The Meaning of Flower Tattoos
Aside from their intrinsic splendor and rich color, flowers symbolize natural beauty. Common to all flowers is that sense of natural vibrancy and earthly riches of life and color so it is little surprise that individuals select images of flowers as tattoos to enhance their self-image.
Above these common aspects, certain flowers present deeper meanings. The rose is by far the most common flower image used for tattooing. The rose symbolizes love in it's purest form. Its symbolism appealing equally to men and women. As flowers come in many forms, so the rose comes in many colors, each color representing unique symbolism. A white rose symbolizing reverence, yellow for joy and pleasure, pink for sympathy and white to represent viginity.
Although now universal in its symbolism, the rose typically symbolized love and chastity in western culture. The lotus flower symbolizes similar characteristics in eastern culture, representing good fortune, peace and enlightenment.
Another popular flower tattoo is the lily. It's whiteness and purity of color being a strong symbol of innocence and chastity. However some cultures have sought symbolism in the lily beyond the coloring to the shape and fragrance of the flower and in this regard see it as a sign of erotic love.
Love is also central to the symbolism of the tulip. The tulip has long been used to represent passionate love and fame for being a great lover. Conversely, shyness and timidity are often symbolized by the violet.
The acacia flower symbolizes love and friendship. Magnolias might be sported by a lover of nature or an iris as a symbol of virtue and wisdom, a flowering almond for hope or an ivy for fidelity. No matter which aspect of your self-image you wish to emphasize with a tattoo, the floral kingdom assuredly offer a flower to symbolize it.