Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs and Their Meanings
You see cherry blossom tattoos on many women these days as these designs have gained popularity among tattoo fans and newbies alike. This fever for different cherry blossom tattoos has led to a great interest in the meaning and symbolism of the cherry blossom in both Chinese and Japanese culture.
Since tattoos are very personal things, they can say a lot about a person, so it’s important to get the right tattoo for the right reason. Since cherry blossoms mean different things in Chinese and Japanese society, you should be aware that people from those backgrounds can react very differently when they see them.
Cherry blossoms in China
The Chinese see the cherry blossom as a symbol of power, particularly the dominance of the female person. This could mean that a flower tattoo is ideal for you if you are a strong-willed woman who values her freedom or if you have just gotten out of a difficult relationship.
It also means love if you come from the herbal tradition approach.
cherry blossoms in japan
In Japanese culture there is usually a link between the blossoming of the cherry trees and the Buddhist concept of “mono no aware” which refers to reverence for life, the transience of being and sadness at the passing of things. This is because cherry blossoms only appear on trees for short periods before falling to the ground.
This association with mortality is highly symbolic in Japan and has been used in traditional art for many centuries along with more recent manga or anime. However, this link may make a cherry blossom tattoo not suitable for some. Alternatively, it can give you a renewed appreciation of the fragility of life and help you make the most of your brief time on this Earth, while also giving you a different perspective on the difficult times you may face; knowing they won’t last forever.
Get a faithful reflection of the cherry blossom in your tattoo
While it is true that there are many different varieties of cherry blossoms, many people do not appreciate just how different they can be. In fact, the most common cherry tree in Japan is Somei Yoshino, which has largely white blossoms with only a faint hint of pink on the petals.
Other popular options have a lot more rose in their flower and it is these that you will most commonly see as tattoos. But still, this is something you will have to think about when you get tattooed. You should do some research, find photos of tattoos other people have had, and decide which one you prefer. It may depend on your skin tone; those with pale skin will definitely want a more pink design, while tanned or olive-skinned people should consider pale pink or white flowers in their designs.
You should also think about which part of the branch will fit into the overall design of the tattoo. Realism would dictate that you have a bit of a branch with flowers clustered along it, but it will probably come down to both personal taste and where you intend the tattoo to be.
get the tattoo
If you have decided on a tattoo that incorporates cherry blossoms, you need to be very selective about who you can apply the design to on their skin. Japanese art is very complex, just like the cherry tree itself, so you need someone who is experienced in this type of tattoo. Be sure to talk to them about exactly what you want, and don’t be afraid to ask for amendments to your initial drawings so that the finished item is something you’ll be happy to live with for the rest of your life.
So there you have it, I hope this overview of cherry blossom meaning and symbolism has been helpful in making a decision on the tattoo you have been looking for.