The Lotus flower is one of the most popular floral ink designs linked to themes of enlightenment, balance, and inner growth ideals taught throughout Eastern religion.

The unfolding lotus petals are often equated to inner development and psychic growth, or associated with balance in a mandala tattoo. It’s also popular as a secondary theme in many different technical tattoos.

Lotus tattoo designs are great for every type of tattoo collector, from the contemporary millennial ink lover looking at concepts of wholeness, balance, and wellness, to the old-school tattoo generation with ties to Japanese tattoo and classic tribal concepts.

If you are looking to find the right type of style and symbolism for your lotus flower tattoo design, the article below breaks down lotus flower meaning and application techniques that will bring your own concept to life.

The Classical Meaning of Lotus Tattoos

The Lotus flower is also known as the Padma or the Sacred Lotus, and tattoos depicting the bloom look to the symbolic meaning of spiritual enlightenment, self-regeneration, rebirth, and as a symbol of purity.

In tattoo designs depicting the opening of the lotus flower, the petals symbolize spiritual awakening and the expansion of the soul.

These kinds of tattoos are becoming more popular with Eastern religion (Buddhism and Hindu) and meditation practices (Mandala, Yoga) becoming a more widespread part of Western civilization.

1. Japanese Lotus Tattoo Meaning

Japanese flower tattoos represent the top-notch tradition of ancient Asian art, representing the complete life cycle as well as sexual prowess and beauty. Floral tattoos, such as the lotus flower (Hasunohara) or cherry blossom (Sakura), promote a surprisingly masculine motif.

In Japan, the lotus blossom is connected to purity, enlightenment, and beauty because of the flower’s ability to bloom overnight from muddy water.