People choose to get tattoos for all sorts of reasons and their meaning can differ from culture to culture and even person to person. The Bird of Paradise flower is a strikingly beautiful and colorful plant that grows in warm, tropical regions. Thanks to its strength, durability, and beauty, it is a popular flower all over the world.
Its popularity includes being a much-loved subject for tattoos. Its symbolism and meaning can differ between people, but it is widely recognized as a symbol of uniqueness, freedom, creativity, beauty, and Paradise on Earth.
This article outlines all the possible meanings of a Bird of Paradise tattoo, and additional information about the plant itself, so that you can see whether this type of tattoo is for you.
What is a Bird of Paradise flower?
The Bird of Paradise flower (genus Strelitzia) can be found on a tall plant that grows to around 1.2 meters tall and 2-3 meters wide.
It has long and rigid green-blue stems and it thrives in the warm and humid weather of the tropics and sub-tropical regions.
The Bird of Paradise flower is so named because they are large, colorful, and resembles a beautiful bird alight in flight.
The flowers are mostly a golden yellow and deep indigo-blue, with pink and green highlights on the leaves.
The History of the Bird of Paradise flower
The Bird of Paradise is native to South Africa. There are actually five species in the genus and you can see it featured on the reverse of South Africa’s 50 cent coin.
Naturalist and botanist Joseph Banks named the genus in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife and queen consort of George III. He was the King of Great Britain and Ireland at the time.
The Bird of Paradise flower is pollinated by sunbirds, who perch on the leaves and use their body weight to release the pollen.
The birds then stand in the pollen and when they fly off to another flower, where they take the pollen with them.
What does the Bird of Paradise flower tattoo symbolize?
Here are some of the most popular meanings of the Bird of Paradise flower tattoo:
- Paradise on Earth
This is a mythical place that is both stunningly beautiful and wonderfully idyllic and a great subject for a tattoo.
- Uniqueness
The Bird of Paradise flower is easily recognizable and a great symbol of all things rare and unique in the world. Even you!
- Freedom
Birds, with the ability to fly away whenever they want, are fantastic symbols of freedom. With their visual likeness to birds, Birds of Paradise flowers are also great symbols of freedom.
- Creativity
Full of color, beauty, and a dynamic shape, Birds of Paradise flowers are great symbols of the imagination we need when we want to create something or be inventive.
- Beauty
‘Beauty’ is perhaps the first word that comes to mind when you see a Bird of Paradise flower, so it is a great way to show your admiration for all things beautiful.
Bird of Paradise flower tattoos can also represent royalty and regalia, faithfulness, triumph, superiority, and splendor. You are only limited by your imagination.
What does a Bird of Paradise flower tattoo look like?
Bird of Paradise flowers are large, exotic, and colorful and the tattoos are much the same. They are bold and exciting, with strong colors and shapes.
Depending on the meaning of your Bird of Paradise tattoo, you might want yours to stand out to symbolize your uniqueness. This tattoo would be best on its own without other images nearby.
If you want your tattoo to symbolize freedom, you might want to pair it with birds. Hummingbirds, falcons, and albatrosses are great options in this circumstance.
If you want your tattoo to symbolize creativity, you might want to have a stylized version of the flower, using unusual shapes and colors that are not found in nature.
Why is a Bird of Paradise flower a popular tattoo choice?
The Bird of Paradise flower is a popular tattoo choice for many reasons:
- It is large and colorful
- It is a beautiful image
- It makes a strong statement about beauty
- It is a perfect tattoo for any part of the body
- It’s great on its own
- It can symbolize whatever you want
If you’re a fan of tattoos that are brimming with symbolism, the Bird of Paradise flower tattoo might be right for you.
What are the best locations for a Bird of Paradise flower tattoo?
There is no ‘best’ location for a Bird of Paradise tattoo, but there is a ‘best’ location for you.
If you want a large tattoo, the back or stomach is the perfect place.
However, if you want a smaller tattoo, a spot on the arms or legs might be a better option.
If you want to highlight your unique personality, spots like the back of your neck, the back on your hand, or the top of your foot are perfect.
Most importantly, be yourself. Place your tattoo on the part of your body that feels right for you.
Does a Bird of Paradise flower tattoo need to be in color?
While there are lots of tattoos that look great in black and white or a monochrome palette, Bird of Paradise flower tattoos must be inked in color to showcase their unique beauty and form.
They look great on their own or with some nature images as a backdrop.
So, is a Bird of Paradise flower tattoo right for you?
When considering getting a tattoo, it’s always worth taking the time to research the symbolism and what it means. A Bird of Paradise tattoo can symbolize many things, including originality and uniqueness.
If you think that this applies to you, this tattoo might just match your one-of-a-kind personality.
This article shows that if you’re thinking about getting a Bird of Paradise flower tattoo, there are many meanings that might be right for you.
