Entertainment Fashion & Style Cherry Blossom Tattoos Bloom with Many Meanings An Ode to Spring and a Symbol of Life Print Fashion & Style Tattoos and Body Piercings Accessories Tops & Sweaters Dresses Skirts Jeans Pants Do It Yourself Shoes Skincare Advice Makeup Hair Fragrance Kids and Teens Bumps & Babies Learn More By Jodie Michalak Jodie Michalak Writer Northern Arizona University Jodie Michalak is a cosmetologist and contributing writer covering the tattoo space. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 09/24/17 Cherry blossom tattoos and their meanings have several different associations. While many people render the soft pink flowers as an ode to spring and hearken their arrival at festivals throughout the country, other cultures such as the Japanese believe cherry blossoms represent beauty and the fragility of life. For an inked design that is filled with spirit and beauty, a cherry blossom tattoo makes a novel choice for anyone experiencing a serious bout of spring fever. Take a look at the many ways a cherry blossom signifies beauty and life and bloom with your own inspiration. Japanese Cherry Tattoos Jinx!/Flickr Inspired by centuries-old woodblock techniques, the Japanese refer to sakura (cherry blossoms) as a symbol of life. After their too-short bloom, the cherry blossom falls to the ground and is scattered about by wind and rain. It is in this life cycle that their blossoms become truly anticipated and appreciated for all their beauty. Whether you choose a Japanese cherry blossom to celebrate life after illness or to honor a lost love, the intricate tree design makes a beautiful choice for a full canvas tattoo and is often selected as a backpiece or worked into smaller shoulder or leg tattoo designs. With a popping array of bold pink color and delicate, paper-like leaves, a Japanese cherry blossom tattoo is both a feminine and fleeting reminder to live a life of beauty and be present in the moment for that is all we have. Chinese Cherry Blossom Tattoos Set your petals aflutter. Image CC courtesy micaeltattoo@Flickr Similar to their Japanese association, cherry blossoms serve as a symbol of love in the Chinese culture thanks to their herbal lore. The cherry blossom is considered sexual and dominating as well. If you have a great sense of empowerment or want to celebrate your sexual freedom or energy you may consider inking a cherry blossom that celebrates these Chinese meanings. Consider adding a Chinese cherry blossom to an existing Chinese symbol tattoo to compliment both cultural pieces. For a Chinese cherry blossom, opt for forearm, bicep or side placement as there will be plenty of canvas there to create the branching and cascading effect. To create a fantastical-inspired nature scene such as the tattoo depicted at the left, consider adding birds, butterflies, insects, water and other elements to your design. You are only limited by your imagination really as cherry blossoms fit into so many tattoos. Buddhist Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs Show off your blossoming beauty. Image Cc Courtesy Mytat_2s @ Flickr In addition to Japanese and Chinese roots, the cherry blossom also lives a path of enlightenment thanks to Buddhist beliefs. Existing only in the present moment has long been the basis of Buddhist beliefs along with the daily reminder that we are here but only for a short time. Much like the cherry blossom. life is short and sweet. For those practicing Buddhism, flowers can also represent wisdom. Once blossoms begin to open and unfold the beauty of the flower is revealed. If you've gained a greater sense of self or have experienced a path to enlightenment, a cherry blossom tattoo can serve as a daily reminder to reinforce life's lessons and celebrate the gift of life. Why not bloom and become the beautiful being that you are with a cherry blossom tattoo?