A Lotus in Bloom
For as long as people have been picking flowers, there have been a wide variety of meanings for them across different societies and cultures. Their symbolic significance has made them a popular subject for tattoo art over the years. However, while floral tattoos have been in existence almost since the invention of tattooing itself, certain flowers have more resonant or well-known spiritual meanings than others. One of the most prominent of these is the lotus flower.
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The lotus flower has an especially rich symbolic history. Rooted in muddy waters across India, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia, this aquatic flower finds a way to rise to the surface. It was originally considered a divine gift from the gods, and it’s easy to see why. This aesthetically pleasing flower floats peacefully on the water, and it serves as a delicate reminder of the beauty and perseverance that are natural to life on earth.
Lotus Symbolism Through History
Because the lotus flower would seemingly disappear into the water at night, only to reappear in the morning, ancient Egyptians used lotus hieroglyphs and works of art to represent rebirth. The lotus is referenced in ancient Chinese and Indian texts that date back to 1000 BCE. Additionally, it is most widely associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. The petals represent the five Buddhas of Wisdom, and the center symbolizes both the heart chakra and enlightenment.
As with many Eastern symbols, the lotus has made its way into Western cultures as well and become a popular tattoo design for those attracted to the meaning that it holds. It’s worth noting that while a lotus flower tattoo can hold religious or spiritual significance, tattoos are a personal decision, and its meaning may be different for you than it is for others.
The Significance of a Lotus Flower Tattoo
A lotus flower tattoo can have both feminine and masculine energy, and it can be depicted in a variety of different ways, whether it be through soft lines and blooms of color or bold, solid black ink designs. Details such as color can indicate a lot about someone’s personality and their intentions for the tattoo. A white lotus flower could symbolize an awakening, an increase in mental clarity, and the influence of faith. A pink lotus flower is tied to one’s spiritual journey toward enlightenment. A blue lotus signifies wisdom over emotion, while a red lotus indicates the opposite, serving as a symbol of love and passion.
Related: Arrow Tattoo Symbolism
A lotus flower tattoo may even be just a thin, delicate outline. A minimalist lotus tattoo may feature the flower alone or with small dots and lines to complement the design. The lotus flower tattoo can also be incorporated into much larger pieces alongside tattoos of other flowers, religious symbols, or geometric shapes.
One of the most common ways for a lotus symbol to be artistically incorporated into a tattoo design is at the center of a mandala. A mandala is a typically circular symbol with a design that represents someone’s spiritual path in the Universe. Lotus mandalas are popular as both permanent tattoos and as temporary henna designs.
Meaning of a Lotus Flower Tattoo’s Placement
Lotus flower tattoos are often placed in bold and centered areas, such as the sternum, the back, or the nape of the neck. It can also fit perfectly on a calf, bicep, or inner forearm. A lotus flower tattoo may also be placed in alignment with certain chakras. For instance, some people have their lotus tattoo done near their heart chakra, on their chests or stomachs, further deepening the meaning associated with the center of the lotus flower.
Related: The Meaning Behind an Unalome Tattoo
What Does It Mean To Want a Lotus Flower Tattoo?
Choosing the lotus as a tattoo design is a commitment to what the lotus flower represents. In nature, the lotus blooms time and time again despite living in dark and muddy waters. Like the phoenix, a lotus flower tattoo can be a symbol that helps strengthen you on your spiritual journey.
Over time, that lotus flower tattoo’s meaning can evolve. While it may first start out as a source of inspiration and motivation on your journey, it could eventually become a reminder of how much you have overcome and how far you’ve traveled on your spiritual path.
What Does It Mean To See a Lotus Flower Tattoo on Someone?
In modern tattoo culture, the lotus carries much of the same symbolism that it did lifetimes ago. If you see someone with a lotus flower tattoo, it is safe to assume they might value some of the spiritual concepts associated with this symbol.
A lotus tattoo on someone from a Western culture may indicate that they feel a strong connection to non-Western ways of life. Ultimately, wearing a lotus flower tattoo shows not just cross-cultural appreciation but also an appreciation for all the beauty and strength in life.
Should you get a lotus flower tattoo? How about a butterfly or anchor tattoo? Speaking to a Spiritual Advisor can help you identify the symbol that may be the best match for your needs.
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