The Emergence of the Modern Flower Tattoo Design
The reason for the lack of history is quite simple. Up until the creation of the modern electric tattoo machine, and the addition of an array of new colors, it was virtually impossible to replicate the bright and delicate image of the flower. Evidence suggests that the flower tattoo design dates back to the primitive Aztec culture, but the designs were incomplete and crude etchings of the Poinsettia, an offering of gratitude to the women of the tribe after a battle, for their help. The women did not actively fight in the battles, only assisted from behind the scenes.
The red rose was the first flower to be widely tattooed, appearing for the first time in the early19th century, and many talented artists of that time became legendary, making a name for themselves designing rose tattoos, many times displaying objects rising from of the center of the rose. Some of the more popular pairings were images of women, more specifically, that of the sailor girl, hula dancer, or kewpie doll, an already celebrated tattoo design, and a natural choice for the salty seafarers.
Throughout the 20's the rose remained the flower tattoo design of choice, and remained so for the next 50 years, again principally because of the lack of inks. Today the rose tattoo is experiencing a new born popularity under the category, "old school tattoos", but the real boom in flower tattoo designs is directly related to the rainbow of colors available. Today almost any flower can be accurately portrayed as a tattoo.
Another popular flower tattoo design today is the daisy, a free spirited throwback to the peace and love movement of the 60' and 70's. Daisies are also a symbol of personal transformation, as well as a mark of innocence, or the new birth of a child. Popular for their variety of color, the lily is another frequent choice, often incorporating the names of passed loved ones into the design, making the lily tattoo a great statement in memoriam.
Also a symbol everlasting life and immortality, the lily is often displayed in many religious ceremonies. More specifically popular for its spiritual and philosophical implications in far eastern cultures, the lotus flower is admired round the world for its delicate beauty. As well as being a symbol of creation and rebirth. First depicted emerging from the blossom of the lotus flower, Buddha is said to have arrived on earth, spreading the virtues of enlightenment and truth.
The cultures of Japan and China describe the fragile peony flower as a sign of good fortune and wealth, a symbol of the delicate balance between risk and reward. Additionally known for its considerable and fragrant blossoms the, peony also symbolizes wealth, good fortune, and happiness, as well as poise and elegance.
As you can see, it's not very difficult to see why the flower is one of the most popular tattoo designs today. With all the varieties available, infinite color combinations, and deep symbolic meanings, your toughest decision may not be if a flower tattoo is the right option for you, but which one. But when it comes down to it, the rose tattoo design remains queen, and today's most popular choice of both men and women, whether in remembrance, love, or only as a beautiful display. Noel Christian
