What is the Unique Cherry Blossom Tattoo Meaning? – Uncover the Ancient Tree’s Profound Symbolism by Stephanie Yankova PUBLISHED May 2, 2023
In Japan, is one of the country’s most widely recognizable unofficial symbols. It’s been celebrated in the culture for decades and is a popular motif in traditional Japanese art. The blossoming of this tree occurs in March and the locals perceive it as a sign of new beginnings and hope. Over the years the beauty of the cherry blossom tree has spread way past the annual festivals and incorporation in paintings and fabric patterns. With the emergence of traditional Japanese tattoo art, Sakura had become one of the most prominent symbols incorporated in the designs. But why is it so popular? What does it mean, and what’s the symbolism behind it? Keep reading to find out more about this age-old beloved tree and browse through our gallery of cherry blossom tattoo ideas!
Originally from China, the cherry blossom trees sprung for the first time during the Tang Dynasty in the Himalayan highlands. Later on, the Sakura found its way to Japan no more than 1200 years ago and that’s where it truly flourished! In ancient times cherry blossoms were linked to the Shinto gods, also called
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. A symbol of good luck, fortune, and protective power against evil spirits, this tree had become a grounding and guiding force in Japanese culture. People continue to celebrate the rich history and beauty of the cherry blossom trees to this day with yearly festivals and theme events. Its popularity has traveled way past the geographic boundaries of Asia, and currently, you can see the Sakura in countries such as the USA, Germany, Spain, India, Denmark, and even Canada.
The cherry blossom tree is probably the most beloved symbol that signifies Japanese culture. Just like other traditional Japanese tattoos, the infamous image of the Sakura that we are all familiar with comes from the historic woodwork art movement
. The reason why the cherry blossom tree is so special to the Japanese culture is that it doesn’t live for long, which encourages people to enjoy it as much as they can every year when it blossoms. This is why it has become a symbol of transience and a reminder that you should live in the present moment and seize it while it lasts. It’s a materialization of the impermanence of everything in life, an invitation to enjoy and value the little things, and a prime example of the link between humans and nature.
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The tragedy of the cherry blossom tree consists in its short-lived continuation. As soon as it blooms it presents everyone with a breathtaking view of its wide branches and picturesque pink petals. However, the beauty of this tree lasts only two weeks and soon after that, all that’s left is just the memory. As soon as the petals start falling, and you see the wind blowing them, you begin to witness the end of this awe-inspiring sighting. This sudden parting makes people truly appreciate its temporary presence to the fullest. A cherry blossom tattoo with falling petals represents the passing of youth, and the cycle of life, and honors the ephemerality of everything material. It’s also a symbol of grace, fragility, and purity.
As a traditional Japanese symbol, the cherry blossom tree is often intertwined with classic tattoo designs inherent to the local culture. Over the years with the development of the tattoo styles according to regions and personal aesthetic, the Sakura has taken up many different forms over the spectrum of traditional, neo-traditional, realism, line work, brush stroke tattoos and many more! Here are some interesting designs and interpretations of this ancient symbol.
The kitsune mask is a popular element in the traditional Japanese tattoo culture. Also known as Hoshi, this mask is used in Shinto rituals and portrays the spirit of the fox. These creatures are believed to hold magical shapeshifting powers and would transform themselves into humans in order to deceive and trick them. The Sakura fits the delicate design of this mask perfectly and can act as a transitional or filler art if you want to connect your tattoos with a unifying motif.
Cherry Blossom Tattoo Meaning
The crane bird is another Japanese symbol that carries a profound and beautiful meaning. Speaking from a mythological perspective, the crane is the only bird that can fly up to the Heavens. It symbolizes strong will, determination, and hope. The crane bird is also a bird that mates for life, so a tattoo of two cranes would be a symbol of everlasting love, loyalty and a union between the masculine and feminine energy. When combined with the cherry blossoms, this tattoo becomes a strong representation of someone who lives their life truthfully, honorably, and enjoys the beauty and grace of every gift that comes their way!
Similar to the crane, or phoenix, koi fish tattoos are a symbol of strength, resilience, perseverance and good luck. They are akin to people who achieve success in their life through hard work, dedication, and unique approach. These people are able to “swim” against the current and overcome obstacles with ease thanks to their strong determination. This fine line tattoo design shows the koi fish in combination with two Sakura branches, which paints the visual story of someone who lives their life to the fullest, wholly and truthfully!It’s a focal point of the Spring Flowers cruise itinerary aboard Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess, an eight-night treasure hunt by sea, sailing around the main island of Honshu in the Japanese archipelago.
Is the Japanese tradition of enjoying the fleeting beauty of flowers. The welcoming of spring under the blossoming of the cherry tree, sakura, has been celebrated in festivals across Japan for centuries.
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As the granddaughter of a green thumb, I grew up in Canada with an appreciation for changing seasons. Even more than that, I want to see the phenomenon of cherry blossom season in person for a reason far more sinister to the Japanese: tattoos. I love tattoo art incorporating traditional Japanese aesthetics, such as the images that made Costa Mesa’s Don Ed Hardy famous. Hardy was one of the first Westerners to study in Japan under traditional tattoo artists, learning the ancient art of Irezumi or “inserting ink.”
And while it’s true that traditional Japanese society may have an unfavorable opinion of tattoos, and having visible ink will keep you out of an onsen, or bathhouse, for me, they’ve fostered a longing to bear witness to the real-life subjects.
We fly into Tokyo to spend a few days before boarding the ship in Yokohama. We go from dodging thousands of people in Shibuya Crossing underneath blinding walls of flickering digital billboards to a contemplative stroll through the massive wooden torii gate of the Meiji Shrine. We are only steps away from the trendy shops lining Takeshita Street and the famous Harajuku girls, but you would never know it. The only sounds are the birds, the air redolent of 100, 000 camphor trees.
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Later, we view the city from high atop Tokyo Tower, the city stretching out to no end. But in Tokyo, the cherry blossoms have already fallen. The only ones we find adorn the colorful yukatas worn by many of the women wandering down Nakamise Shopping Street for festival season. I can’t help but follow them, clutching my fortune printed on a slip of paper from Senso-ji Temple: “An arrow you shoot always gets a target, so watch the direction of your arrow.”
Sitting in the bus that will take us to Yokohama and the cruise ship, we follow the cherry blossom forecast on our phones, hoping to find ourselves standing in the calm, perfect center of the flurry of sakura.
We are in Hakodate, at the southern tip of the island of Hokkaido, strolling down Minatogaoka Street in the historic Motomachi district. Not many people are looking to buy from the endless ice cream shops lining the wet cobblestone street on this gray April day.
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I am taking a photo of three cartoon squid cast in the iron top of a manhole cover when I look up and there they are, vital and alive, the flesh bright pink against the overcast sky. It’s just a small tree outside of a restaurant with its kelly-green curtain drawn. The cluster of blossoms is barely big enough to hold in my two hands. Still, there they are, petals taut and perfect, like a promise of things to come. I can almost hear them whisper “Sakura.”
Even if you consider yourself more of a bullet train person than a cruiser, the Diamond Princess offers a unique way to see some of Japan’s lesser-known port cities. By stringing multiple itineraries together to board in one place and disembark in another, you could make it easier to spend time at your bucket list destinations – Tokyo, Kobe and Kyoto – on either end of your sail. Going to sleep in one city and waking up in another with the luxury of not having to lug your suitcase from place to place cannot be understated. If you are daunted
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