Originally posted on February 8, 2022 @ 7:00 am
The lotus flower, specifically in the Hindu religion, is referred to as the Padma and is considered a symbol of purity, beauty, regeneration, and enlightenment.
The characteristics of a lotus flower almost create a perfect analogy for human life and our overall experience(s) as individuals.
This is in the sense that even though its roots grow within the dirtiest waters or even mud, it still manages to produce the most beautiful flower.
Essentially, you have to go through it, to grow through it! It’s a perfectly symbolic message of our trials and tribulations that we must overcome in life, all while hopefully becoming a better person in the process.
With its gorgeous appearance and meaningful symbolism, it’s no wonder that the lotus flower has become a fantastic option for a tattoo.
Traditionally, a lotus flower is known to bloom in the colors pink, red, yellow, purple, or white.
However, the best part of any tattoo is the unique personalization that goes into it and allows for the piece to further represent you.
Therefore, if you are considering getting a lotus flower tattoo, it’s so essential to design it in a way that best represents you and your story. If you’re perhaps stumped on ideas, fear not!
Here’s a list compiled of ten different lotus flower tattoo ideas.
The list includes many different lotus flower tattoo design categories, all with different shading, colors, patterns, and more. Categories like small lotus flower tattoos, mandala lotus flower tattoos, unalome lotus flower tattoos, and more are there for inspirational purposes. They will hopefully aid in bringing you some bright and fresh ideas for your newest piece.
Lotus Flower Tattoos:
1. Colorless or Shaded Lotus Flower Tattoos
Colorless or Shaded tattoos are a prevalent option for people who don’t want or like the appeal of a colored tattoo. This is not to say tattoos in this style are lackluster! They generally have immense detail and, when done right, are both bold and dramatic.
There are so many ways to add uniqueness to a tattoo, even if it doesn’t involve the use of many colors. You can bring uniqueness to a colorless tattoo in many ways, from the overall design of the tattoo to the tiniest of features. Here are some examples of various lotus flower tattoos done without any color;
2. Colored Lotus Flower Tattoos
Opposing the previous category are colored lotus flower tattoos! Some people really do enjoy the brighter things in life, including permanently on their skin! With the entire rainbow in your wheelhouse, the options are limitless for someone wanting a colored lotus.
Whether expressing your favorites, your personality or trying to maintain the traditional aesthetic of a lotus, colors can bring so much to any tattoo. If you’re considering a colored lotus flower tattoo, then here are some beautiful options to check out;
3. Mandala Print Lotus Flower Tattoos
Also deriving from the Hindu religion and culture is the mandala. Typically, the mandala symbolizes some sort of spiritual journey. Now taken on a popular form of print in the present-day, mandala is the perfect partner for a lotus tattoo. Mandala print lotus tattoos are open to a multitude of design options, really making them quite versatile.
While some people may choose a more simplistic design, others may opt for an incredibly detailed mandala print lotus. Here are an array of mandala lotus design options that may pique your interest;
4. Small Lotus Flower Tattoos
Maybe you’re new to tattoos and trying to slowly ease your way into this new and sometimes nerve-racking experience. Or maybe, you’re just looking to add a smaller piece to your ink collection. Either way, small tattoos don’t have to be meaningless or lack in detail.
Small tattoos give you more options as to where you’re able to place them on your body. For example, small tattoos are phenomenal for the behind your ear, on your neck, or even your hands! With that being said, here are some excellent options for tiny lotus tattoos;
5. Large Lotus Flower Tattoos
On the reverse side of things, perhaps you’re looking at getting a larger tattoo. Some people use large pieces as a way to start or complete a sleeve, either on your leg or arm. Others use large tattoos for their back and even their side. Regardless of the location, larger tattoos tend to require a lot more thought than small tattoos.
With more room for color, shading, and design, large tattoos give you the opportunity to truly express yourself. Considering their size, you may be looking for some inspiration or help in getting started. Here are some excellent ideas of what a large lotus tattoo could look like;
6. Lotus Flower With Wording Tattoos
Are you thinking of putting a word or quote alongside your tattoo? Who could blame you? It’s such a widely loved option! The ultimate way to personalize a tattoo is to add meaningful wording. However, many people find it difficult to conceptualize an idea of a specific image and wording together.
You want the wording and the imagery to flow well together and not look as though someone has just plopped wording on top of a picture. If this sounds like something you’re also struggling with, check out some of these options below for lotus tattoos that include a word or phrase;
7. Lotus Flower With Dragonfly, Butterfly, etc
Lotus flowers are so beautiful, and it only seems fitting that they would come accompanied by an equally pretty little friend. Many people choose to accentuate any flower tattoo with an insect counterpart. This is common because it brings such a natural aesthetic to your flower.
Putting something like a dragonfly or butterfly on a lotus tattoo just adds another layer of quirkiness that makes your tattoo individualistic. Thinking about adding a partner for your lotus flower to your tattoo design? Well then, check out these options for some inspiration;
8. Lotus Flower With Unalome Tattoos
A unalome is a commonly used symbol from the Buddhist culture. Although it may appear as meaningless lines attached to a tattoo, they hold a much greater purpose. Unalomes express the sentiment of our unique journeys in life.
The spirals symbolize the twists and turns, the straight line symbolizes finally reaching harmony or enlightenment, and the dot at the end symbolizes our death. These attributes make unalomes a perfect pairing for a lotus tattoo. Check out some very unique unalome and lotus design options here;
9. Realistic or Accurate Lotus Tattoos
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting an accurate depiction of anything on a tattoo. While some people prefer the creative license a tattoo offers, others prefer the traditional appeal of whatever it is they’re getting put on their body. Lotuses are such gorgeous flowers, and there is no speculation as to why anyone would want them tattooed in their natural form.
For some, this means emphasizing every detail of your typical lotus, and for others, this is just in terms of accurate color. If you’re looking for the most realistic tattoo of a lotus, whether colored or not, then check out some of these beautifully done tattoos below;
10. Lotus on Water Tattoos
Another way of expressing a growing or blooming lotus is to floating on top of the water. Lotuses naturally grow through water and mud, sometimes in seemingly difficult places. It’s another excellent way to depict the message of “growing through it” or overcoming life’s many apparent obstacles.
Tattoos of lotuses atop water are generally very eye-grabbing and aren’t as commonly done as other variations of lotus tattoos. If you want a touch of distinctiveness or nature, then here are some examples of beautifully done lotuses on water tattoos are listed here;
11. Entirely Unique Lotus Tattoos
Now that you’ve properly explored all the other categories, maybe you still find yourself wanting something different. As stated previously, tattoos are an amazing way to express yourself. If you find that you need a little bit of oddity, weirdness, or even just downright uniqueness to be a part of your tattoo – that’s awesome!
There are no rules to what you can accompany your lotus with, so get a little crazy if you like. If you want a unicorn or grim reaper with your lotus, then do it! You should feel happy with the message you’re portraying with a tattoo or even just the overall look of it. So, if you’re looking for something a little bit different, feel free to check out these ideas;
In conclusion, the hope is that this article has offered any reader looking for a lotus tattoo some helpful insights and possibly even some inspiration. With lotuses being such a meaningful symbol, it’s easy to see why many people opt to get one. It’s important to always showcase your individuality and characteristics in a tattoo, so make sure to put some thought into it! Make your lotus represent your story and everything you’ve overcome in the process of becoming the amazing person that you are.
