Symbolism - Lotus Tattoos

“A flower that struggles through mud to emerge beautiful and whole”

Lotus flowers are a popular floral image used in many tattoo designs.

Lotus tattoos can vary from simple linework, full colour, or represented along with different Gods and other elements. These flowers bloom rising through muddy swampy water, a direct metaphor for life and overcoming its struggles.

Apart from its beauty, the lotus flower is often represented in many eastern cultures and religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism as a symbol of enlightenment, purity, and growth. 

In many tattoo designs, the lotus flower can also include the Unalome. 

An Unalome is a symbol in Buddhism which represents the numerous steps on the path to enlightenment. 

• The spiral and loop starting at the bottom is life's beginning; Birth

• It's followed by mistakes and lessons made throughout life to reach Nirvana

• The stem is Nirvana, which is the release from the cycle of rebirth 

• 3 dots which represents enlightenment

If you are thinking of a new tattoo that is representative of life's beauty and the different obstacles you've come across, consider apart of the design to include the Lotus flower.