In tattoo art, a hydrangea tattoo – like any other floral tattoo- is a very beautiful way to bring homage to the beauty of nature, but it also has rich symbolic meanings.
From a positive perspective, hydrangea is a symbol of love, gratitude, abundance and spiritual wisdom. On the other hand, it denotes vanity or pride – perhaps reflecting its abundance of petals and lavish, rounded shape. A hydrangea flower also symbolizes grace and beauty but taken to an extreme of egotism and narcissism.
In Japan, the flower has a historical tradition behind it linked to apologies and gratitude. In China, according to Feng Shui tradition, the hydrangea is associated with enlightenment. It is said that someone who observes or contemplates lingeringly to the beauty of its abundant petals, gets lost in his own thoughts, which leads to high thinking and, ultimately, to enlightenment. The Victorians were not as fond of the Hydrangea and considered it a mostly negative plant.
Inked on the skin, a hydrangea tattoo can be done in various colors, as is found in nature, and its shades can vary from blue, red, pink, light purple, or dark purple.
The meaning of hydrangea is powerfully associated with its colors, so a pink hydrangea is linked to romance, love, and weddings. A blue one is connected to frigidity, turning down a romantic proposal, but it’s also related to asking for forgiveness or expressing regret. A white hydrangea reflects the symbol of purity, grace, abundance, and bragging or boasting, while a purple one indicates abundance and wealth.
With so many and mixed meanings behind one flower, it is important to choose the design that really fits you.
