The Rose in the West represents what the Lotus does in the East. A symbol of love, but especially of a love that is pure. Because of the rose's beauty, scent and shape, it is the ultimate floral symbol. Of all the flower tattoo designs, the rose is still the most popular and the most requested. Interestingly, the rose is nearly as popular with men as it is with women.
A symbol of passion, chastity, and purity, the rose reigns supreme as the most beloved of flowers. The gift of a single red rose says, "I love you" while a thornless rose declares "love at first sight". Yellow roses are for joy, white for reverence, light pink for sympathy and admiration, and orange for enthusiasm. In medieval times, the white rose was the symbol of virginity. Red, of course covers every kind of love, both sacred and romantic.
The rose's beauty, variety, and exquisite scent have inspired lovers, saints and artists since humans first encountered it. The Greek goddess, Aphrodite, is associated with its rising into being, literally springing from the sea foam as she "rose" up out of the waves. Diana, the Roman goddess, in a fit of jealousy, turned the maiden Rhodanthe into a rose, and her suitors into thorns. Sappho blessed the rose as The "Queen of Flowers", but prior to that the Greeks knew it as the "King of Flowers". For the Romans and the Greeks, roses represented beauty and love. The story goes that Cleopatra had her palace strewn with rose petals to receive her lover, Mark Anthony.
Below you will find a gallery of inspirational images that will help you in your quest of creating the perfect rose tattoo.
Do you need inspirational images for flowers other than the Rose? Check out the flower inspirational gallery.
Also Check out: Flower & Plant Tattoo Index, Love Tattoo Index, Latino Tattoo Index.
