In the art of tattooing, the most popular tattoo designs are trees. Of course, some people will tattoo trees because they are insanely beautiful. However, trees also have an extensive history and deep meanings. The value of tree tattoos refers to the image of the plants. They represent the wisdom of nature, growth, and development. Also, in symbolism, trees symbolize the cycle of life in the world. Their branches represent the ideas and thoughts that convey our ancestors. Their roots are the symbol of the souls of the dead and the afterlife.
The history of tree symbolism dates back to ancient mythology. According to legends, trees are living beings, and they can communicate with other trees and plants. Moreover, these legends even say that trees have a relationship with the gods.
Here, we will talk about one such tree, which is the palm tree. Below, you can find its characteristics and its meaning and symbolism in tattooing. Keep reading.
- Characteristics of the palm tree.
The Arecaceae are actually a botanical family of perennial plants. Their growth form may be climbers, trees, shrubs, and stemless plants. These are commonly known as palms. Those that have a tree form are colloquially known as palm trees. These plants are flowering ones, a family in the monocot order Arecales.
Right now, 181 genera with around 2600 species exist, most of them present in places with subtropical and tropical climates. You can distinguish more palms by their large, evergreen and compound leaves, called fronds. They have their leaves arranged at the top of an unbranched stem. But, palms exhibit an enormous diversity in physical characteristics. Also, they inhabit almost every type of habitat within their range, from deserts to rainforests.
Palms are among the most famous and extensively cultivated plant families. They were important for human beings throughout history. A lot of common foods and products come from palms. In modern times, people widely use them in landscaping, making them one of the most economically significant plants.
In various historical cultures, as of their significance as foods, palms symbolized certain ideas like peace, fertility, and victory. For inhabitants of cooler climates nowadays, palms are the symbols of vacations and tropics.
- Palm tree tattoos, meaning, and symbolism.
Palm tree tattoos are a very popular choice for those that seek a tree tattoo design. As with any tattoo, the meaning behind your design choice may have personal meaning. Moreover, it can also have cultural or historical meaning.
Palm tattoos make an interesting tattoo design by itself, or you can incorporate them into more complex designs. Because of the elongated design, you can use palm tree tattoos on different parts of your body. This depends on the size of the tattoo design.
Historically, the palm tree was symbolic of regeneration, immortality, and victory. It symbolized immortality probably because of its very long and slender trunk and the abundant top foliage. Nowadays, the palm tree also became the symbol of tropical paradise and places with warm weather like California or Florida.
Depending on the design of the palm tree, and the elements included in your tattoo, the meanings can vary.
Nonetheless, the palm tree itself has many different meanings, such as:
- Peace;
- Isolation;
- Independence;
- Resurrection;
- Victory;
- Immortality;
- Regeneration, etc.
We already mentioned that palm tree tattoos symbolize immortality, but they can also symbolize eternity. Because of this, some people know it as the tree of life. Other things that palm tree tattoos may represent are truth, warmth, and honor. Fertility, vitality, value, protection, aspiration, unification, expansion, attainment, and other things also form part of their symbolism.
Palm tree tattoo variations:
You can depict your palm tree tattoo in many different ways. However, most generally serve as the symbol of peace. It is quite easy to lose yourself in the everyday craziness that your life is. That is why you can use palm tree tattoo as a sort of remind to find time for peace.
There are many “peace” tattoos out there. However, this one will let everyone know that you are someone who values peace above most things.
Some of the favorite tattooing variations of the palm tree are:
- Palm tree tattoo;
- Palm tree with coconuts tattoo;
- Palm tree silhouette tattoo;
- Ocean scene tattoo;
- Palm tree and birds tattoo;
- Tribal palm tree tattoo;
- Palm tree with skulls tattoo, etc.
The simple nature of the palm tree also lends itself to mean several things on a personal level. For instance, if your tattoo includes only one lone tree, it may represent a time feeling abandoned or alone. How your tattoo incorporates a palm with other tattooing elements is going to influence its meanings.
However, palm trees don’t always represent being alone. They can also represent the laid-back lifestyle called “island life.” That is why they are a popular choice for people who live in Hawaii, California, Florida, or other tropical locations.
