For centuries and counting, roses have been a symbol of love and romance. They also highlight passion, true love, immortal love, the everlasting, and a love that is infinite. On the other hand, it can also symbolize pain, sacrifice or respect. According to popular belief, roses are only popular with women, but that isn’t the truth at all! A lot of men are also getting roses tattooed on their skin and it doesn’t look feminine on them, we have had a lot of male clients getting rose tattoos as well.
Why get a rose tattoo?
Traditionally, roses have been associated with love, passion, and beauty, making them a popular choice for couples or individuals who want to express their romantic feelings. However, roses can also be associated with other meanings; such as new beginnings, hope, and strength. The colour of the rose in the tattoo can also add another layer of meaning. For example, a red rose is often associated with love and passion, while a black rose can symbolize death or the end of a relationship. However, black ink tattoos are very popular at the moment and might not have such deep symbolism; they just look incredibly beautiful on skin.
Ultimately, the meaning of a rose tattoo is personal and can be interpreted differently by each individual. Some people choose to get a rose tattoo simply because they appreciate the beauty of the flower, while others may have a more specific personal connection to the design.
A lot of our tattoo artists have already done a lot of rose tattoos over the years since they’re always in vogue, they’ve practically mastered roses in every tattoo style possible! Here are some beautiful rose tattoo designs that you can take inspiration from.
Half moon + roses = the perfect combination of femininity and grace! A tattoo featuring a half moon typically represents progress, making constructive decisions, and the inevitability of change. Usually inked in a noticeable spot to attract attention and repel negativity, this small tattoo symbolizes creativity, expansion, and optimism, while the inclusion of roses signifies yearning, affection, and aspiration for the unattainable. On a whole, this tattoo embodies hope and the splendor of nature.
We still fondly remember the time British TV actor Laurie Calvert visited our studio to get an arm tattoo sleeve consisting entirely of roses! He has always been a plant lover since childhood and wanted a realism style rose tattoo sleeve done by our founder and CEO Sunny Bhanushali. You can watch his entire experience here.
Traditional small roses are all the rage right now! There are a lot of placement options to choose from, like the hip and forearm as pictured here. You could also get one behind your ear, neck or ankle if you want a visible one that isn’t too obvious. These types of tattoos work like jewellery; they will accessorise all your outfits really well!
This beautiful tattoo is proof that black and red ink tattoos look gorgeous together! It depicts two lovers embracing and can be interpreted in many different ways. The man in the tattoo is seen hugging a person made of roses, with some petals wilting away. Maybe it’s in remembrance of an old lover? What comes to your mind when you see this tattoo?
The bond between a mother and her child is unique and special. A mother is a nurturer, a caregiver, and a constant source of love and support. When it comes to expressing gratitude and appreciation for everything that a mother does, words often fall short. This is where the significance of a tattoo comes in - as a permanent symbol of love and affection. What’s a more fitting tribute to your Aai (mother) than a rose? Two of our clients have chosen to ink these delicate watercolor rose tattoos to show their mums how much they will always love them, and we have no doubt that their mothers also treasure them a lot!
This lioness and her baby surrounded by roses is extremely heartwarming. This tells a tale of the beauty of motherhood, which is the hardest job ever! The lioness is known for her fierce and protective nature, and this picture captures her nurturing side, as she lovingly cradles her cub in her arms. The roses add to the beauty of the image, symbolizing love and appreciation. We wouldn’t recommend expecting mothers to get tatted but once they’re fully recovered, there are so many motherhood-inspired tattoo ideas waiting for you!
Have you ever heard of the classic painting The Great Wave off Kanagawa being combined with roses? There are countless distinct modified variations of Hokusai's art piece, making it a very popular tattoo choice for many art aficionados worldwide. Our interpretation of this painting with additional roses wonderfully highlights the client's individuality.
You can never go wrong with a ring of roses! This classic style looks very sophisticated and elegant when placed on the arms. To take it up a notch further, the female gender symbol is added to the ring, which is a great way to signify female empowerment. We think these are great options for those who believe in “less is more”.
These rose bunches are ideal if you desire a tattoo that covers a considerable skin surface but don't want to make a permanent commitment to a sleeve tattoo just yet. Moreover, if you have an old tattoo that you're not too fond of, or perhaps regret, then a rose bunch tattoo can effectively cover it up while adding a delicate, feminine touch to the overall design.
Skulls are often seen as symbols of death, destruction, rebellion and darkness but people who get them along with roses see it as so much more than that. Skulls can symbolize death of an old life, a past that has been defeated and a change for the better has occurred. A rebirth has happened. The roses just glorify the victory over those hardships the wearer has achieved!
Sword tattoos, like skull tattoos, also showcase the inner warrior within us and are a symbol of prestige. They are not just about portraying physical strength, but they also represent the strength of character and the power of the mind. When someone chooses to get a sword tattoo, it's a symbol of their willingness to fight for what they believe in, to defend their values and principles, and to never give up, no matter how tough the going gets. When paired with roses, a very powerful message is sent out - there is immense beauty in struggle.
Compasses and birds have long been symbols of travel, freedom, and the courage to explore. The compass represents the direction, guidance, and the ability to navigate through the unknown. On the other hand, birds represent freedom, transcendence, and the ability to soar to new heights. They inspire us to break free from the constraints of everyday life, to spread our wings, and to see the world from a different perspective. When combined with roses, these symbols take on a whole new meaning. A rose is a reminder that even amidst the challenges of travel, there is beauty and growth to be found. It's a testament to the traveller's journey, the courage to step outside of their comfort zone, and the beauty of coming a long way in their life journey.
Any Beauty and the Beast fans? Did you know there is so much meaning behind the Beast’s rose in the glass case? The enchanted rose represents the Beast's decreasing expectation of love; if it withers before he discovers his soulmate, he will remain a beast forever. It serves as a reminder for him to break away from his previous life of indulgence and conceit, and to exhibit greater kindness towards others. This colour tattoo perfectly captures the animation style of the movie and looks great on our client’s arm.
Rose tattoos continue to be a popular choice among tattoo enthusiasts for their timeless beauty and versatile meanings. It's no wonder that rose tattoos remain a classic tattoo choice and are likely to continue to be so for years to come. Whether it's a single rose or a full bouquet, they can symbolize love, beauty, strength, and even pain.
Here at Aliens, we can customise your tattoo according to your preference and help you bring your story to life on your skin. Whether it’s a small tattoo or a large tattoo sleeve, we will design it in such a way that it brings out your unique personality. So head on over to our homepage and book your appointment today!