Totally new tattoo. Cherries with swirls. Designed and inked by Aaron Goodrich of Icon Tattoo here in Portland. Does it have a meaning for me? Nope. Not at all. No story, no metaphor or deep spiritual symbolism. It's just art for my body. That's all. But apparently there are those who attach symbolism to cherry tattoos. Here's a few I found on the web. Being a rose lover, I was particularly interested in the rose comparison to cherries.
{and yes, this one did hurt!}
Cherry Tattoo Designs – The cherry tree is among the oldest of all cultivated fruit trees, and it occurs naturally in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It has since been planted in much of the temperate zones around the world. Interestingly, the common cherry is part of the rose family. The tree has long been revered for both the beauty of its blossoms and the deliciousness of its fruit, which has been cultivated since at least 300 BC.
In our western culture, cherries are known to be a very sexual fruit, with their color of red and association of losing one's sexual innocence. Living in the sex crazed society that we live in today, the sexual connotations that come along with cherries may very well be the reason that cherry tattoos are so common. It may also explain why images of cherries have become common on women's underwear, pajamas, and jewlery pieces...
The cherry is a sign of the samurai in Japan, as is the cherry blossom. The Japanese hold the cherry blossom’s symbolism to be that of evanescence and transience of life. The flower would be placed on the samurai to demonstrate the possibility of death in the upcoming battle, and their preparedness to face death at any moment.
Universally, the cherry is also said to be the fruit of heaven, and it is often used to symbolize beauty and love. Similarly, the cherry blossom takes on the meaning of spiritual beauty. In ancient stories the cherry tree branch has symbolized fertility, wealth, health, and happiness. All of these are positive characteristics that would enhance a cherry tattoo.
Universally, the cherry is also said to be the fruit of heaven, and it is often used to symbolize beauty and love. Similarly, the cherry blossom takes on the meaning of spiritual beauty. In ancient stories the cherry tree branch has symbolized fertility, wealth, health, and happiness. All of these are positive characteristics that would enhance a cherry tattoo.
(source: Googled It!)
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Yeh! I learned alot about Cherry symbolism today! :) thanks Pam!
Pam,
I am totally going to get a tat. I even know what I want to get...
something very similar to this:
http://tinyurl.com/ankhtat
I just don't know where to put it.
Do you have any suggestions for a first-timer??
I like cherries! I lived near The Dalles my whole childhood, which has the Cherry Festival each year. Incidentally, I'm also a big fan of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. Your new tattoo looks really cool. I like the curly things.
( i am wincing!)
Love it! Wish I was with you when you got it and in line for my next! Can't wait to see it in person! Love you!