About Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms of course do not play such an important role in Western society and therefore many people do not know what the cherry blossom looks like. Nor have they ever experienced it's true beauty and the full splendor of the blossom when in full bloom in the cold of winter. That's right cherry blossoms come out very late in the winter time as it starts to become spring. This flower or blossom of course grows from a flowering cherry tree. Typically flowering cherry tress do not produce cherries and if they do they do not taste very good. Instead flower cherry trees produce a beautiful flower. These can bloom anytime from the middle of winter all the way through the late spring depending on the variety and the climate where it is being grown. They are most typically colored white with a slight tint of pink in them.
Culturally Based Symbolism
The symbolism and meaning behind the flowers can differ a little bit form one culture to the next and for some the meaning and symbolism behind the flower has been lost over time and through multiple translations. However most typically for the Chinese the cherry blossom represent women. The beauty of the blossom is thought to directly reflect the beauty of a women. So for those wishing to get a tattoo to show their feminine side or their girl power side a cherry blossom tattoo might be just the thing. For the Japanese they represent a variety of thoughts and emotions. They can represent new life since they bloom in the spring which marks the beginning of a new year. However they are also very delicate flowers and live for a very short time. The Japanese feel that their extreme beauty and short time span makes it especially important to enjoy them right away. They also feel that this is symbolic of how life should be lived, in the moment. This is similar to the Latin saying Carpe Diem or seize the day.
Possible Tattoo Designs
There are many different tattoo designs that one could get that integrate a cherry blossom design. One of the first things to consider is the placement of the tattoo. Where the tattoo is placed on the body will affect the size and amount of detail for the tattoo. After figuring out the placement of the design then you will also want to consider adding to the design and possible design colors that you would like to use.
Cherry Blossom tattoos create a beautiful design with a deep symbolic nature. If these tattoos and the symbolism behind them speak to you then you might considering finding other people with cherry blossom tattoos and look at some of the designs others have done.
By Chris Ryerson
