What’s In A Rose?
Time period: 1800 – Present
Throughout tattoo history there are few designs that have more meaning than a rose or a flower. Each flower has different meanings to the wearer and hidden messages are concealed within the design. The language of flowers has long captivated the wearers of these tattoos and continues to be popular today. It would be impossible to include the meanings for all flower tattoos, so here are a few to begin with.
Roses originated in ancient Persia and they were first recognised as masculine. However, over the years they have become associated with femininity, but remain popular with both men and women. There are 101 meanings associated with this flower, but for many it is used to simply represent love.
Cherry blossom tattoos are very common in Japanese style tattooing. The tattoo is often designed as falling petals being carried along in the wind, reflecting Japanese culture. The cherry blossom is fragile and beautiful and they do not stay in flower for very long, with its beauty fading quite quickly. This is looked on by many as a metaphor for life and mortality.
Chrysanthemums are also significant in Japanese tattoo art, the flower having associations with royalty and perfection. These flowers also symbolise good luck and longevity.
Today flower designs are in no doubt the mainstay of the tattoo business and have been for many centuries.