25 Amazing Inks to Inspire Your Lotus Flower Tattoo

by Tattooed Women June 25th, 2021
If you’re thinking about getting a lotus flower tattoo, you’re not alone. With wide, waxy layers of delicate petals, the flower is lovely. It’s also deeply symbolic. Together, these make the lotus one of the most popular tattoos out there. For the history and meaning of this incredible flower, read on!
lotus flower tattoo
Photo by Carlos Augusto on Unsplash

The Remarkable Lotus Flower

Lotus flowers are aquatic, meaning that they grow in and on the water. The blooms either rest on the surface or above it, with its stem and roots below. For such a gorgeous flower, you might be surprised to learn that the lotus begins in the mud. Its roots reach deep into the murky bottom of the water. Even more, the lotus disappears into the water every night, only to re-emerge the next day. No matter how dirty the water may be, the petals remain clean and beautiful.

The Ancient Symbolism of the Lotus

The lotus flower is called “padma” in Tibetan and Sanskrit. It is a central symbol in several Eastern religions, especially Buddhism. The flower’s ability to rise unaffected out of the mud (and maybe even because of it) makes it a natural symbol of enlightenment. In Hinduism, the lotus frequently appears in images of gods and goddesses. It is a symbol of purity and spirituality as well as enlightenment.
(For more symbolic tattoo ideas, check out Small Tattoos for Women that are Big on Meaning!)

The Colors of the Lotus Flower

Lotuses grow in a variety of different colors. Each one presents its own meaning.
White lotuses symbolize purity, while pink lotuses represent perfection and are used as a symbol for Buddha. Yellow indicates that one has arrived at enlightenment, while blue honors the spirit’s victory over the body. The red lotus symbolizes Avalokiteshwara, a compassionate bodhisattva (an enlightened almost-buddha).

25 Amazing Lotus Flower Tattoos to Inspire Your Ink

Simple Lotus Flower Tattoos that are Anything But Basic

Lotus flower tattoos are often done in fine lines. This style goes well with the flower’s delicate petals and offers a beautiful and modern take on an ancient symbol.

 

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With color added, lotuses take on additional meaning, as noted above. Reds and pinks are particularly common in tattoos for women.

 

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Lotus Flower Tattoo Ideas with Other Symbols

The lotus is often paired with other symbols in tattoos. The unalome is another enlightenment-related symbol shared by the Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

 

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Snakes are another popular pairing with lotuses. It is believed that a serpent protected Buddha for several days while he meditated. Other interpretations suggest that the snake and the lotus represent the duality of earthly temptations and spiritual awakening.

 

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Lotus Flower Tattoo Placement

While a lotus flower tattoo can be placed anywhere on the body, the sternum and under-boob areas are very popular. The shape of the flower fits nicely in this space, especially with some of the more common decorative details added in.

The hand is another popular spot, with the flower filling the back of the palm.

 

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For those who want a larger lotus flower tattoo, the upper back and hip allow greater space for a dramatic design.

 

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Other Lotus Flower Tattoos to Admire

When it comes to choosing the style and design of your lotus flower tattoo, the options are truly endless. Here are a few final designs we found to spark your own ideas.

 

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As always, you can find tons of tattoo ideas shared by real women in the Tattooed Women gallery!

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