Traditional Rose Tattoos

When considering some of the most iconic tattoo designs, a traditional rose holds its place as one of the most timeless motifs. They’re bold, easily recognisable and can be designed in a way to make every tattoo unique in its own right. A rose tattoo will never get old, done in a traditional style, it will stand the test of time with its beauty.

This design in particular, although strong when tattooed as a stand-alone piece, lends itself to be open to a lot of creative freedom when tattooed alongside other motifs. Popular choices include daggers, animals, lady heads and skulls to name a few.

The rose holds a rich history within myths and symbolism throughout many different cultures. The symbolism of a rose tattoo is often matched with the concepts surrounding romance and love. This idea stems from the Greek mythology of Aphrodite, goddess of love, who was often depicted with roses. The myth tells the tale of a rose bush growing from the pool of blood left by her slain lover, Adonis. For these reasons, the rose has meaning within eternal love and death. It was said that wealthy Romans would fill their bed-chambers with bunches of roses to provide a pleasant smell and a soft surface for romantic encounters.

Within Christianity, the red rose became the symbol of the Virgin Mary. In the third century, Saint Ambrose believed that the Garden of Eden was full of thornless roses that would gain their thorns after the original sin. For this reason, Mary was often referred to as a rose without thorns.

Often, a traditional rose tattoo can draw its meaning from what motif is tattooed alongside the rose. For example, a skull accompanying the dagger could be referred to as d’ memento mori, which is a reminder that life must end no matter how beautiful. However, a traditional rose can symbolise as much or as little as the wearer perceives.

Due to the various ways in which a rose can be tattooed, it can work in almost any placement or size on the body, making them a great option when considering a new tattoo idea. Whether it be a small rosebud to fill a gap or a full stemmed rose and an accompanying dagger to fill a forearm. Although timeless, the number of different ways this design can be adapted can ensure a unique design to every wearer.