Quick answer
The lotus roots in mud, grows up through murky water and opens clean above the surface, and that single image explains most of its meaning. In Buddhism it stands for awakening: the Buddha sits on a lotus throne and the best known mantra speaks of the jewel in the lotus. In Hinduism it belongs to Lakshmi and Saraswati, Brahma is born from a lotus growing out of Vishnu’s navel, and each chakra in the yogic map is drawn as a lotus with its own number of petals. In ancient Egypt the plant was the blue water lily, a different species, which closed at night and opened at dawn and so stood for the sun and rebirth. As a tattoo it usually marks a hard period survived. Colour and placement carry conventional meanings, listed below. Since the flower is a living religious symbol, wear it with some care. The wider guide is Signs and Omens: Why We See Messages in Coincidences, What Cultures Made of Clovers, Fire and Numbers, and How to Read a Sign.
The lotus in three traditions, and on skin
| Tradition or convention | The lotus stands for | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Buddhism | Awakening rising out of ordinary life | Lotus thrones, the mantra Om mani padme hum, the Lotus Sutra |
| Hinduism | Beauty, prosperity, creation | Lakshmi holds one; Brahma is born from one; the padma of the chakra map |
| Ancient Egypt | The sun, rebirth, Upper Egypt | The blue water lily closes at night and reopens with the sun |
| Tattoo colours | White for purity, pink for the Buddha, blue for wisdom, red for the heart | Conventions from tattoo culture, not scripture |
| Placements | Forearm for daily sight, sternum or back for privacy, ankle for a small piece | Choose for pain tolerance and workplace first |
| Unopened, half open, full bloom | Before, during and after a change | A common way to mark where you are |
- Ask the artist for an original drawing rather than a copy of a temple carving or a deity.
- Do not add a mantra or script you cannot read; misspellings are common and permanent.
- Avoid placing a sacred figure on the feet or buttocks, which is offensive in several Buddhist cultures.
- Remember that visible tattoos can still bar you from some hot springs and pools in Japan.
- Give a new tattoo two weeks of aftercare; infection risk is real and sunlight fades colour.
What the old version got wrong: It said the lotus is the symbol of the heart chakra; in the classic map every chakra is a lotus, with the heart shown as twelve petals and the crown as a thousand. It also did not distinguish Egypt’s water lily from the Asian lotus. For the chakra map itself, see chakra meditation and the seven-chakra map.
Read the full guide to signs and omens
Why we see messages in coincidences, what cultures made of clovers, fire and numbers, and how to read a sign.
The symbolism behind the lotus flower is truly fascinating and it’s amazing to see how it’s been represented in different cultures throughout history.
I’ve always been intrigued by the spiritual significance of the lotus flower. It’s such a beautiful symbol of enlightenment and rebirth.
I never realized how much meaning was behind lotus flower tattoos, it makes me appreciate them even more.
It’s intriguing to learn about the symbolism behind lotus flower tattoos and how they hold different meanings depending on their color and placement on the body.
The lotus flower holds so much depth and complexity in its symbolism, it’s no wonder why it’s a popular choice for tattoos.
I don’t really understand the hype around lotus tattoos, seems like people are just trying to find deeper meanings in something as simple as a flower design.
The significance of lotus flowers in Eastern cultures is truly fascinating. It seems like Western adoption of these symbols might lack some depth though.
I can see where you’re coming from, but I think for many people, getting a lotus tattoo is just an aesthetic choice rather than a spiritual one.
The lotus flower symbolism is interesting but I’m not convinced that getting a tattoo will bring about any spiritual change or transformation in a person’s life.
I find the various meanings and interpretations of lotus flower tattoos to be quite thought-provoking, especially when considering where on the body they are placed.
I’ve always found it interesting that people get tattoos for such deep and personal reasons. The diversity in interpretations of the lotus flower is quite impressive.