Cherry blossom tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo designs for
women currently. The beauty and delicate nature of a cherry blossom can?t be
denied. In both Japanese and Chinese cultures the cherry blossom is full of
symbolic meaning and significance. Before deciding to get a cherry blossom
tattoo design it makes sense to understand the symbolism and deep cultural
connections and meaning that this tattoo might hold. After all the best
tattoo designs are ones that hold a great deal of symbolic significance.
Typically the tattoo that is universally regretted is the one that was
gotten while out with a bunch of friends just because they were getting one.
So don?t fall into the trap and regret your tattoo later in life. Instead if
you are planning on getting a tattoo at least take the time to research the
symbolism and meaning behind it and see if it speaks to you and if the ideas
are significant in your life.
While many people tend to blend and confuse the Japanese and Chinese
culture together from lack of knowledge the two are very different in many
ways. Therefore the meaning and symbolism that the cherry blossom holds is
different in each culture.
Chinese Cherry Blossom
For the Chinese the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power.
Typically it represent a feminine beauty and sexuality and often holds an
idea of power or feminine dominance. Within the language of herbs and herbal
lore of the Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love.
Japanese Cherry Blossom
For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The
cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time.
For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties
in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all
life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the
Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not
get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it
will all pass in time.
The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism
either. It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many
connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom
and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life
was ended early in battle.
As you can see in both cultures the symbolism and meaning behind the
cherry blossom is very significant and powerful at the same time. It is
important to think about these symbols and connect this with what your
personally believe the cherry blossom represents. If you still want to get a
cherry blossom tattoo and the above meaning from the Japanese culture or the
Chinese culture do not speak to you or you?re somehow view the cherry
blossom in a very different way then it is okay to still get a cherry
blossom tattoo. However, it is always important to know the symbolism before
getting a tattoo permanently done.