment and love at first sight
• Peach Rose – Modesty and Friendship
• Blue Rose – Fascination
• Yellow Rose– Familiar love, devotion, and joy
• Black Rose – Death and Darkness

Lotus

The second most popular flower tattoo is the lotus flower. Like the rose is in America, the lotus is a popular choice in Asia, Egypt, India, and other Eastern countries. The lotus was one of the first flowers of the universe and can be found on many monuments. One of the main significant meanings of the lotus flower is that it grows in the mud; it represents the rise of hardship and struggle. It also represents the transformation to beauty and strength.

The lotus flower is often worn by people who have had some sort of significant change in their lives. As it’s a reminder of the natural beauty that comes from within. It is one of the most important flowers in Asian countries, because of its religious significance. Many Asian religions have the lotus flower tattooed onto their bodies. Within Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus flower has become a symbol for awakening the spiritual reality of life. The lotus flower has been mentioned in the bible, and religious text and portrayed in mythology and legends. Some people even believe that the lotus is the flower of God.

Lily

This flower is another well-known and recognized flower. It is a symbol of partnership and usually symbolizes a strong, long-lasting relationship. It is also a flower for mothers. Although each culture has a different symbolic meaning for the lily flower. For example, the Chinese, believe that the lily symbolizes abundance, innocence, and purity. While in Egypt and Greece, the lily flower represents fertility and sexuality. The lily flower is closely linked to Christianity. As according to Christians, the lily is a symbol of the Virgin Mary as she was pure in the heart and soul. The lily is represented as innocence, chastity, faith, and love for God. The lily holds many symbolic meanings that are symbolized differently all over the world.

Daisy

The daisy is a very common flower that is found all over the world. The daisy tattoo is more common among women. The main and most common meaning associated with the daisy is innocence and purity. It relates to a variety of different women at different levels and stages in their lives. The most common daisy tattoo designs are single blooms, daisy chains, or large flower bouquets. The different designs can come in a variety of different colors. However, the most common color is a deep yellow center with white outer petals. But as there are so many different species out there, the daisy can be portrayed in a variety of different colors, with each color having its own significant meaning:

• Red Daisy – Represents boldness and youthful energy.
• Yellow Daisy – Associated with intelligence and a cheerful attitude.
• Blue Daisy – Represents your softer side and your emotions.
• White Daisy – Represents innocence.

The daisy is commonly associated with early Christian art as well. In some cases, the daisy has replaced the lily that was seen in early Christian art and was used to represent the innocence and purity of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Sunflower

This is one of the most distinguished flowers in the entire world. Although the sunflower is not a mainstream tattoo, it is still quite a popular choice. Especially by women, but some men do choose sunflower tattoos as well. The sunflower was named after the sun because of its appearance. As it has bright golden petals with a dark center. The main meaning behind the sunflower is the sun; therefore, it can represent life and energy. The sunflower tattoo comes in a variety of different designs. Some can be added with other flowers, can include the stem or leaf petals. One of the best things about this particular design is that it is so colorful. Even if you have the sunflower with other designs, the sunflower will always stand out.

Birth Month Flowers

• January – Carnation
• February – Iris, Violet
• March – Daffodils
• April – Daisy, Peonies
• May – Lilly
• June – Rose
• July – Delphinium
• August – Dahlia, Gladiolus
• September – Aster
• October – Calendula (aka Marigold)
• November – Chrysanthemum
• December – Poinsettia, Holly, Narcissus

Getting a Tattoo

If you’re planning on getting any tattoo, especially a flower tattoo, then you need first to plan your design carefully. Research into what your design symbolizes, as there are so many different designs and meanings for the flower tattoo. When getting any tattoo, you need to be 100% confident with the tattoo design. As it will be with you for the rest of your life.

Also, you need to choose the right area on your body for your tattoo. Some employers do not hire men or women with tattoos. So you may want to consider a place where the tattoo can be covered if needed. Finally, make sure to research your tattoo artist as well. Ask if you can see their prior work, don’t just go to anyone, as you want to be comfortable with your final decision.