Cherry Blossom Tattoos - What Do They Mean
Cherry blossom tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo designs for women
currently. The beauty and delicate nature of a cherry blossom can’t be denied.
In both Japanese and Chinese cultures the cherry blossom is full of symbolic
meaning and significance. Before deciding to get a cherry blossom tattoo design
it makes sense to understand the symbolism and deep cultural connections and
meaning that this tattoo might hold. After all the best tattoo designs are ones
that hold a great deal of symbolic significance. Typically the tattoo that is
universally regretted is the one that was gotten while out with a bunch of
friends just because they were getting one. So don’t fall into the trap and
regret your tattoo later in life. Instead if you are planning on getting a tattoo
at least take the time to research the symbolism and meaning behind it and see
if it speaks to you and if the ideas are significant in your life.
While many people tend to blend and confuse the Japanese and Chinese culture
together from lack of knowledge the two are very different in many ways.
Therefore the meaning and symbolism that the cherry blossom holds is different
in each culture.
Chinese Cherry Blossom
For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power.
Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an idea
of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal lore of
the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.
Japanese Cherry Blossom
For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry
blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the
Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very
deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is
suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist
belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too
attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all
pass in time.
The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either.
It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in
Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also
has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in
battle.
As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry
blossom is very significant and powerful at the same time. It is important to
think about these symbols and connect this with what your personally believe
the cherry blossom represents. If you still want to get a cherry blossom tattoo
and the above meaning from the Japanese culture or the Chinese culture do not
speak to you or you’re somehow view the cherry blossom in a very different way
then it is okay to still get a cherry blossom tattoo. However, it is always
important to know the symbolism before getting a tattoo permanently done.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Ryerson
Chris has been running http://www.DesignMyTattoos.com
website for over a year. He likes helping people find the custom tattoo designs
and where to get them done by professional tattoo artists. Check out the site
and post a job to get your own custom tattoo design. Also you can check out http://www.TattooDirectory.info
for great Tattoo Design Galleries and ideas.
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