Koi Fish, Cherry Blossoms, and Lotus Tattoos: The Complete Story of Japanese Designs for Women
Almost any style of Japanese tattoo seems to be in style. Tattoo trends change from year to year and in recent years there has been a real increase in the popularity of Japanese tattoos. Along with the rise of tattoos for women, these seem to be two of the biggest trends in the market, and two trends that are beginning to combine. There are many women, girls, and women out there who are getting pretty Japanese rose tattoo designs tattooed on themselves, including large Japanese tattoos on the sleeves, large back pieces, and even more dainty and cute designs on the legs, hips, and ribs. So what do these designs mean and what is the symbolism behind them?
While the symbolism behind any tattoo is not a hard or fast science, the symbol always means only one thing, there are some common understandings that can be used. Symbols mean different things at different times and to different people. So what was once a symbol of something that is bad could now be used as a badge of courage and so on. However, these are some of the most common Japanese tattoo meanings for popular designs that women would be most interested in.
Koi Fish Tattoo Symbolism
Koi fish have been a very deep part of the Japanese psyche for thousands of years. Even today, there is hardly a temple that does not have a small koi pond filled with these majestic fish. The original tradition probably came from China, but it has been passed down for so many thousands of years that the Japanese now believe it has always been around. Anyway, the koi fish is believed to be a powerful, strong and independent fish. The story goes that this fish swims upstream against the current (this is why there are often splash pictures) and if they are strong enough and have enough power they eventually reach the highest gate and once through it they become a dragon and fly. towards the sky powerfully.
The symbolism for most Japanese is for strength, power, and being true to oneself. This is something that works well with many women today who want to go their own way and feel their own power and independence.
cherry blossom tattoos
The cherry blossom has always been a deeply symbolic and important flower for the Japanese as well. In fact it is probably one of the most important symbols within the culture. Samurai warriors used to write poems and works of art dedicated to capturing the essence of the cherry blossom. In fact, in many ways, the samurai thought of the cherry blossom as a symbol of their own life. The cherry blossom comes out early in the year when it is cold. It is very beautiful but also short-lived and will soon fall off the tree. So, samurai also believe and feel about their lives, they have to live there every day as if it were their last without fear of death. Thus, many have heard the popular saying that a samurai would wake up in the morning and whisper to himself that today is a good day to die. This did not mean a death but a desire to live life to the fullest. This has also carried over into tattoo symbolism and is equally popular alongside the koi fish design.
lotus flower tattoos
Another popular symbol in Japan, and indeed throughout Asia, is the lotus flower. In religious terms, the lotus flower had great historical significance in India. The power, symbolism and influence of this flower traveled to Asia along with the religious system known as Buddhism. Many believe that the lotus flower best represents the journey of life. The flower begins as a delicate bud in the muddy part of the bottom of the water. It slowly pushes towards the surface looking for the sun and then once it reaches the top it turns into a beautiful flower. This has been a symbol of the journey that every person must go through to achieve enlightenment. Therefore, you will often see lotuses in many religious artworks, but they have also become a very popular symbol for living life to the fullest and striving.