Are you looking into floral tattoos, but aren’t sure which flower best represents you? Or perhaps you like the look of the fuchsia, but aren’t sure what it represents?
The fuchsia has long been associated with love and romance, so it’s no surprise the prominent symbolism is confiding love. Strangely, there are also some who believe that the fuchsia is a sign that you should not trust your lover.
In this article, you will find a detailed description of the history of the fuchsia and how it may relate to people’s decisions to get this tattoo. As well as this, we will explore the meanings and symbolism of the flower.
What is the History of Fuchsia Tattoos?
Fuchsia tattoos don’t have any notable history, unfortunately. It’s likely that the floral design is much more recent than the blossom. Despite this, the fuchsia flower does have some interesting backstories.
– Incas
Although the fuchsia should not be confused with the Incas sacred flower, (Cantua buxiolia) , it was still very popular. It can even be found on the paths leading up to the treasured Machu Picchu. Fuchsia boliviana was known to the native people of the Andes long before it grabbed European attention. In Bolivia and Peru, the berries were cultivated as far back as the 12th century.
The fuchsia plant had many ritualistic, religious, and political significance. Nonetheless, the cantuta remained the main association of the sun, purity, and water. The flower was used at funerals, even long after the Inca period, thought to quench the thirst of the dead on their journey to the afterlife by drinking its copious nectar.
– Victorian Era
It wasn’t until the 18th century that fuchsias were discovered in the UK. Due to this, it’s fair to say that the Victorian era was the flower’s peak. Head gardeners of large houses would grow pillars, standards, and pyramids which lined driveways.
The head gardener at Clyffe Hall, James Lye, was described as the ‘champion fuchsia grower’ in West England for producing fuchsias up to 10 feet high and 5 feet long. The popularity of the fuchsia continued until the First World War, when greenhouses were overturned for food production sites.
– Christian Lore
Lacking the same relation to lore as flowers such as the bluebell which is surrounded by witchcraft history, the fuchsia does have its fair share. The flower is connected to an ancient story that a fuchsia sprung from the blood of Christ at the foot of the cross. Its pendants are said to dangle out of sorrow, hanging its head for Christ.
The fuchsia was also used at weddings, and if gifted as an offering, the bride would enjoy bounteous blessings. Although, the same results could be had if the bride wore them on her head.
– Myths
There are several associations with different myths. In history, some people believed that the fuchsia was sent as a warning sign to someone. Therefore, the flower would be left outside the front doors of people’s homes as a form of protection.
There are also tales that the fuchsia could be used to make fairies. It’s likely that this myth came from the appearance of the flower, as their outstretched petals look like a skirt and their stamen look like legs. Either way, the flower was thought to miraculously transform into a woman or a fairy.
– Traditional Medicine
The fuchsia was, and still is, used to practice traditional medicine. In South America, the flowers are used on bites, scratches, and grazes. The berry juice can relieve the redness and itchiness of the skin, and even treat inflamed blisters and sunburn.
In Transylvania, fuchsia is used for similar health matters such as wounds and skin inflammation.
Lastly, the Maori tribes in New Zealand use the fuchsia tree as a vapour bath for women after they have given birth. Research shows that fuchsias are high in anthocyanins, a strong antioxidant, which can support these methods.
What Do Fuchsia Flowers Symbolize?
Fuchsias have many different symbols, as with most flowers. The most prominent associations that make them unique are confiding love, and an expression of trust for someone. Although ‘confiding love’ seems slightly strange, it can be deciphered as ‘trusting someone with the love you give them’.
Other symbols that the fuchsia represents include; amiability, protection of the home, uniqueness, maturity, certainty, humble love, and confidence. With the effects of the fuchsia thought to nurture, soothe, and inspire.
Despite all of these positive representations, especially talk about trust and love, there are also some very contradicting symbolisms. In fact, the fuchsia is also a warning. The actual saying of the warning goes ‘take heed, your beloved is false’.
What Do Fuchsia Tattoos Mean?
There is no particular meaning attached to fuchsia tattoos, and arguably fuchsia’s are one of the least common flower tattoos. Floral tattoos in general are amongst the leading designs, with ancient links to God’s contentment and current attachments to represent the love between two people.
Therefore, a fuchsia tattoo could have any meaning at all, or none, if the user wishes. Fuchsia could have an individual meaning to a specific person, or perhaps it’s chosen simply because it’s beautiful.
The only credible link to fuchsia tattoo meanings, although not frequented, is its association with the zodiac sign, cancer. For a cancer sign, fuchsias are one of the flowers that are believed to bring calmness and a good atmosphere into a home.
Where Do Fuchsia Tattoos Usually Go?
As with most flower tattoos, the suitable areas of the body are quite flexible. For some popular ideas, fuchsia tattoos are often painted on wrists, feet, beneath the breast, or shoulders.
– Characteristics and Styles of Fuchsia Tattoos
Fuchsia tattoos are generally just of the flower itself without any added figures or detail, however, that doesn’t mean it has to be. Below are some other ideas of how you could design your tattoo.
- Along with the cancer zodiac sign.
- Merged with the name of a lover, to show your trust in your partner.
- The fuchsia flower transforming into a fairy.
- Related to a travel destination where the flower is found, for example, Peru, New Zealand, or England.
- The fuchsia tree towering over a newborn baby and cradle.
Conclusion
The fuchsia has religious and spiritual ties to several countries across the globe. In the modern-day, it makes for a beautiful tattoo. There are several meanings or characteristics that the fuchsia tattoo could be related to, however, its most significant expression is that of love.
