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Flower Tattoos and Tree TattoosThere are a number of flower tattoos and tree tattoo designs that, while not as common as the popular choices like lotus flowers or roses , still have an interesting history and meaning. Here are some flora choices that make for interesting tree or flower tattoos. HemlockThough resembling the harmless Queen Anne’s lace, hemlock is a feared poisonous herb. History has reserved a place for hemlock, as it was this poison served in the cup which killed the philosopher Socrates.Hemlock was considered sacred to the dark goddess Hectate, often referred to as the queen of the witches. Hemlock the herb should not be confused with the Hemlock tree, a tall North American evergreen used by Native American and Alaskan Indians for building “sweat lodges” and as a baking ingredient. HibiscusComprised of over 200 species, the hibiscus flower is considered an exotic, delicate beauty. It is a large flower with five petals, a large central pistil and stamens, and comes in many colors. One of the most popular is the Rose of Sharon, which is the national flower of South Korea (though several flowers, including one type of tulip, are called by that same name).MistletoeThough it can grow on its own, mistletoe is neither a tree or a shrub, but rather a parasite that most often grows on its host –primarily oak trees. Legend has it that mistletoe was originally the tree from which the cross was built for the crucified Christ. In punishment for its part in the crucifixion, it was condemned to wither into a parasitical plant. For years, Christian tradition did not allow mistletoe to be included in any church celebrations or décor. Ironic, then, that most people only know about mistletoe due to its (albeit secular) Christmas connection. Of course, since the plant bears fruit in winter, it makes sense that it is linked to the winter solstice and the new year season.Germanic lore viewed it as a plant of terrible magic and a weapon that brings death. For the Celtic druids, mistletoe was seen as a sacred plant, and was used as a blessing for marriage. Celtics also believed that mistletoe, meaning “all heal,” held the soul of the tree on which it grew. Meanings they associated with mistletoe were strength, courage, and invincibility. In Norse legend, Balder (god of the summer sun) was killed by an arrow poisoned with mistletoe. Balder’s mother, Freya (or Frigg/Frigga), shed tears which became the white berries of the plant. Balder was resurrected and, in her joy, Freya began to kiss everyone who passed beneath its overhanging leaves. This is one version of where the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe allegedly began. OliveGiven that the olive tree can live over one hundred years, it is not surprising that it plays such a strong role in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern history and culture. Olive oil was once used as a measure of wealth, and it is the most frequently mentioned plant in Roman classics.Sacred to the Greek god Zeus (and his Roman counterpart, Jupiter), the olive plant has long since symbolized victory and honor. Athena, the Greek goddess of peace, war, arts, and wisdom, was said to have given the olive to humans. From these mythic origins, early Olympian athletes were crowned with olive branches. In the Old Testament, it was an olive branch that a dove returned in its beak to Noah, symbolizing that dry land had been found, the flood waters were receding, and God and man had reconciled. In the New Testament, Jesus prayed and accepted his mission to die for the sins of humanity in the Garden of Gethsemane (i.e. garden of the “olive press” at the base of the Mount of Olives). Stemming from the stories above, the most symbolic meaning attached to the olive branch is the message of peace. The symbol of the United Nations, the Great Seal of the United States, and the flags of many countries all depict olive branches, and all are there as a gesture of peace. Any olive branch tattoo would almost immediately convey that meaning. Palm TreePalm trees are among the most immediately recognizable flora shapes. Known for their tall, single trunk, no branches, and long-leaf foliage, they are often equated with tropical regions such as Florida, Hawaii, and the Mediterranean. Contemporary interpretations of the palm tree (especially simple cartoonish or silhouette designs) relate to sun, surf, and tide.Historically, the palm tree has much richer imagery. The date palm, in particular, has been valued in the areas such as the Holy Land as a valuable resource (dates for food, leaves for mats, fibers for thread, and sap for liquor). In Assyria, the date palm is the image for the Tree of Life , and the palm crown was considered sacred to the Egyptian sun god Ra. The leaves, or fronds, are considered a symbol of victory. They were often thrown in the path of returning heroes. Most memorable, palm leaves paved the path for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. As such, palms to this day represent pilgrims who journey to the holy land. Because the leaves of the palm tree don’t fall, they are also a symbol of eternity and everlasting life. The can represent victory over death, and sometimes are used to symbolize martyred saints. Plumeria and LeisPlumeria are lovely, colorful, and fragrant flowers most found in tropical regions. Interestingly, they are most fragrant at night. Even more interesting, they have no nectar. They are pollinated by moths which, in following the scent, transfer pollen between plants.Plumeria are most known because they are one of the primary flowers used to make leis, the Hawaiian garland or wreath (often associated with tourists) used in various celebrations such as birthdays and graduations. Though other flowers, such as the lehuna blossom, the orchid , and the maile leaf are used to make leis, plumeria (though a newcomer, historically) are the most common flowers used. Plumeria, and the leis made from them, are a sign of greeting, love, friendship, and affection. The flowers would make a good accent in any Hawaiian-based flower tattoo design, e.g. hula girl, dolphins, surfing.
For more information on Flower tattoos and Tree Tattoos, see the resources listed on our Reference Page.
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