Symbolism of Lotus Flower Tattoos in Chinese and Japanese Culture

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The lotus flower is one of the most iconic images in Chinese and Japanese culture. It is seen as a symbol of purity, peace, and grace. Moreover, it has traditionally been seen as a representation of the cyclical nature of life with its roots firmly planted on land yet able to float in water. The lotus flower appears frequently in both culturesג€™ artistic traditions: in paintings, calligraphies, poetry, music, dance routines and other forms of artistry. If you have decided to get a lotus tattoo design orchid on your body as well as wish to know more about this plant symbolism within these two Asian cultures, keep reading for more information.
In Chinese culture, the lotus flower signifies purity and innocence. By extension, it also refers to being unblemished by worldly things and thus being closer to the divine. In addition to this symbolism in reference to innocence and purity, the lotus flower is also seen as a symbol of marital fidelity due to its association with marriage in some societies (e.g., India).

What does the lotus mean in Japan?

The lotus flower in Japanese culture is seen as a symbol of peace and prosperity. The lotus flower also holds deep meaning for Japanג€™s Shinto religion. In Shinto, the lotus is often seen as a representation of the land that supports life and its roots are seen to rest on the underworld. The lotus flower represents fresh water, which is a recurrent motif in Japanese art, poetry, and drama. It also manifests itself in seasonal festivals like Obon when people visit their ancestors’ graves or temples to place offerings (e.g., rice cakes or lanterns) at the site of these graves and to pray for them.

The Lotus Flower Tattoos
In both Chinese and Japanese cultures, tattoos depicting a lotus flower are highly symbolic with the usual interpretation being one of purity, peace and grace.
In Chinese culture, the lotus flower signifies innocence and purity by comparison with worldly things. In addition to this symbolism in reference to innocence and purity, it is also seen as a symbol of marital fidelity due to its association with marriage in some societies (e.g., India). In Japan, on the other hand, tattoo artists use the lotus flower as a representative of peace because it is associated with seasonal festivals such as Obon when people visit their ancestors’ graves or temples to place offerings (e.g., rice cakes or lanterns) at the site of these graves and to pray for them.

What does the flower symbolize in Japanese tattoos?

The lotus flower is seen as a symbol of beauty and grace in Japanese culture. It has been traditionally associated with the idea of kintsugi, which, in Japanese, means ג€_x009c_goldenג€_x009d_ and ג€_x009c_hitoג€_x009d_ (person) as well as ג€_x009c_to mend.ג€_x009d_ In this context, the lotus flower represents the beauty and grace that can be found in imperfections.
In Japanese culture, the lotus flower is often depicted as a symbol of healing for those who have suffered or have experienced great loss. This imagery serves to remind those who have gone through difficult times that life must go on and that there will be peace again one day.

What are the 3 meanings of lotus?

Lotus is the name of a genus of aquatic plants. The lotus plant has long been associated with Buddhism, which holds that the lotus is a symbol of purity and enlightenment.
The lotus flower also has three meanings in Japanese culture: it represents beauty and gentleness as well as happiness and prosperity. In addition to these meanings, the lotus flower is often seen as an emblem of immortality because it symbolizes life after death.

What flowers are used in Japanese tattoos?

In Japan, the lotus flower is seen as a representation of purity since it’s a symbol of the idea that “good things come from good soil”. It is also said that the lotus flower can only grow in water and will die and rot if it is uprooted. The flower’s roots are firmly anchored in the earth, but flowers appear on top of water.
The lotus flower appears in Japanese tattoos as an ornamental feature or as part of various kimonos worn during different periods of time throughout history. You might also see a lotus tattoo design adorned with one or more cherry blossoms which represent love and relationships.

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Michael Blau

Michael Blau

I have been tattooing for over 15 years and have my studio in Brooklyn. While I'll tattoo just about anything on anyone, my specialty is religious tattoos.
I am originally from Williamsburg, a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its large Jewish population. This has given me a lot of experience and understanding when it comes to tattoos and religion.

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