Most people are not aware that tattoos began as a part of rituals of different tribes and ethnic groups. It used to signify a meaningful phase in the life of the person receiving the symbol.
The rituals could be rather long and painful for the one having it done, but this thought does not usually entered their mind because having the tattoo is much more important than the process of getting it.
In today’s society, anyone can get a tattoo with nothing more ritualistic than sitting still and paying for the artwork. Boys, girls, men and women opt to have art placed on their bodies and the reasons for doing so vary from being rebellious, to honoring a loved one, to just plain fun. A common tattoo that is seen is the Hawaiian flower.
Flower designs are more than just beautiful pieces of art that endure on the skin. The flower is the perfect symbol of nurturing and flourishing. It is the embodiment of earth and life.
Among the famous flowers, Hawaiian flowers are given special attention because they are symbols of hospitality and friendship. Perhaps this is why people opt for Hawaiian flower tattoos. Maybe if they are unaware of the symbolism behind the flowers, they are drawn to it because of the symbolism.
Those who usually get the flower designs do not want the typical rose tattoos that were very popular years ago, they now choose Hawaiian flowers. This type of design embraces femininity more so with a twist. There are many Hawaiian flowers with many different symbolisms. So women who choose these tattoos have choices in regards to which flower best represents her.
That said, one must consider what each flower represents before picking a tattoo for themselves. The most popular Hawaiian flower tattoo is the Hibiscus flower. This flower does actually grow in other parts of the world but it is the state flower of Hawaii. Whether as the state flower or as a Hawaiian tattoo, it clearly represents the Hawaiian culture.
People who get these tattoos usually have it in a tribal style where it is outlined with thick black lines and accentuated with a bit of color. These types of flower tattoos are very fitting for men who don’t want to be too feminine but can appreciate the beauty of a flower.
Sometimes Hawaiian flower tattoos are seen along with sea turtles or surfboards, which are also indicative of Hawaii. I have seen tattoos drawn like a lei on the neck. So there are many creative ways to represent any Hawaiian flower tattoo.
However, no one should get a tattoo without thinking things through. Tattoos are permanent scars on the body and it is only sound advice that one decide clearly what they want. Today there are options to get tattoos removed from the body but they are usually very expensive and require multiple, painful procedures.
Hawaiian flower tattoos are very eye catching and have meaning behind them, so if you are considering a new tattoo, take a look at the Hawaiian flowers to see if any would be nice enough for you to adorn your body.
The Meaning of Flower Tattoos
Floral tattoos are different to flower tattoos. Floral tattoos use stylized flower designs and linear floral elements such as swirls and curls, whereas flower tattoos depict real or imagined flowers in a bright, colorful and attractive way. Floral tattoos are more decorative than meaningful, while flower tattoos generally symbolize an emotion or life event.
Lilies are associated with the spirit, and are often presented to women during spiritual, tranformative life events such as a wedding or childbirth. Because of the spiritual meaning of lilies, they are also sometimes presented at funerals and are often chosen as tattoo designs to remember a loved one who has passed away.
Cherry blossoms appear in spring, decorating the stark branches of the tree with delicate, feminine blooms. The cherry blossom is a symbol of awakening, change and new beginnings. It can be used in a tattoo design as a celebration of a triumph, of finding the good within the bad and of creating a brighter future even though aspects of the past may have been dark and somber.
Lotus flower tattoos have a wide variety of meanings. For some, the lotus represents passion and sensuality, but for others it symbolizes the end of a struggle. Because a lotus pushes up through the mud, fighting its way towards the sun, it is often used to symbolize the emergence from a difficult period of life. Lotuses are often paired with koi fish, japanese waves and other water design elements that give their own symbolism to the tattoo; respresenting fluidity and change.
Rose flower tattoos are symbols of love, passion and intelligence and are one of the most popular flower tattoo designs. Many classic tattoo designs incorporate a rose, often including the thorns of the flower to represent that sometimes love hurts. Roses are popularly combined with symbolic images in tattoo designs, such as skulls, daggers, sun bursts and crosses.
Placement of Flower Tattoos on the Body
The ankles, arms, ribs and back are among the most popular placement areas for flower tattoos. Because flower tattoos don’t make a rebellious statement, many woman feel comfortable wearing them in exposed areas, such as the ankles and arms. Placing a tattoo on the back or stomach often means the woman prefers not to reveal the tattoo while at work or in certain social situations
Flowers can be used in tattoo designs on the hips, lower back or chest to accentuate the femininity of these areas. Tattooing a softer area of the body such as the stomach or thighs is not advised, as the skin in these areas is prone to stretching (especially during pregnancy), distorting the tattoo design over time. For the brave, flower tattoos look exquisite on the wrists and hands, peeking out from the sleeves of a long top or creating a bold, feminine statement in short sleeves. The skin on the back, arms and lower legs is less likely to stretch than skin that covers softer areas of the body.