Iris Tattoos

Iris tattoos are great options for those who want to get a flower tat design that is still unique and not as rampant as the popular ones like rose, cherry blossoms or lily. The flower is as equally beautiful and gorgeous as well and does not fall short in terms of the symbolical meaning attached to it. Iris with its bright colors and statuesque appearance bears a whole lot of meaning spread out in different cultures and religions.

photos by roundapple

The flower got its name from the Greek word for rainbow personified by the goddess Iris who is the messenger of gods. It was believed that purple irises were planted over the graves of dead to guide them in their journey. In France, the Fleur-de-Lis, a stylized design of Iris has become a symbol of French monarchy in a historical context. In ancient Egypt, on the other hand, the flower was deeply honored as garland of irises even graced the Sphinx’s brow. The meanings of the iris also varies with colors and may bear additional meanings as well. The dark blue can denote faith and hope, whereas the yellow iris can be a symbol of passion. The very common color, the purple iris can mean wisdom and compliments and the white variety stands for purity.

Iris tattoos are more favored by women but some male tat enthusiast also choose to have it because of its natural beauty and artistic appeal. The purple iris tattoo is the most popular design and can be seen tattooed on the shoulder blade, leg, thigh, foot, back, rib, arm and just about anywhere on the body being very flexible and versatile as a flower tattoo design. Here are some people who have iris tattoo and what it means to them.

	This is what Natalie Dirks has to say about her iris tattoo whcih was done by Travis Thornhill “I got that tattoo because irises are my favorite flower, and also because they were my mother’s favorite flower. I lost my mom to breast cancer 3 years ago and I miss her every day. The tattoo helps a little bit with that. I also just think that irises are really beautiful and I like to surround myself with beautiful things.“

This is what Mel says of her iris rib tattoos
	“The reason I wanted an iris is because it’s my favorite flower. It also reminds me of my mother’s flower garden which gives me a sense of home. I drew my design myself. I like the simple clean look of just black ink, so decided upon having no color. I’m a lover of the Art Nouveau style of the early 1900s, so I wanted to incorporate those artistic elements of thick and thin lines and curls into my flower design as well. Jeremy from American Made Tattoo in Owosso, MI inked it for me. It took about an hour and 15 minutes. The pain was pretty intense but I was a trooper about it. This is my second tattoo.“

	Sylvie says of her blue flag iris tattoo “this is the national flower of my native province of Quebec. I found the image in an old botanical identification guide.”

	Sassy says of her iris tattoo “I have always loved the Iris and its history. I got it shortly after I was married to symbolize the faith, hope and widsom in our relationship.”