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 have 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 are different in each culture.
Chinese Cherry Blossom
For the Chinese, the cherry blossom is a very significant symbol of power. Typically it represents 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 a very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a concise 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 firm to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life, and it is very noble not to 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 fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in the battle.
As you can see in both cultures, the symbolism and meaning behind the cherry blossom are very significant and influential at the same time. It is essential to think about these symbols and connect this with what you 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 somehow view the cherry blossom in a very different way then it is okay to get a cherry blossom tattoo still. However, it is always important to know the symbolism before getting a tattoo permanently done.