If you have been contemplating getting a tattoo to add to your collection or even your first tattoo you might want to take a second and consider a plumeria tattoo. These beautiful flowers have a rich and deep symbolism in many ancient cultures making it a wonderful choice for a very symbolic and meaningful tattoo. Of course don't rush out and get one just because someone said plumeria tattoos are popular. Instead read on and learn more about the flower and if you like the symbolism and meaning behind it then find out more and maybe start working on some design ideas for your own tattoo. In this article you will find out about the symbolism behind these wonderful flowers and the cultures which value this flower highly. Also you will gather some ideas of what this tattoo can be combined with to create larger and more complete tattoo designs as well as some of the details like the best placements on the body and price ranges.

The Hawaiians

The close relationship with nature and the ocean within the Hawaiian culture is well known. These island people have always lived close to the land and their ancient culture has embraced nature. Many of the designs and ancient art work that survives today shows this affinity to nature and the ocean. People often think of the hibiscus flower of course when the image of a Hawaiian flower comes to mind. However, the plumeria is as significant a flower to the Hawaiian and most of the ancient designs, art and even tattoos designs have included plumeria right along with hibiscus designs. The Hawaiian believe that the plumeria is a symbol for spring and therefore directly associated with life and procreation.

The Ancient Mayans

There are also some traces to early Mayan carvings and art work that have Plumeria flowers in it. From the best historians can tell today from reading Mayan Glyphs the Plumeria flower represent the sun. There are many connections between the word sun and the plumeria flower throughout the Mayn and even ancient Aztec texts and glyphs. It is a symbol of procreation. They believed that the Sun procreated with the moon creating people. There are many different versions of this and much of the sacred Mayan texts have been obscured over time and can not easily be deciphered today but there are so many connections between the word for the flower and the sun it seems clear that the flower was as symbol of life and procreation much like it is for the Hawaiians.

Plumeria Designs And Ideas

Today many people get plumaria flower tattoos all by itself as a single design. This is a great starter tattoo or one that can fit into a small space. It can fit just about anywhere feet, toes, hands shoulder and the back. It can be scaled to fit almost any location. Also many people get this beautiful flower as part of a much larger design. For example many Hawaiian tattoo themes will incorporate plumerias into an overall design. One very popular theme to get today is plumerias with a turtle done in a tribal style. However many sea creatures and island type of animals go well with the flower. For example a pair of dolphins swimming or encircling a plumeria is a creative design that can look great. It can also be combine with hibiscus flower for an effective design.

Best Placements

One of the best things about this wonderful tattoo design is it's flexibility. It can be done as a very large tattoo or scaled down to a very small tattoo. This allows it to be placed just about anywhere on the body that a person might want. Most commonly women get plumeria tattoo designs but men also are getting them in a large number and especially combined with other ocean symbols. For women typically places are on the top of a foot, lower back, arm, shoulder, and hip area. It is especially intimate and very sexy as a tattoo on the back of a female neck.