An often overlooked flower that perfectly translates to tattoos is the lily of the valley.
When it comes to flower tattoos, most people think of cherry blossoms, roses, or chrysanthemums. While the lily of the flowers lacks the large colorful blossoms of other varieties, it makes up for it with understated elegance and a slightly sweet fragrance, making it a popular choice for weddings.
The lily of the valley is also the birth flower for May, giving it an added association with the Zodiac sign Gemini.
The lily of the valley tattoo ideas within this gallery utilize a variety of styles and approaches that demonstrate just how lovely and versatile this small white flower is.
1. Black and Gray Tattoo Designs
The black and gray style goes back to the first examples of injecting beneath the skin. Though centuries have passed, black and gray remains just as relevant today as it did all those years ago. While some people may find it curious to apply the black and gray style to flowers – subjects that usually call for – in black and gray, are actually perfectly suited for this monochromatic approach.
These excellent designs utilize a variety of styles and methods, from cross-hatching that is reminiscent of hand-cut lithographs to that incorporate geometric shapes and dream elements.
2. Color Tattoo Ideas
Just because the is white doesn’t mean the can’t incorporate . In fact, one of the reasons that many people choose the as the subject of their tattoos is for the opportunity they provide to incorporate different elements. Another , like the rose, chrysanthemum, or daffodil, can be integrated with a in order to create a more dynamic and compelling .
The in this gallery are also interesting for the variety of approaches they take. Some of the pieces use an illustrative style that brings to mind color animation, while others take an American Traditional approach, demonstrating this style is not relegated to roses and cherry blossoms.
Source: @snaggle_tooth_tattoos(artist) via Instagram
3. Delicate
While the bold lines of the American Traditional style continue to guide modern tattooing, thanks to better equipment and talented artists, finer, more delicate work is gaining popularity in recent times, and the is the perfect subject for this approach.
These lovely minimalist pieces demonstrate why this style is so perfectly suited for a . The flowers are quite delicate themselves, with several small blossoms suspended from a single whole stem.
The artists who applied these interesting pieces demonstrate that delicate doesn’t mean boring. The different approaches on display in this gallery utilize realistic shading, , and cartoon illustrations to demonstrate that these tattoos are more than just a few .
4. Innovative Symbolism
Good artists always push the boundaries of applying inspiration. These exciting and unique put the creativity and skill of each on full display. What really sets these apart from other pieces in this gallery are the dynamic compositions that bring a variety of different elements into one cohesive . Animal skulls, horseshoes, and antique glass display jars are all used to create a more unique and compelling .
These bespoke tattoos are just a taste of what is possible when a talented has such a lovely as inspiration.
5. Linework
The most important aspect of successful is the linework. Without precise and consistent lines, tattoos have little chance of standing the test of time and will more than likely end up an undefined blob. In fact, linework is so important to creating a simple yet powerful .
While this approach can work for a variety of subjects and designs, it is especially well-suited for to the distinct shape and cultural significance.
The pieces here are great examples of floral that would make any lover proud.
6. Technical Flower Tattoo Designs
Western tattoos have come a long way since the smoky back rooms and nautical themes where they began. In fact, the technical skill that is demonstrated by modern artists would undoubtedly blow the minds of artists from only a couple of generations ago.
The on display here have all the essential elements required of exceptional tattoos: precise shading to create texture and depth, thoughtful compositions, and strong linework to tie it all together.
While some people may not immediately think of this as the best subject for exciting tattoos, these pieces show just how compelling can be.
7. Animals Inspired Tattoo Art
Man’s fascination with animals goes back to the beginning of time. Some of the earliest tattoos were of animals, though not everyone chooses to get wild animals inked on their bodies. Many people choose the of pet tattoos for bringing joy into their lives.
flowers are the perfect ones to accompany animals in tattoos: their subtle but recognizable shape makes them excellent background work that will enhance but not overpower the focal point of a . These clean tattoos utilize a number of styles and animals – a full color weasel, black and gray dove, and an American traditional cat – that demonstrate how versatile these little flowers are.
FAQ
What is the lily of the valley flower meaning?
Also known as the May lily, the lily of the valley has come to hold symbolic meaning around the world thanks to its sweet fragrance and white blossoms.
Within the Christian tradition, the lily of the valley has gained a spiritual meaning with the resurrection of Christ thanks to the way they bloom early in spring. The distinct shape of the flowers, with their collection of small white blossoms, has also created another association in the Bible. In the stories of Eve’s expulsion by God from the Garden of Eden, Jacob’s loss of his wife, and the Virgin Mary weeping for her slain son, the lily of the valley represents their tears.
These charming little tattoos also hold different symbolic meanings in folk traditions across Europe. It is said that the lily of the valley will protect gardens from evil, and they had a history of use as a charm against witches and evil spirits in European folklore.
In Scandinavia and Germany, the lily of the valley is considered good luck and a sign of the coming spring, while in England, these flowers are said to have sprung from the ground where the blood of St. Leonard of Sussex fell during his battle with a dragon. Thanks to their unique shape and delicate nature, the lily of the valley is also said to be the cup that wood fairies drink from.
Interestingly, the lily of the valley has a different meaning in some folklore and is actually associated with death and these flowers are relegated to cemeteries.
Why do people use lily of the valley in weddings?
Lily of the valley remains a popular choice for wedding flowers for a few reasons. Its white color and tendency to bloom in spring has created strong associations with purity, chastity, and modesty, which were the original reason it was used in weddings. There is also an old story that tells of nightingales being guided to their mates by the strong fragrance of the lily of the valley.
Traditional ceremonies often see brides carrying lily of the valley along with something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. In Holland, this lovely flower is planted in the garden of newlyweds as a symbol of their love.
Did you enjoy the delicate nature of the lily of the valley? Click on the links below for more birth flower tattoo galleries: