Rose Tattoos — What Hides Behind The Beauty With Thorns?

The Historical Symbolism of Rose

You thought that roses are just symbols of love, huh? Roses have outstanding historical symbolism, many of which are still tattooed today. 

As depicted in the old saying “Every rose has its thorn,” this flower is a paradox between good and evil or joy and pain. In other words — yin & yang but make it a flower.

Roses are riddles wrapped in a mystery, that’s why Romans saw them as symbols of secrets. In fact, Romans would hang them over the table where it was known that anything discussed at that table would be kept secret. 

Are you feeling lovey-dovey? Be like Aphrodite, but instead of adorning your hair with roses, make a tattoo. Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love. In art, she is frequently represented with roses in her hair, indicating her love and passion for Adonis.

The rose also has religious significance in Christianity. The rosary, like Mary and Jesus, is an essential Christian emblem of devotion to God. In Christianity, the five petals of the rose represent all five of Christ’s crucifixion wounds.

We strongly believe that these symbols persist among tattoo fanatics still to this day. However, no matter how good they are, only one rose symbol outweighs all the others — love won & lost.”

The Meaning Behind Each Shade of Rose

The rose comes in many colors, yet its thorns remain the same. Before you make a rose tattoo know this — every rose color has its own symbolical meaning. 

Red rose is the most popular type of rose ever inked symbolizing passion, love, devotion, and sacrifice. Pink roses stand for grace and innocence while white roses symbolize purity and humility.

Orange roses are often connected with joy and gladness while yellow roses indicate friendship.

Apart from the natural shades, roses are inked in other colors as well. For example, purple roses are often symbols of royalty and enchantment.

Blue roses are depicted as a “rare gem in nature,” symbolizing something unattainable or impossible. Many people tend to put black roses as a way to express grief or to mourn the death of a loved one.

While these are all universal symbols, there are many people that ink a rose “just because.” At the end of the day, not every tattoo has to have a meaning. 

Roses & the Human Stage of Growth 

The shape of the rose goes hand in hand with one’s spiritual journey. These tattoos are perfect for any stage of life, from beginning to finish, because they travel through stages much like human existence.

A rosebud tattoo might represent a new beginning, or a blooming relationship. A fully grown rose tattoo may signify emotions of fulfillment or understanding of your real self, but a fading rose or one with petals falling off may reflect feelings of inadequacy or loss.

Fond of Tarot Cards? Some of Them Have Roses Too! 

Have you seen the recent surge in popularity of tarot card tattoos? We noticed that four cards — The Magician, The Fool, Death, and Strength — had roses in them.

Surrounded by roses, The Magician is the creator and custodian of wisdom, and the card signifies expanding perception. The Fool, on the other hand, is holding a white rose. As previously said, a white rose represents purity, thus the card serves as a reminder to clear your thoughts. 

Death is accompanied by a black flag bearing a large white rose, suggesting something knowable, purposeful, or disrespectful. The lion is intertwined with red flowers by the Strength, which represents the equilibrium of the body and mind.

Black & White Roses Tattoos

Black & white tattoos are all-time classics and never seem to go out of style. They are elegant, timeless, with a little pinch of mystery. 

Color Roses Tattoos

Life is about using the whole box of crayons, or in our case — ink colors. And what is a better way to express your colorful life than splashing artsy roses on your skin.

Climbing Roses Tattoos

Weaved around the arms and legs, climbing roses are a true masterpiece. This style is ideal for accentuating curves of the body — plus, if placed right, can make you look skinnier.

Climbing Roses by edtaemets
By edtaemets
Climbing Roses by gristletattoo
By gristletattoo
Climbing Roses by talisfortunatattoo
By talisfortunatattoo

English Roses Tattoos

Roses are everywhere — including in one of the most famous English battles in history, the “War of the Roses.” Similar to the conclusion of a battle, this rose represents victory, love, and peace.

Floribunda Roses Tattoos

A popular flower due to its toughness in harsh environments and ability to bloom continually — an ideal symbolism for creating a tattoo. They’re noted for their stocky, stiff bushes that are rich in color, perfume, and beauty. 

Floribunda Roses by traditionalkings
By traditionalkings
Floribunda Roses by skullandrosetattoo
By skullandrosetattoo

Grandiflora Roses Tattoos

Grandifloras are high-centered blooms. They are somewhat larger than Floribunda blossoms and have long, robust cutting stems. A dominating appearance, ideal for people that look for a rose tattoo that’s larger in size.

Grandiflora Roses by mothandrosetattoo
By mothandrosetattoo
Grandiflora Roses by makkalarosetattoos
By makkalarosetattoos

Groundcover Roses Tattoo

Low growing with a strong spreading habit, the Groundcover roses make an ideal sleeve tattoo. All you need to do is let your body be the open field they need to spread easily and freely.

Groundcover Roses by roseandcrowntattoos
by roseandcrowntattoos

Hybrid Tea Roses Tattoo

Their name is derived from the aroma of the roses, which reminded Chinese people of boiling tea. Because the original tea roses had weak “necks,” the blossoms were continually drooping down, giving it a perfect representation of something fragile and vulnerable.

Hybrid Tea Roses by michellemaddison
By michellemaddison

Miniature Roses Tattoos

A tiny representation of something far more powerful. Miniature roses are great for those who want to keep things minimalistic. You can put them nearly anyplace, and because they are so little, you can try out different styles and colors.

Miniature Roses by whitewhaletattoo
By whitewhaletattoo
Miniature Roses by little.tattoos
By little.tattoos

Polyantha Roses Tattoo

No matter how small, Polyantha are tough roses. If you are feeling little in this world, yet stronger than ever, then you are just like them — a fertile bloomer and a fierce survivor. 

Polyantha Roses by msrosetattoo
By msrosetattoo

Rose Tattoos Videos

Conclusion

Whatever historical significance a tattoo may have, it cannot be more important than what is close to your heart. While we advise you to consider each symbolism of the rose tattoo, let your imagination go wild. You never know, you might just wind up on one of our lists!