Tattoo in the form of a poppy flower in many cultures interpreted differently. People around us can understand this tattoo in their own way, both positively and negatively. In Europeans poppies are more symbolic and important than in Eastern countries. Therefore, tattoos with a red flower have little meaning.
History of the origin of the poppy tattoo
The poppy first found its symbolism back in ancient Greece. The Greeks considered the human head to be similar to the poppy head, and therefore sacrificed to the gods exactly the head of the poppy. From this came one of the meanings of the poppy - immortality, humanity, salvation. In Russia, the poppy had only positive symbolism. It characterized youth and beauty, which enchanted with its splendor. In Chinese culture, the poppy has several meanings. First, the poppy symbolizes rest, peace and beauty. In the second, the flower is associated with nature and the cycle of life, birth and death. And in the last century after World War II poppies began to be symbolized with tragic events. Tattoos with such a flower began to be imposed by the army as a sign of respect.
The origin of the symbol
The poppy symbol is not just an image of a delicate scarlet flower, it carries very different meanings and messages. To find out what the poppy tattoo means, we turn to myths, legends and customs that date back long before tattoo culture became so popular.
Tattoo of a poppy on the hand
Tattoo of a poppy on my scapula
Tattoo of a Poppy on my leg
Tattoo of a Poppy
Tattoo of a poppy and skull on a man's shoulder
In ancient times, poppy seeds were the main ingredient for preparing a sleeping potion. However, by taking this decoction, a man risked to remain forever in the dream world, that is why ancient tribes attributed special, even magical properties to this plant. Also in Greek mythology, this flower was an attribute of Hypnos, the god of sleep, who lived in the underworld with his twin brother, the death god Thanatos. With the help of the magic flower, Hypnos granted solace and bliss not only to mortals, but even to the gods. Thus, with its narcotic properties, the poppy is often associated with sleep, rest, oblivion or death. Even today poppies are used in occult rituals, magic, witchcraft, and all sorts of divination, fortune telling, and incantations.
Tattoo of poppies on a girl's arm - photo
Tattoo of poppies on the side of a girl - photo
Tattoo of poppies
Tattoo of the poppy on the scapula
A place for these unusual flowers was found in folklore and religion. For example, in Christianity there is a notion that poppies sprouted from the blood of the crucified Christ and became a symbol of innocent spilled blood, so it is often used to decorate sacred utensils, paraphernalia and temples. In ancient Russia, poppy flowers were a symbol of health, youth and beauty. But in British folklore tradition symbolized the blood of the defeated dragon.
Tattoo poppies on the shoulder of a girl - photo
Tattoo poppies on a girl's shoulder - photo
Now in the UK, this flower has become a sign of military courage, valor, honor and selflessness. Bouquets of poppies are often brought to the graves of fallen soldiers, and at ceremonies dedicated to the memory of those who fought in World War II, all participants wear a poppy or an emblem with its image on their chest. Thus, the poppy flower tattoo can also relate to the military theme.
Tattoo poppy: meaning
Many meanings of the red flower have reached our time. There is positive symbolism - truth, love and fidelity, passion and romance. If the flower is one - it means loneliness and sentimentality, but despite this, love of life. However, there are also negative meanings - a fatal dream, a fleeting life and unpredictability. Also poppies are associated with the blood of Christ, his self-sacrifice and suffering, so the meaning can be negative: ignorance and apathy. Sometimes, like the rose, the poppy can mean passion and love.
Location of the red poppy tattoo on the body
Often the poppy is depicted on the hip, shoulder, ribs or forearm. Small poppies are printed on the neck, foot or wrist. A flower curling around the ankle or on the wrist will look very original for girls. A single design looks more feminine and casual. If you decide to make a large-scale tattoo, then the place to her on the back. Also, this place is perfect in the case when the natal composition will be present in a large number of small details. According to tradition on the chest tattoo on the armies. This is due to the medals, which are usually hung on the chest.
The size of the picture
What size and where the tattoo will be located depends only on you and your wishes.
Such a tattoo can be done in the form of a full sleeve or a small tattoo on the wrist. Often the ribs, calves, biceps are chosen for the location of the tattoo. You can choose a subtle poppy flower floating in the air on your forearm, neck and foot, or you can combine the image with a skull to make the image larger.
An important step in creating this tattoo is to research in detail the meanings of your future tattoo. Even if you just like the tattoo itself for its beautiful image, keep in mind that there is a lot of meaning behind the poppy flower tattoo.
Watercolor poppy tattoo
Of course for the poppy the characteristic color is red (less often white and yellow), but you can also find black and white flowers. Watercolor poppies on the body look amazing. Green leaves and stems can be added to complete the picture. It is very rare to find poppy tattoos in other colors. The symbolism of the tattoo can vary slightly, depending on its shade. Bright red poppies carry love and romance.
Men's version
Initially, it was thought that poppy tattoos were stuffed exclusively on girls, because it was almost impossible to meet a man with such a design. In fact, such a stereotype is not clear, because the meaning of the poppy drawing on the body represents several properties inherent in both women and men equally.
The first that meant a poppy tattoo on the male body, it is calm and solitude or comfort in solitude. The drawing of a flower with neat light petals on a long stem means that his master would quickly leave a noisy company and prefer rather solitude. At the same time, he will create a cozy atmosphere around himself, in which he will feel comfortable and relaxed.
Some people believe that a lonely poppy on the body of a man in love means a broken heart and unrequited love. In fact, this is far from it. A proud flower with red petals symbolizes bright love and happiness with his other half. Such tattoos carry a powerful energy of romance and bright love.
In different countries, such a flower has different meanings. For example, in Great Britain it means that its owner is a brave and valiant man.
And in Russia, the meanings are slightly different. Based on ancient customs, this tattoo means the transience of life
. On the other hand it is eternal youth, strength and love.
Meaning of the poppy tattoo in men and women
In the past, tattoos with poppies were nabbed only by girls, because they are more delicate and fragile, like this excellent flower. A little later, the tattoo gained meaning and popularity among men. For men, such a tattoo would mean his valor and bravery, strength and eternal youth. Basically, the male half chooses black and white tattoos, as if to emphasize their seriousness. But there are guys who prefer bright and expressive colors of poppies. For girls, tattoos with poppies signify their tenderness, optimism and submissiveness. And Chinese girls also have a beauty that will be saved for the rest of their lives. The poppy is strongly associated with nature in meaning: the birth, the processes of rebirth of nature, so girls symbolize it with fecundity.
In Prison.
Many people give the tattoo with the image of the poppy a negative meaning. This is due to the fact that from ancient times, many peoples used this flower as a sleeping pill. And it was believed that because of it, a person can fall asleep forever. Only because of these properties of the plant, some interpret the tattoo with its image in a bad aspect.
But what happens if a person with a poppy tattoo ends up in prison, will it affect their fate? In the history of prison tattoos among roses, violets and other flowers, the poppy is nowhere to be found. Therefore, fellow inmates can interpret such a tattoo in different ways . Much also depends on the ingenuity and eloquence of the tattoo owner. This is the meaning.
Tattoos that include images of a flower are often considered purely feminine. However, this is not always the case. For example, the image of the poppy in the tattoo is quite ambiguous, not always it carries a positive meaning. Also thanks to the skill of the tattooist, the image of this flower can turn out quite laconic, gloomy, masculine. The poppy is a controversial plant, which can be said and the owner of such a tattoo.
Popular styles of tattoos with poppies
The most popular of the styles, which is ideal for the red poppies is realism, as it will be able to convey all the elements of the picture as much as possible. Also use a thrash polka dot style, especially if you want to convey gloom and negativity. Girls like to tattoo in the style of watercolor. This solution looks quite bright and unusual, adds neatness and elegance. The peculiarity of this style is the absence of a black outline. This makes the tattoo more expressive and looks like a painting. Very rarely poppies are depicted in the style of Dotwork, minimalism or graphics.
Poppy. Distinctive features
Poppy flowers are usually bright red, less common are white or yellow specimens. This plant likes arid places, so it can be found in semi-deserts and steppes. Some poppies, such as the sleeping poppy, secrete a milky sap which can later be used as a narcotic. That is why certain varieties of the plant are banned in many countries.
Poppy flowers do not enjoy their splendor for long. The poppy plant blooms quite quickly, within 2-3 days, sometimes even earlier. However, it is still very loved by gardeners. This is due to the fact that even after flowering, this plant looks spectacular, thanks to its seed boxes. The poppy tattoo, photos of which are as beautiful as the flower itself, usually adorns extraordinary personalities.
Tattoo of a red poppy on a girl's leg
Black tattoo with poppies: spectacular examples on the photo
Undoubtedly, black tattoos are classics, it is always fashionable and stylish. But in the case of the stunning colors of the red poppy, it is hard to imagine it without the bright purple color. Black poppies carry symbols of sadness, grief, anxiety or even death. As such a tattoo can indicate a person who has a connection with witchcraft or otherworldly forces. This is due to the fact that in ancient times poppies were used by shamans and sorcerers for their rituals. In general, dark poppies are interpreted in general as a negative meaning.
From history
In ancient mythology, poppy flowers were used as a sacrifice to the dead to give them a peaceful journey to the afterlife. Poppy flowers were also depicted on tombstones, symbolizing eternal sleep.
According to Chinese folklore, Faith was expressed through the use of poppy flowers. Loyalty between loved ones was also represented through the use of poppy flowers. Chinese legend has it that during World War I there was a woman who committed suicide after learning that her husband was dead.
After she was buried, poppy flowers grew on her grave. Since then, the poppy flower has been used as a mark of remembrance for those who died during World War I.
Sketches for your poppy tattoo
To create a sketch, experts often use the sweeping technique. This is when your picture will be as if lightly dripped with paint, which adds verisimilitude and uniqueness to the drawing. A poppy sketch with different animals will look very beautiful, for example, a ladybug will complement your flower and give it a twist, adding meaning to the rebirth of nature. If you want to stand out with your originality, a picture of a poppy sprouting through you would be a great option for you. It can be depicted on the ribs, starting growth on the left side, and the head of the flower itself will end on the right side. As well will look well such a tattoo on the hip or arm.
If you decide to get a tattoo with poppy flowers, then do not think about its bad meanings. Just make yourself happy with a unique option to decorate your body. If you doubt your choice, then remember that there are temporary tattoos that will wash away from you over time. If you are sure of your choice, then for a quality tattoo, it is worth choosing a good specialist and do not spare the money. This gives more assurance that the beautiful poppy tattoo will be top notch. Tattoo with a poppy will become a great amulet and a bright decoration of your body.
Peculiarities of the technique
With a watercolor tattoo, you can hide the flaws of the figure or, on the contrary, emphasize the advantages, to draw attention to yourself. Each tattoo artist working in this style uses his own peculiarities of application. Someone combines lines with strokes, someone uses only blur effect and volume. But still, watercolor tattoo has certain features by which you can immediately identify this style:
- Dilutions;
- Splashes;
- Strokes;
- Smooth transition of shades;
- The absence of black edging;
- A wide palette of colors;
In conclusion we would like to give advice: if you have got the soul for this style and decided to create a masterpiece from the picture gallery on your body, take seriously the choice of a master and do not save money on it. Otherwise your dream may turn into a "spoiled child's picture.
