The Evening Primrose (Primula vulgaris), also known as a Sundrop, is a beautiful flower that appears at the end of winter, signifying the very beginning of spring. They come in a whole rainbow of colors, including yellow, white, pink, and blue. To get one of these stunning flowers permanently inked in the form of a tattoo can mean a variety of things, from youth and renewal to eternal love.
The rest of this article will go into detail about the intricacies of evening primrose tattoos, including their meaning and cultural significance, the most common locations to get an evening primrose tattooed, and popular characteristics and styles of evening primrose tattoos.
What is the History of Evening Primrose Tattoos?
Floral tattoos have been a common and popular symbol since tattooing was first invented. Some of the oldest tattoos were in the form of tribal tattoos, which were commonly influenced by the local flora and fauna of the tribe. Tribe members would get local flowers tattooed as a reminder of their origins, tying the image of the flower into their identity.
As tattooing has progressed into its contemporary form, floral tattoos have remained popular for many of the same reasons that those ancient tribe members used to get them.
The evening primrose in particular is a flower which carries a lot of meaning and symbolism with it. It has been known since the year 1597, when it was mentioned in the Herball General Historie of Plantes. In Europe, the evening primrose has been prized for a long time for its many utilities and its beautiful, fragrant blossoms.
If a person identifies with the meaning of the primrose in the language of flowers, they may get it tattooed to permanently communicate that aspect of their identity.
What Do Evening Primroses Symbolize?
The evening primrose has many and various meanings associated with it. One of the most famous meanings of the flower is youth and renewal. This is because it is one of the first flowers to bloom when springtime comes, signifying new beginnings.
In Victorian times, people associated giving primroses as a gift with young love. Indeed, the evening primrose is a flower which means “I cannot live without you.”
In Norse mythology, the flowers are associated with the goddess Freyja, who is the goddess of love, beauty, and sex. The primrose is Freyja’s sacred bloom.
The evening primrose is also one of the birth month flowers for the month of February.
What Do Evening Primrose Tattoos Mean?
The evening primrose tattoo may mean a number of things. Firstly, it can be associated with any of the traditional symbolic meanings of the flower itself. It is especially tied up with love and beauty, and generally means that you cannot live without someone or something.
These tattoos can also carry personal meanings with them. For instance, if someone feels very connected to Freyja from Norse folklore, they may choose to get the primrose tattooed to signify that that is a part of their identity. Since the flowers also represent rebirth and renewal, someone may get the primrose tattooed to represent a significant change in their life or the turning over of a new leaf.
The tattoo may also refer to the area a person is from or the time of year that they were born, just like ancient tribal tattoos. A baby born in the spring, especially February, may feel a particular affinity with the primrose.
The primrose is also known as a mountain climbing flower, so anyone who loves mountaineering or the outdoors may find the flower to be a symbol of their outdoor passion.
Where Do Evening Primrose Tattoos Usually Go?
The beauty of floral tattoos is that they can look good almost anywhere. It is popular to get the evening primrose tattooed on the forearm or ankle, but the nature of flowers means that they can be designed to fit on almost any part of your body.
Consider getting your primrose tattoo on a part of your body that will help convey the meaning you chose. For example, a primrose tattoo on the collarbone or near the heart may help to emphasize the meaning of young love and even obsession.
Characteristics and Styles of Evening Primrose Tattoos
Just like with the placement of the evening primrose tattoo, there are many and various styles and characteristics that may be associated with the tattoo.
Many people get the primrose tattooed in a delicate style with small splashes of color. Watercolor styles are also popular because the soft colors are well suited to the fine shape of the flower. Keep in mind that different colored primroses may have slightly different meanings, so you can use the chosen colors to help emphasize the symbolism you are trying to convey.
For example, red primroses symbolize passion and love. White primroses, however, may symbolize sadness, mourning, or even death. Remember—death can be considered a new beginning, which falls under the symbolism umbrella of the primrose.
A tribal style for your tattoo is a call back to the traditional beginnings of floral tattoos. If you are using your primrose tattoo to reference your birthplace or identity, you may desire to utilize this traditional style to feel as close to the roots of the practice as possible. Similarly, the American traditional style is a very popular style to get flowers tattooed in.
If you are looking for a very delicate style for your tattoo, you may consider seeking out an artist who does single needle tattoos. This way, you will really be able to get the fine lines and delicate petals you are looking for.
Conclusion
The evening primrose is a flower with many different meanings and a long, rich history. Getting this flower tattooed may symbolize a number of things, including youth, beauty, and everlasting love. All in all, it is a highly personal flower with a large potential for various meanings—no matter what message you are trying to convey with your tattoo, it is sure to do the job.
