Tulip tattoos are a beautiful image with which to adorn your skin. One of the most instantly recognizable flowers, they are harbingers of spring and renewal. Tulips have worldwide fame and, therefore, mean many things to various people. But, at the heart of them, these silky-looking flowers carry a meaning of peace.
If you’re looking for a good tattoo idea, perhaps getting a tulip will be the perfect thing. They’re not eccentric or overly ornate, yet they are gorgeous in their own right. Having such a thing for skin art can make the best stand alone design or as part of a mural.
What is the History of Tulip Tattoos?
We don’t know the exact history of where tulip tattoos began. However, it certainly became popular with the introduction of tattoo art to western cultures like the United States. But the history of the tulip is interesting, since it came along with Turkish traders from the Ottoman Empire to Europe in the 16th century.
The origins of tulips go back to the ancient days of the Persian Empire and, by 1055 AD, it was growing widely throughout the Middle Eastern world. Turkey in particular had a penchant for growing them in vast numbers. In fact, many turbans adorned with tulips during the Ottoman Empire.
When these merchants arrived in Europe, from England to the Netherlands and beyond, fell in love with these flowers forever after. Tulips were so popular after their introduction that they became our first recorded instance of an economic bubble. Inflation rose quickly to the point of it becoming a flower for the wealthy.
What Do Tulip Symbolize?
Tulips symbolize the presence of spring. Their lush green foliage and vibrantly jewel-colored petals denote renewal and rebirth. But, depending on where you live in the world, the tulip can take on various symbols.
A Variety of Symbolism
The Dutch have the tulip prominently displayed as a national emblem. The Netherlands are notoriously famous for their vast gardens and fields of tulips that are an absolute wonder to behold. The Turkish Ottoman Empire considered it a sign of transcendence, beauty and purity. Indeed, the Arabic word for tulip translates to “turban.” As such, many turbans adorned this signature blossom during the time of the Ottomans.
However, the British have long seen the tulip as a symbol of chivalry, charity and noble ideas.
For the United States, it conveys a sense of peace and prudence.
Yet others consider it an omen of prosperity, good luck and romantic love; such as is the case for red tulips.
What Do Tulip Tattoos Mean?
Getting a tulip tattoo means many different things to different people. However, in general, they are an understated image of perfection that’s not too showy, flashy or grandiose. But, it does bring a sense of peace and comfort to everyone who sees it.
Tulips make a statement of beauty without arrogance while also conveying the warmth, wonder and wisdom of the earth. Of course, the colors will carry another layer of meaning and refinement. Consider the following vibrant hues:
- White: forgiveness, purity or claims of worthiness
- Yellow: cheerfulness, friendship and kindness
- Pink: pleasantries, peacefulness and prosperity
- Red: good luck, romantic love and the return of joy
- Orange: happiness, laughter and enjoyment of life
- Black: strength, power, and mystery
- Purple: regality, spirituality and mastery
Where Do Tulip Tattoos Usually Go?
You can put a tulip tattoo anywhere you like, but most people put them on the bicep, forearm or on the back by the shoulder. However, there are many instances of illustrating progressive growth up the entire leg or backside. Some people will even have the stem and flower head curve up the leg and over the hip.
There are truly are a host of potential places to put this harbinger of spring and it will look fantastic. You could put a single flower head to accent your wrist or finger. Likewise, you could have a mural that includes a rainbow variety of tulips in bunches nestled along your ribcage.
Characteristics and Styles of Tulip Tattoos
A realistic and life-like display of a tulip is best for skin art. It allows all the details to come through while giving the image a tangible appearance. However, tulips look lovely in several other styles. A watercolor or cartoon-like illustrative effect can provide a realistic quality while retaining a sense of dreaminess.
But, simple outlines in a single color, like black could be a great way to decorate more delicate areas of the body, like fingers, chest or neck. Likewise, a tattoo done in a style similar to pointillism will give a different look depending on how close the viewer is to the image.
Avoid tribal style tattoos for a tulip because the characteristics will obscure visual recognition. It won’t be a clear indication of a tulip because of the thick, filled lines involved. A tattoo of this kind of flower will require a certain amount of detail.
Overview of Tulip Tattoos
The table below is a quick reference for your consideration in getting a tattoo of this notorious bloom.
Origin | Ancient Persia ; Turkey (Ottoman Empire) |
History | Tulips have had centuries of worldwide fame |
Symbolism | These flowers are synonymous with the Netherlands and are a general symbol of spring |
Meaning | These are a subtle approach to promote peace and comfort but the color is what gives nuance to its interpretation
|
Ideal Areas | Best on the bicep, forearm or shoulder but it’s also stunning on the backside or entire leg |
Characteristics ; Styles | American Traditional, Realism, Watercolor, Outline or Pointillism (avoid Tribal) |
Conclusion
Getting a tulip tattoo makes a statement about beauty, a connection to the earth and a love of the spring season. It conveys a message of peace and comfort while also promoting ennobling values such as charity and transcendence. An image of a tulip will be stunning regardless of its placement.
