Flower tattoos are adaptable tattoos that host a plethora of meanings within them, and can go from simple to elaborate in design. Trends come and go, and the coneflower is one such flower tattoo that continues to stick around, as the flower holds special meanings for some.
The coneflower is also known by its proper name echinacea. These beautiful perennials have petals that face downward from the middle, which leads to its nickname. Despite the coneflower’s unique image, the flower holds a variety of symbols and meanings when depicted in tattoos.
What Is The History Of Coneflower Tattoos?
The coneflower itself has been a prominent element of Indigenous culture for centuries. Those looking to represent their Indigenous culture have received these tattoos. Additionally, those in tune with nature and its healing capabilities have also popularized this simple and dainty flower as a tattoo.
There’s no definitive timeline that can be traced to determine when coneflower tattoos first became popular. However, minimal floral designs have become very popular among women who want subtle tattoos, and the coneflower is the perfect option for this type of tattoo.
As part of the daisy family, coneflowers have become a popular addition to modern and minimalist tattoo designs, as well as tattoo designs with a nature-living, bohemian vibe. While they might not be the most popular flower to get tattooed, those who understand its importance to medicine and nature, as well as its importance to many Indigenous peoples, will appreciate what it symbolizes.
What Do Coneflower Symbolize?
The coneflower is also a symbol for good health, given its medicinal properties that have been used by many Indigenous tribes in the Americas, prominently the Great Plains and Navajo peoples, for years. The flower holds the ability to relieve pain and has been known to help those suffering from cold and flu symptoms.
These flowers can also symbolize spirituality and connection with nature and the earth. Many spiritual-based faiths and practices have used coneflowers for a variety of purposes. They see this flower as something truly special and a gift from the earth.
Similarly, these flowers can be a symbol for someone who appreciates or practices magic, psychic abilities, or spiritual practices of that nature. The coneflower is used in many spells and remedies in many of these magical belief systems, and they are also recognized for their ability to protect people.
What Do Coneflower Tattoos Mean?
A coneflower tattoo can mean many things to people. One common meaning is a representation of some type of battle, as it communicates strength and resilience. As a symbol of health, one of these tattoos could mean someone has overcome a health scare. This tattoo can also serve as a reminder to continue to seek out strength when dealing with a challenge that is ongoing.
In a similar vein, coneflowers can represent the remembrance of an integral transitional period in a person’s life. These flowers, being perennials, go through transformations every year, and come back in Spring stronger than ever.
Coneflowers inside the home can also mean a conduit of strength and protection for the people living inside the home. Not only do they make for a pretty and colorful decoration, but it is a spiritual belief that they can alleviate suffering for those who linger around them.
Where Do Coneflower Tattoos Usually Go?
The most popular place for one of these tattoos tends to be on the inside of the forearm, with the whole flower from petal to stem often being depicted. Coneflower tattoos are popular on the arm, whether on the forearm, on the inside of the upper arm, or on the shoulder. More often, bundles of cornflowers are depicted together in a tattoo.
A bundle of coneflowers with their stems and leaves intertwined can make a colorful addition to part of a sleeve. They can also be interspersed with a variety of other flowers in a sleeve or other type of larger tattoo. Some popular flowers that go with coneflowers include sunflowers, daisies, and other wild flowers.
In contrast, those looking for a minimalist floral tattoo can also have one behind their ear, on their neck, or on the foot or ankle. These smaller tattoos that usually feature one coneflower will blend in well with other tattoos. They can also make pretty little tattoos that can run along the rib cage or the collar bone.
Characteristics And Styles Of Coneflower Tattoos
Coneflowers come in many colors and color variations, making them ideal for those who want a bundle of colorful flowers to come together in a cohesive tattoo.
The purple coneflower seems to be the most popular type for tattoos, as the purple is the most widespread variety that is well-known.
Coneflowers are also known for having vivid-colored petals, and some petals will even fade into different shades of the same color. This can be captured beautifully by a tattoo artist that is familiar with shading and playing with colors. The coneflower tattooed in this way also makes for a more dimensional effect for the flower, making it look much more realistic.
These flowers make the best tattoos for those who want a variety of colors. However, they are also often featured in black ink only with some shading but no colored ink. They can end up looking like sunflowers without any color unless the petals are properly angulated to face downwards.
The center of the coneflower has a unique appearance, often referred to as a hedgehog due to the similarity in appearance. This bulbous area of the flower is often exaggerated in tattoos, which makes it easier to show the flower’s signature drooping petals.
Conclusion
Though simple in appearance, the coneflower is anything but simple in symbolism or meaning. They have been a very important plant for many cultures for a very long time, and their medicinal properties are now starting to be recognized in Western culture. These flowers put forth a positive sense of energy and strength, making them a perfect tattoo for those who want their tattoos to mean something more.
