The group of beautiful flowering plants known as Plumeria are more commonly known as frangipani, or Melia in Hawaii.
They make for striking depictions of flower tattoo art across many styles, although using the captivating bright colors they are known for are the most popular design option.
The following collection of plumeria tattoos show off a beautiful range of designs dedicated to showing off the cheerful bloom solo, in bunches, or part of wider design inspiration.
1. Realistic Tattoo Ideas
2. Tattoo Art in Black and Gray
3. Tattoo Ideas for the Back
4. Tribal Tattoo Designs
4. Chest and Side Tattoo Ideas
5. Tattoos for the Forearm
6. Lower Leg and Ankle Tattoo Ideas
Source: @itscrystalpitts via Instagram
7. Small Tattoo Ideas
8. Thigh Tattoos
9. Colorful Tattoo Ideas
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Source: @jenwhitetattoos via Instagram
The Meaning of Plumeria
The plumeria tattoo symbolizes love and devotion, particularly in the tropical Americas where the plant originates. Other meanings associated with the frangipani bloom include positive energy and Ohana (family).
It is also said in Hawaiian custom that putting the frangipani behind the left ear signifies a girl is single, and behind the right ear meant she was taken (which happened on a Luau and dinner I went on when I visited Honolulu in the late 2000s with a group of single friends).
In Hindu and Buddhist folklore plumeria were often used for wedding receptions and fetes tied to love, devotion, and positivity, while they are important to Mayan culture for symbolizing the birth of the gods.
The frangipani’s bright colors allow for creative use in tattoo art; however, their distinctive look and shape also make for gorgeous applications utilizing shading and shadow in black and gray tattoo.
FAQs
What do plumeria tattoos symbolize?
The plumeria tattoo symbolizes love and devotion, particularly in the tropical Americas where the genus is native.
Other meanings associated with the frangipani bloom in Hawaii include positive energy and Ohana (family). It is also said that putting the frangipani behind the left ear signified a girl was single, and the right ear meant she was taken, (which happened on a tour Luau and dinner I went on when I visited Hawaii in the late 2000s with a group of single friends).
In Hindu and Buddhist folklore plumeria were often used for wedding receptions and fetes tied to love, devotion, and positivity, while they are important to Mayan culture for symbolizing the birth of the gods.
What style Plumeria tattoo should I get?
With its emphasis on love and it’s natural bright, vivid color palette, the frangipani is often tied to tattoos utilizing colorful ink and design. Realism tattoos, memorial and remembrance art, or incorporating cursive lettering to enhance the message of positivity are used often.
Due to its importance in Hawaiian culture, the Melia is often used to incorporated bright, fun elements to traditional tribal tattoo that often deploys a heavy use of patterns and solid detailed technical ink.
For those prefer their tattoo designs in black and gray, their distinctive look and shape of the flowers make for gorgeous crisp linework, deft shading and shadow in black and gray tattoo pieces.
Where should I place my plumeria tattoo?
The plumeria is a great, versatile flower for tattoo placement, as it can flourish practically anywhere.
For those collectors who opt for bright, vivacious tattoos it works for upper arm, shoulder, upper chest, hand and lower leg designs beautifully.
If you prefer a less ostentatious size and style of plumeria design, an inner forearm frangipani, or demurely placed rib/side tattoo is a great location to put your piece of body art.