Archive for 'Cherry Blossom Tattoos'

Cherry blossom tattoos

June 13, 2008 by , under Cherry Blossom Tattoos.

“Bony brushwood twigs
Cut down and stacked
In bunches…
Yet bravely budding’”

Above is a haiku or a Japanese short poem that refers to cherry blossoms – or “sakura” as they locally call it. Such an exquisite and lovely flowers that they never fail to catch the attention of tattoo enthusiasts. Cherry blossom tattoo is one of the most favored designs specifically among women and its popularity is undoubtedly still increasing. These flowers are favorite subjects of paintings and poems in Japan and hold a very prominent position in Japanese culture.

Sample Cherry Blossom Designs. Get more here!

What does cherry blossom symbolize

Even if these flowers are mostly associated with Japan, they are also a part of China’s culture as well but represent an entirely different meaning as how it is traditionally observed in Japan. It would be therefore interesting to know as what cherry blossom tattoo symbolizes in relation to how the flower is celebrated in these two countries.The blossoming of these flowers marks the coming of spring in Japan and paves the way for hanami or cherry blossom viewing. This event is observed with blithe and exuberance – people gather under the trees while enjoying the intensity and beauty of the blossoming flowers that last only for days. Thus, cherry blossom is a symbol that is associated with the life of samurai warriors of old Japan which could end violently at any time just as cherry blossom would shed its petals after a fleeting moment. It is a felicitous symbol and a poignant reminder of the fragility and transitory of life. The flowing petals of cherry blossom represent the sacrifice that these warriors have to go through to defend their emperors. It is a symbol associated with the beauty and fragility of human life.

Ian says of his cherry blossom tree tattoos

“I am going for a full body piece that embraces the many base facets of life, personality, emotion, physicality, and the list goes on.
each part of each tattoo represents something that is in life, something simple and sweet. like a cherry blossom gorgeous for 2 weeks out of the year. the rest of the time it is a normal tree, which in its own way has beauty. but as it sheds the petals it moves back into the old. then to return the next year with a new start. similar to the idea of a snake shedding its skin, but prettier.”
Tattoos done by Mez Love,Fort Collins,Co.

If Japan has such a patriotic symbolism for cherry blossoms, China on the other hand holds an entirely different meaning for the said flower. For them, it a symbol of female beauty, strength, and fertility. It is an acknowledgment of their sexuality, dominance, and power. It is a representation of feminine principle and love.

Indeed, symbolism various from culture to culture. What was mentioned above are not even interrelated, in fact, they can even be classified as contradicting. However, one need not to relate to any of these meanings in order to have this design inked on them. How cherry blossom tattoo can relate to your life or your personality is entirely up to you. Because that’s what makes tattoo unique, its individuality and relevance to the person sporting it.

Source of Haiku - Cherry Blossoms. Japanese Haiku Series III. Translations of Poems of Basho. Buson. Issa.Shiki and others. The Peter Pauper Press 1960


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