Lotus Flower Tattoos

In the tattoo world, flower tattoos have their own place. People are fascinated with the floral world and also with the hidden meanings associated with these flowers. Hence, it is clearly understood that people choose their tattoo designs to express a certain amount of individuality. Of all the flowers which are used in tattooing, rose and lotus flowers are the most popular of the lot.

The lotus flower is said to be God's favorite flower. It has garnered such a reputation as it appears in front and center in a number of religious myths around the world. Since the lotus flower is seen as perfection in form, there are many creation myths associated with it.

Lotus Flower Symbolism

Lotus flower is a symbol of purity which is floating on the dirty waters that stand as a metaphor for corrupt human society. In Indian and Chinese mythology, a lotus flower stands for spiritual awakening. Not only is the lotus flower an integral part of Indian and Chinese cultures and tattoo designs, it is also a part of Japanese tattoo designs. In a number of cultures, the petals of the lotus flower signify the struggle of a man's existence. The center of the flower signifies the balance and enlightenment that every human tries to achieve.

One of the meanings associated with lotuses is that of growing beautiful and strong in the most unfavorable situations. The other symbolism is that the flower starts as a small bud at the bottom of a pond in the mud and muck. It gradually grows towards the surface of the water and strives continuously to move towards the light. As soon as it has come to the surface of the water, the flower begins to bloom and transforms into a beautiful flower.

In the ancient Chinese culture, lotus is also associated with feminine beauty. Since the long fibrous stem of the lotus cannot be broken easily, the Chinese have also adopted it as a symbol of marital fidelity and harmony. For them, the lotus flower emerging out from the pond is like a beautiful woman coming from her bath gracefully. The other connotation of the lotus flower is that of gentle people who like to keep themselves clean. The same was also believed by the ancient Egyptians as dirt or grime does not adhere to the leaf or blossom of the lotus flower.

Lotus Tattoo Designs

For people with a spiritual bent of mind, the lotus flower has a lot of significance.

• The different stages of the blooming of the lotus flower have significance attached to it. For example, there is one belief of the sun emerging out from the newly opened petals of the lotus flower.
• Most of the lotus tattoo designs have the flower depicted in its natural setting itself.
• There are people who identify with the flower rising up from the mud and muck to transform into a beautiful flower. Hence, they choose to have a lotus flower tattoo, which depicts their own emergence from a muddy area.
• The other commonly used design is that of the flower floating peacefully in a pool of water with birds or bugs flitting around the bud.
• More realistic people opt to combine lotus tattoos with natural elements such as fire, stars or even beams of light bursting through the petals.

Lotus tattoos can be found made on various body parts. You will often see such tattoos on the foot. The shoulders, back, nape of the neck, shin bone, side of the stomach, ankles, etc. are the other areas where you can opt to get a lotus flower tattooed.

In your search for lotus designs, if you like any particular design, you can get tattoo stencils of the same and have it shown to your tattoo artist. With the help of the stencil, he will be able to do a good job with the tattoo. However, as a tattoo is permanent, lots of care and thought should be taken before getting one made.