Lotus flowers are one of the most popular flower tattoos requested these days. The lotus starts out at the bottom of a pond – a small flower stuck in the mud at the bottom. It then slowly grows up and gravitates towards the surface of the water as it seeks the light. Once the lotus comes to the surface the lotus flower begins to blossom.
The emergence of the lotus from the bottom of the pond symbolizes the awakening and emergence to a better state. Once the emergence is finished, the flower reaches its full potential and turns into a beautiful blossom.
Both Hinduism and Buddhism place importance on the lotus flower and this symbol for awakening to the spiritual reality of life. It is viewed as a symbol of aspirations to rise upwards towards the light and success.
Lotus flower tattoos are also popular for people who have risen from a tough time they have gone through and are better for the wear and tear. The flower starting out in the mud only to rise to the top and overcome the obstacles symbolizes what many have experienced in their lives.
The lotus and the peony flowers are often used in Japanese tattoos to compliment the Japanese style and enhance Japanese tattoo compositions such as koi tattoos. The koi is a symbol of strength and the lotus compliments the symbolism.
