Maple Leaves (Momji)

Meaning: Regeneration, Resurrection, Transformation, Love

One of the most popular backgrounds in Japanese tattoos. It is a symbol of time passing. A symbol of the wind or being tossed and floating in the water. In Japan it is also a symbol of lovers.

Changing seasons are marked by the transformation of the leaves from the trees. The seasons are a potent reminder of the circle of life and the leaves are vivid reminders of the life and death cycle of all living things. The parallels of our own human lifetime are obvious.