Cherry Blossom (Sakura)

Cherry Blossom back piece painting by Marco

Meaning: Mortality, Life, Beauty, Empathy, Sensitivity, Spring

Cherry Bossoms are easily the most commonly used flower in Japanese Tattoos. They are often depicted as falling petals or as whole flowers carried by the wind or water. They represent a very unique meaning in Japanese culture; Mono-no-aware or an empathy toward things, sensitivity.

Cherry Blossoms are quite beautiful and delicate but are not in bloom long. The flowers are blown from the trees with the lightest breeze. Their beauty fades rapidly. The Japanese see this as a metaphor for life which echoes their mortality.

In a tattoo the Cherry Blossom represents the fleeting nature of life and beauty, as well as mortality, life and beauty themselves.