What Does a Sunflower Tattoo Represent?

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Learn more about the rich significance of this popular floral tattoo
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There’s nothing quite like the stately, warm, and iconic sunflower, always standing tall and seeking the sun. That’s probably why so many people get them as tattoos, but there are also a number of deeper and more personalized meanings to this radiant plant. We’re here to fill you in on the many symbolisms and possible meanings of a sunflower tattoo, as well as give you plenty of ideas for making your own sunflower tattoo uniquely yours.

Sunflower Tattoo Symbolism

Sunflower tattoos are often symbols of happiness, vitality, loyalty, growth, optimism, and energy. They’re recognized for their tendency to “follow” the sun, which calls to mind hope and positivity, as well as fertility and strength.

Section 1 of 3:

Sunflower Tattoo Meanings

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  1. Sunflowers famously track the sun as it moves across the sky (in other words, they’re heliotropic ) which many interpret as seeking light, joy, and positivity. [1] For many, sunflowers are the ultimate symbol of optimism, and having one inked on their skin reminds them to always look on the bright side.
  2. At their best, sunflowers tend to tower above other plants, growing taller than even a human person. They take all the sun, soil, and rain given to them and turn it into an overflowing bounty, with hundreds of seeds per flower. That’s why sunflowers are often symbols of fertility, harvest, and abundance.
    • Similarly, sunflowers can be a symbol for femininity and nurturing, just like how the sun nurtures these gorgeous flowers.
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  3. Like every living thing, a sunflower has a life cycle. It starts as a seed, blooms into a brilliant flower, then eventually wilts and dies. This cycle is a powerful reminder that change is everywhere and inevitable, but also that change brings intense beauty. Nothing is forever, but everything is worth appreciating.
  4. Ever wished you were a sunflower, spending your days basking in the sun? And haven’t you ever brought a sunflower, or a whole bouquet of them, into your home to brighten the place up? Sunflowers bring a sense of comfort, peace, warmth, and good vibes to every situation, and a sunflower tattoo is a great way to carry those vibes with you.
  5. Across histories, a number of cultures and movements have used the sunflower as a symbol of fortitude and liberation. Perhaps most notably, suffragettes in Kansas used the sunflower (which is also the states’ flower) as a symbol of their cause. [2] It’s a powerful symbol of people flourishing despite their oppression.
  6. In much of Dutch literature, the sunflower is a stand-in for concepts like loyalty, adoration, and devotion. [3] A sunflower tattoo can be a gorgeous monument to your bond with your friends, family, or partner, or anything else.
    • Also, in Greek myths, Clytie, a sea nymph, showed Helios, the sun god, her devotion. When she was ignored, she turned into a sunflower-like plant. [4]
  7. It takes a lot of strength to hold up the tall stalks and heavy “heads” of a sunflower, but sunflowers manage it every day. Many people admire this quality, and choose to get a sunflower tattoo to remind themselves to stand tall in the face of difficulty, and to know that those who persevere will be rewarded.
    • Aztecs regarded the sunflower as a gift to Huitzilopochtli, the god of sacrifice and war. [5]
  8. Where other flowers, like roses, are classic signs of romantic love, sunflowers—with their cheery yellow color—evoke more feelings of platonic love. They’re a wonderful sign of your love and affection for your friends, and a powerful reminder of the people who make you who you are.
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Section 2 of 3:

Sunflower Tattoo Design Ideas

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  1. If you’re looking to bring the bold color of a sunflower to your skin without the size or drama, consider getting just the “head” of the sunflower. A small sunflower on your shoulder, forearm, or wrist, for example, is an understated and elegant way to bring the flower’s abundant symbolism with you wherever you go.
  2. We all know sunflowers are yellow, but your tattoo doesn’t have to be! Have fun with the colors of your sunflower. Maybe yours is red to symbolize joyful passion, or purple to symbolize regality and refinement. Or, a rainbow sunflower can remind you that even after the rain, the sun comes to nourish the plants and put on a show.
    • Remember that yellow, and other lighter colors, tend to fade faster than others when tattooed on your skin. [6]
  3. Van Gogh’s sunflowers are iconic, and like us, he found simple pleasure in them. [7] Asking your tattoo artist to mimic their style is a great way to bring a little culture to your ink while paying respect to the greats.
    • Many artists have painted bouquets of sunflowers in vases, which is a great option if you’re looking for more classic imagery.
  4. We usually expect to see strong, straight, and vibrant sunflowers, so opting instead for a wilted or discolored sunflower can send a compelling and unexpected message. It could be a reminder that even something as brilliant as a sunflower is temporary, or just a way to dampen the flowers’ colors if they’re a bit much for your body’s palette.
  5. Ink an entire ecosystem on your skin by adding motifs like birds, bees, or other flowers and critters to your sunflower tattoo. It can be a powerful reminder that all things are connected, and a simple way to add depth and complexity to your sunflower design.
  6. If you want a more customized tattoo, consider adding text! Whether it’s cursive, typewriter text, or another font, a simple message like, “Seek the sun” or, “Always in bloom” can add that much more meaning to your ink. Think of a quote or saying that speaks to you, and request it alongside your sunflower.
    • You might also add, “Standing tall,” “Sunchild,” or even the name or initials of someone close to you.
  7. Choosing a tattoo style can influence both your sunflower’s look and its meaning. For example, an American Traditional tattoo features bold lines and bold colors, and lends a classic feel to your sunflower. A watercolor tattoo, though, is much looser and can feel more organic and free-flowing. [8]
    • A realistic sunflower tattoo can capture the flower’s beauty as it might look in real life.
    • A new-school sunflower can have fun with cartoony influences and give your tattoo more character.
    • A black-and-white sunflower can add a more somber or understated feel to an otherwise vibrant plant.
    • A pointillistic sunflower adds loads of visual intricacy and appeal.
    Scott Campbell, Celebrity Tattoo Artist

    Tattoos are art. "When I first got tattooed, I just wanted a tattoo and didn’t care what it was. But now, it’s not like that. People put a lot of thought into it and it’s really evolved as an art form and as a medium and it’s not 'do you or don’t you paint?', it’s 'what do you paint?'"

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Section 3 of 3:

Placement Ideas

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  1. Where you place your tattoo on your body can also alter its meaning and significance. For example, a sunflower over your chest can signify keeping happiness and warmth in your heart, while a sunflower on your hand might symbolize spreading positivity.
    • A sunflower behind your ear can be a secret reminder to look for the good in everything.
    • A full or half sleeve of sunflowers can imitate a garden, symbolizing growth and abundance.
    • A sunflower on your legs or feet can symbolize staying rooted to the earth and growing strong.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://theartssociety.org/arts-news-features/sunflowers-symbol-summer
      2. ↑ https://www.nps.gov/articles/symbols-of-the-women-s-suffrage-movement.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/learn-about-art/paintings-in-depth/sunflowers-symbols-of-happiness?viewPage=2
      4. ↑ https://daily.jstor.org/plant-of-the-month-sunflower/
      5. ↑ https://theartssociety.org/arts-news-features/sunflowers-symbol-summer
      6. ↑ https://authoritytattoo.com/which-tattoo-colors-fade-the-fastest/
      7. ↑ https://theartssociety.org/arts-news-features/sunflowers-symbol-summer
      8. ↑ https://www.tattoodo.com/articles/a-beginners-guide-popular-tattoo-styles-briefly-explained-6969

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