Rose Tattoos

A rose is a rose is a rose, but this is not necessarily true with rose tattoos. In fact, the rose tattoo has an incredibly rich history and expresses a great depth of symbolism. For instance, in the 1500s rose tattoos were given to prisoners who were about to be executed. Nowadays, the significance of a rose tattoo can be whatever the wearer chooses it to be. Often linked with romance, beauty and love, they can also represent the memory of a dead loved one or hold a profound religious association—the red of a rose symbolizing the blood of Jesus Christ.

The color of a rose tattoo is of huge significance. Orange, for example, usually represents desire, white stands for purity, red means passion and love, pink, friendship, and so on.

Once the color is chosen, you will have to decide on an appropriate design. Often seen as a feminine image, there are many masculine aspects that can be added to a rose tattoo. Of course you can go the way of a tribal design with its hard lines and bold edges, which is easily pulled off by a manly man. Roses intertwined with crosses, skulls, angels and even koi fish (a common emblem of masculinity) can add the touch of brutishness that will make it easier for the man to bare the rose.

Roses can be a nice accompaniment to any number of images. A beautiful scene, portrait or scroll work can be improved with a bold rose blossoming from behind or along side. Another popular co-image is the yin yang symbol. Seen as a symbol of femininity, the rose can be beautifully illustrated as the black, female side of the emblem while the thorns of the flower can be shown as the male, white part. A blossoming rose can hold a different meaning then a rose in full bloom. Symbolizing youth, virginity or a burgeoning love, this symbol is perfect for those associating themselves with growth or development.

Either bold and beautiful, or simple and monotone, roses can hold myriad meanings that symbolize the love and richness in the heart of the wearer. Often linked with emotion, a strong man can show his true, sensitive nature through the glory of a rose, and a woman can show her enduring strength by coupling a rose with the toughness of its thorns. Either way, the rose is a moving option for a tattoo.