Roses are not only beautiful flowers, but have been a classic motif for a tattoo since the 1930s. Not only the rose petals, but also the rose tendrils are very popular with women. Whether pricked on the arm, leg, back, foot or shoulder, they look very delicate and perfectly complete the rose motif. However, they are often depicted with thick, long thorns. But what is the meaning of the rose tattoo, you will find out in this article.
Rose vine with or without thorns?
What does the rose symbolize? Based on its shape and color, a rose could mean something different. You immediately think of love, passion, devotion, strength. But there is also much more behind itthis popular motifstands.
Roses are covered in thorns. They serve as protection against predators and as climbing aid. If the rose is depicted without thorns, it could symbolize the happy feeling of being in love. Thorns are a reminder that love rarely comes without suffering. The idea of pain is also associated with the thorns. If you want to have beauty, you have to accept the risk of being hurt. The symbolic pair of thorns and roses often represents the ambivalence of feelings.
In dream interpretation there are very different meanings depending on the dream context. In general, the dream symbol “thorns” means suffering, mental death, disappointments and heartbreak. Thorns still represent the defensive character of the tattoo wearer.
The symbolism
The Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, is often depicted with roses. They decorate her head, neck and feet. She was born from the foam of the sea with a white rose bush. Botticelli's famous artwork “The Birth of Venus” depicts roses raining down from the sky as the goddess rises from the sea and steps onto the shore. According to legend, her husband Ares had his rival Adonis killed out of revenge. On the way to the dying Adonis, the goddess stepped on rose thorns and her blood turned the white roses red. Therefore, the white rose represents the purity of love while red roses represent desire and passion. The rose symbolizes an undying love that survives time and death. Her son is Eros, who causes love with golden bows and arrows. Aphrodite also brought many flowers, herbs and delicious gifts to people, which helped lust and love back then. These magical remedies are also called aphrodisiacs today.
Another fairy tale by Oscar Wilde tells that the nightingale sacrificed itself because “only the lifeblood of a nightingale can color the heart of a rose.” The nightingale died with a thorn in her heart.
The Rosicrucians, a secret society, use the rose as a symbol of secrecy and secret societies. “Sub rosa”, i.e. “under the rose” – Everything that is said under the sign of the rose must remain secret. If a rose was placed in front of the door, it was a sign that a confidential conversation was taking place there.
In Christian symbolism, the rose is a symbol of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The red color of the rose was later associated with the Most Holy Blood and the death of Jesus on the cross. Therefore, the red rose is also perceived as a symbol of sacrifice and loss. The thorns are associated with Jesus' crown of thorns and have become a symbol of willingness to suffer.
The rose symbol can also be found on several tarot cards. The rose represents balance, love and hope.
- The fool holds a white rose in his left hand - The left hand represents our conscious mind that seeks order. This means: “Don’t let your thoughts wander uncontrollably”. The white rose represents purity of thought.
- Roses have often been associated with magic in the past, so it's no wonder they appear on the Magician card. Ancient orders and secret societies welcomed the rose as a symbol of wisdom.
The sailors chose the rose tattoo because it should symbolize their girlfriend, their wife or even their mother. Life on the seas was very difficult for these brave men and this symbol of femininity could bring them peace.
The number of petals on a rose is also linked to numerology. A rose with eight petals, for example, represents rebirth and new beginnings. In alchemy, the rose was considered a flower of wisdom and an image of the clear mind. Roses with seven rows of leaves symbolized the seven planets and the knowledge acquired by the universe.
It is also important whether the rose is open. Withered roses are a sign of transience in life, while the rosebud often represents hope in general or unspoken feelings. Just as the rose slowly opens and unfolds its full splendor, the human soul also develops. The rose is therefore a symbol of the development of the soul.
The meaning of the rose varies depending on the color:
- Yellow roses were once a symbol of jealousy. But today they represent joy, happiness, optimism and friendship. The color of the sun evokes a feeling of warmth.
- White roses symbolize purity, innocence and modesty and represent a new beginning.
- Red roses stand for love and at the same time symbolize beauty and perfection.
- Pink roses represent elegance and sophistication.
- Peach-colored roses represent gratitude, respect and appreciation
- Lavender roses are a symbol of magic and fascination. Such roses represent “love at first sight”
- Blue roses do not exist in nature. Therefore, they symbolize the unattainable or the impossible.
Black rosesTattoo– what is the meaning behind it?
The black rose tattoo is one of the most popular tattoo motifs ever. And for good reason – it looks incredibly classy and depending on the size and pattern, you can place it anywhere on your body. A small rose tattoo on the forearm looks particularly beautiful and feminine. Even though black is considered the color of mourning and death, this tattoo design has endless and very different meanings. Many people have this beautiful flower pierced to immortalize their love for a person who is no longer alive. Surprisingly, a black rose tattoo can represent happiness and hope. In the past, many soldiers and sailors had this motif engraved because they were unsure whether they would ever make it home again. It gave them hope and they viewed it as a kind of good luck charm. The flower is considered a symbol of rebirth and strength in many cultures.
The different designs and ideas
When choosing your tattoo motif, consider the size and color of the roses as well as the part of the body where the tattoo will be inked. The rose tattoo can be kept simple or elaborately designed. Whether small or large, the design is bound to look very elegant and beautiful.
Rose tattoos are very versatile. They can wrap around the foot like a chain or decorate larger parts of the body such as the back and stomach. Be it shoulders, ankles or wrists, these decorative tattoos can look delicate and expressive at the same time.
Many people choose rose vine tattoo in tribal style. Due to the dark colors and sharp edges that are typical of the look, the motif is suitable for men and women. The most popular design is a blooming red rose surrounded by black rose vines. But you can add further details such as a saying or other motifs such as birds, butterflies or a skull.
In addition, the rose vine tattoo allows us to incorporate a small phrase or word into the drawing, such as the importance of a particular person, family, etc.
The stem symbolizes the life path of a loving couple. The thorns indicate that a shared path through life is not always easy. But despite all the obstacles, shared happiness (flowering) is most important!
On the arm
A rose tattoo on the arm looks particularly beautiful and unique. This part of the body is the best choice for anyone who wants to add something to their tattoo later. The flower can be easily combined with other motifs such as stars, numbers, compass or animals.
As a small oneTattoofor women
Small tattoos are very popular this year and are particularly popular among women. No matter whether in black and white, watercolors or another tattoo technique - small rose tattoos are a real eye-catcher and look stunning. The flower represents love and strength - so why not have it pierced over the veins that lead directly to the heart? The wrist, along with the upper and forearm, is one of the most popular parts of the body for this motif!
RosenTattoo on the shoulder
It may not be for everyone, but an elaborate, large rose tattoo that winds over your shoulder looks particularly beautiful and impressive. Later you can work the flowers into a beautiful sleeve that runs down your arm.
Skull with roses–Meaning
Skull tattoos usually remind of death and look very scary at first glance. But the motif is becoming increasingly popular and has enjoyed great popularity in recent years. In fact, the meaning of the skull is not as negative as you probably think. Many people have this motif engraved after they have closed a difficult chapter in their life and are on a positive path. In this case, the skull symbolizes positive change in life. In the Gothic scene, the skull represents dark thoughts, worries, fears and the transience of life. It could symbolize the death of a loved one as well as one's own health if someone has successfully overcome a serious illness.
Onthe forearm in realistic style
Tattoos in the so-called Realistic Style look like real photos and a lot of emphasis is placed on accuracy and true-to-life representation. A rose tattoo for women is one of the typical motifs for this style and looks beautiful in black and gray as well as with colors.
The pretty actress Lily Collins has had an English rose pierced on her right foot. It was intended to indicate her British roots. The stem of the rose is formed by a quote from author Alice Walker: “The nature of this flower is to bloom”. It is in this flower's nature to bloom.
A symbol that has become very popular in recent years is the infinity sign. The advantage of this tattoo motif is that it is easy to depict and can be easily combined with other elements. Because of its meaning of eternity, the symbol can be interpreted in very different ways. In connection with the rose vine it could represent eternal love.
Instead of rose vines, you can combine the roses with ornamental tattoos that look like lace. Without thorns, the rose loses its defensive character and blooms in all its glory. In combination with a lace tattoo, the motif looks feminine, romantic and simply fantastically beautiful.
More cool designs and templates
Last but not least, we have put together a few rose tattoo ideas and templates for you. Whether black and white, colored, classic, modern, romantic or with thorns - choose the design that best suits your personality!
