Many women today have tattoos of cherry blossoms as these designs have grown in popularity both amongst Tattoo virgins and also with tattoo aficionados. This push for the distinct cherry blossom tattoo has created a lot of interest in the symbolism and meaning of the blossom of the cherry in both the Japanese and Chinese cultures.
Tattoos are very personal to people and they often say a lot about a person. Therefore, getting the right tattoo for the right reason is very important. The blossom of the cherry tree means different things to the Japanese and Chinese peoples and you should be aware that the peoples of these cultures may react very differently to the different tattoos.
The Japanese Cherry Blossom Tattoo
In the Japanese culture there is frequently a link between the blossoming of cherry trees and the Buddhist concept of the sadness of the passing of living things, the transience of being, and the reverence for life. The reason for this is that the blossom of the cherry only appears on trees for a very short time before they fall to the ground.
The associations between the blossoms of the cherry tree symbolize mortality in Japan and have been used in traditional art there for many centuries.
The Chinese Cherry Blossom Tattoo
For the Chinese people the blossom of the cherry tree symbolizes power, especially in women. As a result, the tattoo of the cherry blossom is perfect for you if you have recently come out of a difficult relationship or you are a woman who has a strong will and who values her freedom and liberty.
Understanding the meaning of the Cherry Blossom Tattoo
Although there are numerous types of cherry blossoms, most people do not appreciate just how different looking they can be. The most common cherry tree in Japan has a large white blossom that has only a little bit of pink on the petals.
You should do some research, find pictures of tattoos other people have had and decide on which tattoo you prefer. Your decision may depend on the tone of your skin. If you have pale skin then you may want a design with more pink in it whereas olive skinned or tanned people may want white or pink flowers in their designs.
You should also consider how much of the branch that you want to integrate into the overall tattoo design. In order to create realism the tattoo should have some amount of branches together with the flower. However, it all comes down to both where you want the tattoo located and your personal taste.
Getting Your Tattoo Done
Once you have decided on a tattoo of a cherry blossom you should be very selective with regards to the tattoo artist. Since Japanese art is so detailed you need somebody who has experience with the cherry blossom tattoo. Be sure you talk over with the artist the exact details of the tattoo you want and don’t be afraid to ask for amendments to their initial drawings. This will help ensure that the finished tattoo is something you are happy to live with for the rest of your life.
