Eternal sleep, oblivion, imagination. Associated with ninth wedding anniversary.
The Anemone and Poppy are two more flowers associated with death and sleep. The latter, of course, has come to symbolize fallen soldiers of the two World Wars. The Anemone is featured in the myth of Aphrodite mourning the death of Adonis -- the flower sprung from her tears. Fairies sleep in the closed petals of the Anemone, waking as the petals open in the morning, while the Opium Poppy became the symbol of sleep and oblivion. But the Anemone has a whole different meaning in the folklore of the middle ages, when it was a symbol of protection against evil.
Flowers as tattoo designs and symbols can be far more than just pretty pictures on pretty girls. Flowers are the embodiment of nature and concise symbols of the cycle of birth, life, procreation, death and rebirth. Specific flowers have come to represent a myriad of different beliefs in different cultures. In the East, the lotus flower has tremendous spiritual significance, as does the rose in the West. Similarly, the tremendous spectrum of colors present in flowers can have symbolic importance; white for purity, red for passion, or to represent the blood of Christ are but a few examples.
The shape of the flower, it's receptive cup-like form and it's passive role in fertilization, has been long been seen as a symbol of the feminine.
The symbolism of flowers remains largely hidden from us today. We encounter it daily, however, in art, literature, folklore, and mythology, the mystery and magnificence waiting to be found. It is also found in the old remedies of apothecaries and herbalists, for flowers not only brought joy, happiness and messages of love, but were used to heal the sick and encourage the dying during their last journey through this life.
Rose, Lotus Flower, Lily, Cherry Blossom.
Below you will find a gallery of inspirational images that will help you in your quest of creating the perfect Poppy tattoo.
Also Check out: Daisy, Chrysanthemum, Lily, Cherry Blossom, Jasmine, Lotus Flower, Water Lily, Orchids, Peonies, Sunflowers, Flower & Plant Tattoo Index and Tattoos for Girls.
