Trees are more than just nature’s ornaments covering naked lands. They are sacred reminders of the interconnectedness of all life and a love that survives the boundaries of time. There are more layers of prominence and meaning about tree tattoos. They keep every living thing on earth continue living by maintaining balance in the ecosystem. For this reason, a tree tattoo is not only a form of body art but a symbol that represents life, healing, and death. Tree tattoos give us an affinity for nature. So, it’s no surprise why it’s a popular design.
Tree Tattoos Religious History
Many cultures use the image of a tree to signify their social rank, clan, or aristocracy. Different types of trees have its own association and spiritual significance. Centuries back, both the Greeks and the Celts honor Oak trees for its endurance and noble presence. In Lebanon, they think highly of Cedar trees as a symbol of the righteous. While the Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains believe that figs are trees of enlightenment.
There’s no doubt how its deep connection to religion emanated a wide appeal and how it is believed to bring forth the strength of relationships. After all, in folk religion, trees are homes of spirits that are believed to provide rebirth, growth, and long-term stability. Furthermore, it is why in the ancient times the wearer of this mark is believed to possess a spiritual gift.
How To Choose A Tree Tattoo
This is a very tricky question. So, you definitely have an excuse to dwell a lot on how to pick the right tree tattoo. But when you think about it, it is not hard to picture the tree concept you want for you. Take this idea as a form of inspiration “nothing on this earth is really permanent.” Meaning, just like our lives, memories fade with time. But, there is always a new breath of life after we are gone.
Tree tattoos are perfect for anyone who likes a timeless and classic tattoo design. This permanent reminder helps ground your spirit and focus on making each day here on earth truly memorable. What do you want to remember? Is it the first time you heard your newborn child’s laughter? Perhaps, bringing an old family business back to life? Tree tattoo ideas can range from simplistic layouts to unique and quirky.
Types Of Tree Tattoos
In many cultures, each tree type represents a spiritual significance for their society and belief. When it comes to tree tattoos, there’s a myriad of designs. Let alone the number of tree types you can choose from if you’re taking uniqueness religiously. As we all say, “each of their own” and that lives up to our expectations. Here are the tree-types you might consider for your tree tattoo.
The Tree of Life
The tree of life is without a doubt the top tree tattoo design desired by both men and women. It’s not a surprise the fact it describes the relationship between man and nature, a metaphor holding a very special meaning of “a fresh start on life.” If you choose this tree tattoo, it’s like you are marking yourself the symbol, bearing seeds that contain its very essence.
The tree of life tattoo is an image of a whole tree, down from the roots up to its leaves. Oftentimes done as a silhouette, albeit colors and intricate details with other elements started popping up giving it a variety of looks. You can add your own ideas to the tattoo that would represent your story.
Mediterranean Cypress Tree
Much famous for the label “Graveyard Cypress.” Ever wonder why it has such an eerie reputation? Timeless as a tree itself, it is sacred to the rulers of the underworld. Moreover, it’s one of oldest mourning symbol by the Greeks, Romans, as well as the Muslims. The Mediterranean Cypress trees are planted by a grave to ward off evil spirits, even up to this day.
When someone passes on the Romans would carry branches of the Mediterranean Cypress tree to express their respect for the dead. But why would anyone want a mournful tree as a tattoo? The incredible height of the Cypress makes it look as if the tree points to the heavens. For that reason, it also designates hope. Apart from the fact that it makes durable wood, that life-affirming meaning makes this tree a cool tattoo choice.
Birch Tree
Did you know that the Ancient Siberians, such as the Gauls hailed this tree as sacred? They believed that the Birch tree is the ladder that spans the way between heaven & earth. The Gauls also use it for marriage ceremonies as a symbol of good luck. Other Ancient Europeans believe that twigs of birch tree inside their homes get rid of negative energy and invokes protection.
As a tattoo, Birch tree is popular as it symbolizes the very positive sense of new beginnings. This tree is known to have the ability to grow on barren lands. Thus, making it a suitable tattoo for those who survived the worst natural disasters of their lives, and is ready to have a fresh start. No wonder this tattoo is often worn by those who have just left behind an unpleasant past.
Redwood Tree
The mighty Redwood trees are massive giants holds the meaning of “forever.” Historically, the redwood tree was believed that this tree has existed in Atlantis, no wonder it represents stature and majesty. It can withstand decay and fire as well as resisting insects better than other species of trees.
Choosing the redwood tree as a tattoo signifies your ability to pay attention to what’s more important, —growth. As a tattoo, it is a celebration of success and resilience. Maybe surviving the depression and accomplishing great success. This tree tattoo design is a great choice for individuals who lost its sense of life and was uplifted to the light-filled heights! The redwood tree is actually a popular lower leg and wrist tattoo.
Palm Trees
Signifying the “Garden of Paradise,” Palm trees tattoos sums up everything worth celebrating in life. The very pleasant meaning behind the tattoo design speaks for the wisdom and happiness. After all, most cultures, especially in Christian countries, the fronds of palm trees are believed to be a symbol of resurrection. Similar to the tree of life, palm trees also hold the famed signature eternity and fertility.
Crowned with long fan-shaped leaves, radiating forth to the skies, it looks as if waving at the heavens. On a personal level, a tattoo of a lone tree expresses isolation or loneliness. However, incorporating palm trees with other elements changes its meaning. For instance, adding a sunset and reflection of the sea to a single palm tree tattoo can represent calmness or contentment, resembling the ever easy-going life in the tropics.
Elm Tree
This beautiful umbrella-shaped tree is also known to be a home for the fairies. In Greek mythology, this tree is sacred to Artemis, the wild goddess of the hunt, as well as to the Egyptian gods Osiris and Attis. The Elm tree represents the Queen Goddess of the Druids, –Druantia who said it stands for hope and rebirth. It might be just the best tree tattoo for women, mainly the travellers as a good luck token approaching their journey.
In case you are not a traveller, what makes the Elm tree a good tattoo design choice? It could give a creepy vibe for some because its wood is often used for coffins in England back in the old days. But, the tree’s essence actually energizes the mind and balances the heart. Despite its reputation of being intimately bound up with death and the transition into the Underworld, the elm tree also attract’s love and protection.
Fir Tree
We all know that the usual tattoo designs requested are to illustrate the very familiar meanings, —life, good fortune, survival, rebirth, and strength. It’s not a drawback they make the usual tattoos, these are popular for the heartiest reason we all agree on. They are the most encouraging and relatable. However, it would be more exciting to find a tattoo that carries a different meaning.
The Druids held the fir in high regard. It is sacred as a symbol of honesty, truth, and candor. The appearance of the tree itself, tall and straight resembles the pillar of strength, –a symbolic tower of truth. The Fir trees become a symbol of friendship when grouped together as a tattoo. So, you and your best friends might like it as a mark of your friendship. The Fir tree as a tattoo is suitable for someone who has finally freed himself from a long kept pain.
Cherry Tree
A beautiful tree with soft pink flowers that we often see gently swaying and swirling in the air. Such a soothing sight that make cherry trees ideal for women filled with spirit and beauty. The cherry tree is a symbol of love and life. As a tattoo, it’s a reminder that we have to appreciate the fragility of life while we still have time left in this world. For an inked design, a cherry tree tattoo makes a novel choice for anyone who understands the great sense of empowerment.
The cherry tree is suitable for anyone who made faulty decisions but eventually gained a greater sense of self. If you are a Buddhist, the cherry tree tattoo might just be the right choice for you. The flowers of the Cherry tree represent wisdom and enlightenment in Buddhism. For the placement, opt for bicep, forearm, side placement or upper thigh as there will be plenty of canvas on these parts to create the branching and cascading effect.
Adding Elements To Your Tree Tattoo
Accessorizing your tree tattoo by adding elements that remind you of yourself creates your own unique story. The most common additions like birds, sun, skull, animals, even books. Getting this kind of tattoo with other elements added to your design is quite a trend these days. Like a fantastical-inspired nature scene with your adored book or an axe. When it comes to blending other elements to your tattoo, you are only limited by your imagination.
The Best Tattoo Style For Tree Designs
Freeform
Tattoo styles vary depending on the design choice and your own taste. What really makes the full-on freeform style cool for tree tattoos, especially with the Elm and the tree of life is it creates what looks like edgy post-modern paintings. Freeform tattoos tend to result a more dramatic look.
New school
If you love palm trees and more vivid colors with heavy outlines the new school style is the best choice. Exaggerated depictions in a cool way are the new school style’s trademark. It’s a kind of tattoo style that works well with subjects that call for cheeky and playful meanings.
Blackwork
Colored tattoos are in doubt are favored by many, but blackwork is men’s top choice of tattoo style when it comes to tree designs. Although it’s a single shade, when well done, the style is a standout. Blackwork style gains a lot of respect for boldness and also strength. It’s minimalist, masculine, and although it’s a single shade when well done, it has definite detail.
Aftercare Tips
Taking care of a fresh tattoo can be tricky, and your tattooist won’t be around 24/7 to keep an eye on it. The aftercare begins as soon as your tattoo is done. There’s not much figure out how to make sure you won’t get infections. Your tattooist will apply a thin layer of petroleum ointment as a dressing over the tattoo and then cover it with a bandage. You will also be provided with a day-by-day guide on what soap to use and more.
The dressing needs to stay on your skin for a few hours until it absorbs any fluid from the tattoo. When it comes to cleaning it daily, a gentle fragrance-free soap with lukewarm water is a must to prevent irritation. Pat the tattooed area dry using a soft cloth followed by a small amount of petroleum ointment. Leave it for an hour to let your skin breathe.
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