41 Lilac Tattoo Ideas
The lilac flower comes in a variety of colors. With its unique appearance and association with love, lilacs are a great subject for a flower tattoo.
Humans have a long and interesting relationship with flowers. In fact, some of the earliest known expressions of human creativity were depictions of flowers, carved into stone thousands of years ago. One only has to look at the way flowers are utilized in different cultural rituals, like weddings and funerals, to see that this ancient fascination is alive and well in contemporary society.
More people are choosing to get flowers permanently inked on their bodies, and not just the stereotypical rose tattoo.
One of these beautiful blossoms that continues to inspire is the lilac. Read on to explore lilac tattoo design that will help you with your next – or first tattoo!
See more about - The Ultimate 150+ Best Flower Tattoo Ideas
1. Abstract Lilac Tattoo Design
Given the personal nature of these permanent decorations it is no surprise that some floral tattoo ideas take a more abstract and creative approach. Lilacs are the perfect tattoo idea for these interesting examples.
With their vibrant colors and the opportunity that they provide for artists to create a unique and compelling composition, lilacs can be used equally effectively as the focus of an abstract tattoo or as a complimentary detail that helps tie the rest of the floral design together.
2. Black and Gray Lilac Tattoos
Source: @cbriggstattoo via Instagram
While vibrant colors might fit perfectly with one person’s style and tastes, for others there is no beating the understated elegance of black and gray work; and while some may scoff at the idea of almost any floral tattoos in black and gray, these tattoos demonstrate just how striking these pieces can be.
One reason that lilacs are well suited to black and gray illustration is the unmistakable shape of these flowers: with their tight bunches of tiny buds, lilacs are instantly recognizable. These tattoos demonstrate just how successfully a lilac image can be applied using the precise lines and smooth shade characteristics black and gray tattoo design features.
3. Colorful Floral Tattoo
Flowers and color go together like peanut butter and jelly and because of this, it only makes sense that people would choose to apply their lilac tattoos in vibrant colors. Some people prefer their favorite flower inked as colored tattoos to match their personalities. Flowers provide the perfect opportunity to add a splash of color to their skin.
While most people tend to choose the common lilac, usually in purple shades, this charming flower comes in a variety of colors that hold their own specific meanings. Purple shades are commonly associated with first love, while the meaning of white lilacs are associated with childhood and innocence. Blue lilac tattoo designs represent happiness and tranquility.
4. Delicate Lilac Tattoo Design
Despite the old tattoo adage “bold will hold”, a growing number of people are choosing to get fine line, delicate pieces that take a far more subtle approach to tattoos A Lilac flower tattoo is the perfect subject for a woman looking to delicate tattoos as a way to emphasize the elegance and femininity associated with the lilac flower.
Whether applied by the tattoo artist in black and gray or color, as standalone pieces or incorporated with other design elements, these tattoos demonstrate just how excellent lilacs look using this delicate approach.
5. Linework Lilac Tattoo Art
If you ask any tattoo artist around the world what the essential elements that make a good tattoo are, nine times out of ten, the first answer they give will be “linework”. Without the ink that creates the outline for a design, tattoos often end up looking like amorphous blobs.
In fact, many people choose designs that are almost nothing but line work, and these lilac tattoos are great examples of how, with clean and precise lines a talented artist can create compelling tattoos without the need for excessive color or elaborate shading.
6. Watercolor Lilac Tattoos
One trend that continues to grow in the tattoo industry uses vibrant colors and a loose approach to mimic the effect of the watercolor paintings we all loved as children.
Many an artist uses well defined black line work to create the outlines of the subject matter—in this case lilacs—and then apply bright colors as background images to enhance this watercolor effect.
There are few subjects better suited for this approach than flowers and lilacs, with their unmistakable shape, are a perfect idea for watercolor tattoos.
7. Animal Lilac Tattoo Designs
Some people choose animals as subjects for their tattoos, hoping their art can help embody some of the characteristics of these beautiful creatures. Others prefer to use their permanent drawing as a way to commemorate the pets that bring joy and companionship throughout their lives.
Whether the tattoo is of a roaring lion, the beauty of a hummingbird on the wing, or a line drawing of their tabby cat, floral tattoo design is a great way to create contrast and make for more symbolism.
8. Flower and Snakes Tattoo Idea
Snakes are powerful symbols of wisdom, virility and danger, plus they look really cool. When combined with a lilac —symbols of love and romance—snakes gain an interesting contrast that makes for a more profound floral tattoo. The beautiful lilacs alongside the beguiling visage of snakes can be especially compelling and add meaning to the ink.
Lilac Tattoos FAQs
What is the meaning of a lilac flower tattoo?
The different colors of lilacs are also more closely related to different emotions and symbolic meanings. White lilacs are associated with purity and innocence, violet flowers are considered symbols of spirituality and blue lilacs represent happiness and tranquility. Magenta lilacs are the color most strongly associated with first love. Many people choose a lilac tattoo idea for this significance.
Of course, if you’re not sure on taking the plunge and sitting in a tattoo artist’s chair to get your favorite flower ink, then take the chance to get a temporary tattoo to help with your decision making. It will give you a chance to test your tattoo idea before making it permanent.
What were the symbolic meanings of the lilac in Greek Mythology?
Lilacs are a beautiful flower family that first developed in Southeastern Europe and eventually spread around the world. One of the first accounts of these lovely flowers comes from Greek mythology and a story of a beautiful nymph named Syringa that turned herself into a lilac shrub to evade Pan, the notorious God of the Wilds. Ever since, lilacs have become powerful symbols of love and romance; even the botanical name—syringa—comes from this Greek myth.
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