Lotus Flower Tattoo Design Meaning

From the slime and filth of a murky pond springs the lovely lotus flower. This remarkable feat of transformation ties to many Asian religions especially throughout India. Within Hinduism and Buddhism the lotus flower has become a symbol for awakening to the spiritual reality of life.

For most tattoo enthusiasts, the lotus tattoo celebrates the beauty of life. Like the mighty koi, the symbol represents the struggle of life at its most basic form.

Lotus flower tattoos are also popular for people who overcome drug use, abuse, depression, and the like. Like the flower they have been in the filth but have risen above this to display their real beauty.

Personally, I think the traditional Japanese rendition looks best for this type of tattoo.

What do Swallow Tattoos Mean?

For sailors swallows hold a lot of symbolic significance; in addition to symbolizing the completion of 5000 miles sailed, swallows are associated with balanced return. The “return” symbolism is two fold. First, the birds are famous for their migration patterns, always returning home to San Juan Capistrano every year. So, like a nautical star, a swallow is supposed to guide you safely back home. Second, it is believed that if a sailor dies at sea then the birds will carry his soul home to heaven. This interpretation represents a more spiritual type return but is nonetheless comforting for a sailor facing battle. It also echos the cyclic nature of life.