Black and white poppy tattoo. How do guys and girls interpret the tattoo "Poppy

  • 29.06.2020

Poppy tattoos have many interpretations in different world cultures. Be prepared that people may perceive your drawing on the body in different ways, both positively and negatively. To a greater extent, poppies are symbolic for Europeans, in eastern countries they do not play this important, therefore, a tattoo with such flowers is usually meaningless.

History of the tattoo

The poppy acquired its symbolism from the ancient Greeks. This people considered the flower and the human head to be similar in appearance, and therefore sacrificed poppy heads to the gods. And so one of the meanings of poppies in a tattoo appeared - salvation, immortality, humanity.

Etruscans ( modern Italy), on the contrary, it is observed close connection flower with death. The Etruscans sewed clothes for the dead and the god of the underworld using poppies. Some scientists even believe that the tradition of depicting a demon in a red cloak came from here, because this color is typical for poppies. The Egyptians, on the other hand, put the flowers of the plant in the tombs, which is why it is also considered a symbol of Egyptian burials.

Poppy flowers in the culture of Russia had positive value. The plant was a symbol of youth and beauty, which entangled with its magnificence, like a dream.

Somewhat later, the poppy began to be associated with dreams among the Greeks. It was considered an attribute of the gods of sleep and death. This is quite logical, because poppy seeds have been used as a sleeping pill since ancient times.

The Chinese have several options for what a poppy tattoo means. First of all, the flower symbolizes relaxation, rest, peace and beauty. Less often it is associated with the night or humility. The symbol is closely related to the life cycle and nature, showing her birth and death.

Much later, the meaning associated with tragic events World War II. Often, such a pattern is stuffed on the chest by army men, often with a badge next to it - as a sign of memory and respect.

What does a poppy mean in a tattoo?

Even in ancient times, poppy was considered a medicinal plant, the seeds of which were used as sleeping pills. However, at that time they still did not know exactly about the narcotic properties of the flower and the required dosage. If a person took too much of such sleeping pills, he could fall into deep dream and then sleep forever. From here came one of the options for designating a tattoo with poppies - a deadly dream, the unpredictability and transience of life, oblivion.
There is another interpretation - the truth. Ancient Greek girls wondered from the flowers of the plant whether their boyfriends were faithful to them. The poppy even had a special name - dilefilon, which means "love spy". Above the flowers, the ancient Greeks also confessed their love to each other, which symbolized the honesty of feelings.

Often the meaning of a tattoo with a red poppy intersects with Christianity. For believers, such a tattoo symbolizes the blood of Christ, his suffering and self-sacrifice. However, religious significance can also be negative: apathy, ignorance. Christians also have the already mentioned interpretation associated with a deadly sleep.

The meaning of a poppy flower tattoo may be related to Slavic traditions. In this case, the tattoo is a powerful talisman against evil and bad influence among the newlyweds. The Slavs believed that the poppy head protects the young family from witchcraft or the evil eye.

If you make a hint in the sketch that the plant is the source of opium, then the tattoo can mean ecstasy, fertility, or even fertility.

Just like the rose, the poppy symbolizes passion, romance and love. A single flower tattoo indicates a sentimental and lonely person who, despite everything, loves life.

Where is the image stuffed

Most often, a sketch with poppies is placed on the forearm, shoulder, thigh or ribs. Less commonly, small flowers are stuffed on the wrist, neck or foot. An interesting idea looks for girls - to arrange a branch with poppies as a bracelet around the ankle or wrist. This pattern looks very gentle and feminine. Poppy tattoos on the back are usually placed if the idea and the sketch itself are large-scale. The same option is good for drawings with a lot of small details or bright colors.

Army tattoo poppies are traditionally pinned on the chest. This placement is associated with the tradition of hanging valiant medals and other badges of honor on the chest.

Tattoo colors

The photo of poppy tattoos shows that they are usually performed in their characteristic red (also white and yellow) color, although there is also a black and white version. Additional elements of the tattoo, the leaves and the stem of the flower are also most often depicted in natural shades. Sometimes you can find stylized sketches with an original color scheme. The meaning of the tattoo, depending on its shade, may differ slightly.

Meaning of the red poppy image

Most often, a red poppy tattoo indicates a lonely and proud person. However, the same drawing can also mean that the tattoo owner himself is comfortable alone, without a noisy company. A lonely poppy branch is chosen by people who are trying to cope with sadness from unrequited love or survive the betrayal and deceit of a loved one.

The meaning of a red poppy tattoo can be positive - love, passion and fidelity, and in a pair tattoo - also a deep attachment of partners to each other. Best of all, the drawing will protect the newlyweds from trouble if you choose a sketch, the two parts of which seem to complement each other and symbolize the unity of the souls of lovers.

What does a black poppy tattoo mean?

A tattoo with black poppies symbolizes sadness, anxiety, grief or death. Also, such a sketch may indicate a person who is somehow connected with witchcraft or otherworldly forces. In general, the value of poppies, made in dark shades, is negative.

Meaning for girls and guys

Initially, only women filled tattoos with poppies, since this pattern looks too gentle on most sketches. Later, the tattoo acquired its meaning among men.

For guys, a tattoo with poppies symbolizes comfort from loneliness, and in the UK - courage and valor. On the territory of the countries former USSR interpretation can be varied: the transience of life, eternal youth, strength and courage.

For women, a tattoo with poppy flowers means tenderness, humility, cheerfulness, and in China it also means beauty that will last until the end of life. A flower as a symbol is closely connected with the processes of birth, dying and rebirth of nature, which is why for a girl it symbolizes fertility, and, according to some information, even helps to get pregnant. Superstitious women also stuff poppies as a talisman against witchcraft and the evil eye.

Tattoo culture originated over four thousand years ago. The first tattoos in history were found during excavations Egyptian pyramids. Despite the fact that over the long centuries the skin of the mummified bodies has dried up for a long time, the drawings on it are clearly distinguishable.

Nowadays, tattoos have not lost their relevance. Of the variety of different patterns on the body, it is rare to find tattoos that depict a poppy. But people who already have such a pattern on their bodies can tell a lot about themselves. Such a tattoo carries a deep meaning and can say a lot about the personality of the person who wears it.

Male version

Initially, it was believed that only girls filled poppy tattoos, because it was almost impossible to meet a man with such a pattern. In fact, such a stereotype is not clear, because the meaning of the poppy pattern on the body embodies several properties that are inherent in both women and men equally.

The first thing that a poppy tattoo on a male body meant was calmness and loneliness or comfort in solitude. The drawing of a flower with neat, light petals on a long stem means that its owner will quickly leave a noisy company and rather prefer loneliness. At the same time, he will create a cozy atmosphere around him, in which he will feel comfortable and calm.

Some believe that a lonely poppy on the body of a man in love means a broken heart and unrequited love. In fact, this is far from the case. A proud flower with red petals symbolizes bright love and happiness with your soulmate. Such tattoos carry a powerful energy of romance and bright love.

IN different countries such a flower has different meaning. For example, in the UK, it means that its owner is a brave and valiant man.

And in Russia, the values ​​\u200b\u200bare slightly different. Based on ancient customs, this tattoo signifies the transience of life.. On the other hand, it is eternal youth, strength and love.

Women's version


Because of the beauty of poppy flowers, the owners of the tattoo with his image want to show eternal youth, cheerfulness, charm and its feminine attractiveness. It is not for nothing that in China the poppy tattoo symbolizes relaxation and beauty. The meaning is beauty.

Such a symbol was originally associated with the cycle of dying and rebirth of nature. Therefore, on the body of a woman, first of all, it means fertility and fertility.

Superstitious ladies stuff such a tattoo to protect against the evil eye and witchcraft. Also, such a tattoo can be associated with the blood of Christ in the Christian story.

In prison

Many give a poppy tattoo a negative meaning. This is due to the fact that many peoples have long used this flower as a sleeping pill. And it was believed that because of him a person can fall asleep forever. Only because of these properties of the plant, the tattoo with its image is interpreted by some in a bad aspect.

But what will happen if a person with a poppy tattoo ends up in prison, will this affect his fate?
In history prison tattoos among roses, violets and other flowers, the poppy is nowhere to be found. Therefore, cellmates such a tattoo can be interpreted differently. Much also depends on the quick wit and eloquence of the owner of the tattoo. Here is the meaning.

The plant theme in the tattoo has not lost its relevance for centuries. For example, one of the successful plots is the poppy tattoo. Almost everyone knows these beautiful bright red flowers. Candies are even named after them.

Realistic tattoo with poppies and a butterfly on the shoulder

In the post-Soviet period, something that we all know happened. The flower, which in the imagination of millions was the raw material for stuffing pies, suddenly became associated with drug addicts. For a long time, this stereotype could not be eliminated. But in our time, people who want to get a tattoo treat an innocent flower without such prejudices.

Does a poppy tattoo mean anything? It has, but it is different for people of every era and nation. We decided to recall only some examples of such symbolism in the history of mankind.

Did you know that it is the red poppy that has been a symbol of the memory of war victims since 1914? The tradition appeared after the First World War, and continues to this day. It has become traditional in the USA, Great Britain, Australia, and now it has gradually “reached” the CIS countries.


Tattoo with poppies as a symbol of the memory of the war, made on the leg

In ancient cultures, the significance of the poppy was even more specific. He was associated with such phenomena as sleep and death. In the view of our ancestors, and, in particular, the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, the flower was an invariable attribute of the gods responsible for these aspects.

  • It is also worth remembering the touch of Morpheus. He touched the person not with his hand, but with a poppy flower.
  • The Romans, who borrowed the legend of Persephone from the Greeks, dedicated the poppy to her mother, Ceres. According to legend, the goddess suffered so much that Jupiter (Zeus) gave her a poppy to soothe and sleep. Since then, people began to weave wreaths from these flowers, dedicating to Ceres, who patronized the harvest and bestowed a good harvest.
  • The temple of Hera in Samos was also decorated with poppies;
  • Even Greek girls guessed on poppies, identifying the flower with the truth;
  • Gradually, the Greeks changed their idea, and with it the symbolism. Poppies from the flowers of Hypnos and Thanatos suddenly became the flowers of passion and love.
  • Modern Europeans, and especially the inhabitants of Flanders, associate poppies with catholic church. They decorate churches on the feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. However, even in Orthodoxy, the domes of churches are called "domes". So the tradition is not tied to a denomination, or a people.
  • And thousands of people owe their lives to the iconic use of poppy heads. In ancient Rome, there were sacrificial rites that required human, and sometimes specifically children's heads. Numa - one of the legendary rulers of Rome, replaced human heads with poppy heads. Junius Brutus did the same with the heads of children, which were offered to the female deity of Mania. So the poppy box can be associated with a human head.
  • The ancient peoples of Italy, such as the Etruscans, also used the poppy for ritual purposes. From its petals they created a dress for the god of the underworld.
  • Do not forget about the consecration of the poppy on the day of the martyrs of Maccabees (August 1). By popular belief, it helped protect against witches and sorcerers.
  • Russian traditions associated poppies with youth and beauty.


As you can see, the poppy tattoo has complex symbolism. This is love, truth, death, sleep and oblivion, the memory of the war, youth, and even sacrifice to the gods.

How relevant is all this today? After all, each person himself puts meaning into the symbols and signs worn in the form of jewelry and tattoos. Of course, today in our country it is difficult to find, for example, an adherent of the cult of Hera, or Ceres. And nobody makes sacrifices with poppies either.

The beauty and aesthetics of the beautiful scarlet flower come first. He inspires not only poets and artists, but also tattoo artists.

Poppy Tattoo Styles

In what styles and directions can such images be seen?

The choice depends on the personal tastes of a person, in part - on age, social status, attitude to any subcultural currents.

If you like realism, then the tattoo can be done accordingly. She will depict what a poppy flower looks like in nature. Therefore, we are now talking about two or more colors in an image. At small sizes drawing, it is not difficult and inexpensive, but if you are planning a large-scale tattoo, you will have to fork out.

For fans of bright colors and unusual style, a watercolor poppy tattoo is suitable. What is this style? Basically, you get the same effect as on paper. That is, the result will be airy and light. Looking at the result, you can easily believe that the work in front of you is not a tattoo machine, but a real brush with paints. The technique is complex, requires skill, but allows you to use different shades and color transitions. Plus - great aesthetics and non-standard. Minus - more difficult, longer and more expensive for the customer.

Photo with examples of styles and trends of tattoos with poppies.

Tattoo with poppies in abstract style

Watercolor Poppy Tattoo

Organic poppy tattoo

Linework poppy tattoo

Neo-traditional poppy tattoo

Old school poppy tattoo

Realistic poppy tattoo

Trash Polka Poppy Tattoo

Tattoo with poppies in abstract style

One of distinctive features such tattoos - the absence of a black outline in many works. In fact, you become a living canvas for the artist, and he transfers his sketches from paper or computer to your skin.

You can depict a poppy in this technique abstractly, in a psychedelic style, or more accurately, like illustrations drawn with paints. Often, tattooists specifically imitate “paint drips” on the client’s skin in order to make the picture even more believable.

You can find photos on the site - examples of watercolor techniques in order to understand how the result of the master's work will look exactly on your skin.

Next interesting style, which may interest you - neo-traditional. Unlike the old school styles, here the work is more technical and of high quality. The flower will not be depicted perfectly, as in a photo, or in a botany textbook, but it will be realistic enough. How exactly it will turn out depends on individual technique tattoo artist - performer.

Do you want originality? Try bio-organics and other areas. For example, poppy can "sprout" through the skin, or even the ribs. Such a drawing will be much more difficult.

Do not forget about minimalism and graphics. They are still in fashion, look great, are easy to perform.


On what part of the body is it better to get a poppy tattoo?

From questions of style, let's move on to a practical moment - where to place the drawing? There are many ideas - you can make a poppy tattoo on your back. In this case, the flower can occupy both a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin, and extend from the lower back to the shoulder blade. Sometimes clients want it to grab part of the shoulder.


The second option is on the hip. Here, the surface area is also large enough, and the tattoo artist will have where to turn around. Next, you need to choose whether it will be the upper part - the inflorescence and boxes, or the full format - with the stem. If you like the second option, then you can start with the ankle, and finish the image on the surface of the thigh.


The third common idea is poppies on the hand. Where exactly and how they will be located depends on your taste, and, of course, anatomy - the length and thickness of the arms. Naturally thin people do not make sense to do large flower. It will look as out of place as a huge closet in a small room. In this case, it is better to limit yourself to small, or even miniature tattoos.


Shoulder, forearm, or on the side are more convenient surfaces for large-scale work. Here you can already draw real pictures.


Does this tattoo hurt? It depends on how close the area of ​​skin is to the bone, and how your individual nerve endings are located. It is difficult to guess the degree of pain reaction. But you yourself, for sure, know how you react to influences on certain parts of the body. Human skin is a complex map, which is extremely difficult to understand. Ten centimeters can contain a huge number of capillaries and nerve endings. The thickness of the skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue is individual for each individual.

If your pain threshold is low, the master will use local anesthesia anyway. Now there are many such tools that do not have side effects, and do not cause allergic manifestations in people prone to such reactions.

Many people who are fans of tattoo art believe that after the first tattoo, your sensitivity to pain is changing. So, if poppies are not the first work that you order, then you will not feel anything new. There are quite a few who even enjoy the process. This is due to the release of several hormones into the bloodstream, such as endorphins, which cause positive feelings and emotions.

Photo with poppies tattoo

Below is a photo gallery of tattoos with poppies.

Poppy tattoo on lower leg, watercolor photo from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BZX3d7an_L2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Red poppy flower head in Egyptian mythology was considered a symbol of immortality, renewal and female attractiveness. In the language of the Mayan Indians, the poppy is a symbol of the true path, rebirth and mercy. Poppy came to tattoo culture as a multifaceted symbol with many meanings taken from different cultures.

Poppy tattoo meaning

In tattoo culture, poppies reflect the true desire for their goal. It intertwined the meanings of many cultures and generations. The plant has autonomous branches of symbolism for men and women. The position on the body does not really affect the interpretation.

Poppy tattoo meaning:

  • true treasure;
  • grain of truth;
  • the realm of inner harmony;
  • youth;
  • self-development;
  • spiritual strength;
  • beauty and health;
  • Charm;
  • richness of the spirit.

In North American, the red flower was a symbol of absolute freedom and independence. In the language of bikers, poppies wrapping their stems around a cross, gravestone or steering wheel mean memory without sorrow. With the help of the sign, the exceptional significance of the event is emphasized.

Poppy is a plastic image, it can be interpreted for yourself. For example, scarlet flowers can be a sign of unlocking one's potential. They emphasize the high position of a person in society or indicate a desire to forget something.

Among the Romans, poppies meant victory, triumph. In the East, the flower emphasizes the contemplation of one's being in meditation. From it came the meaning shaped by hippies. In their culture, maquis represent peace, tranquility and finding a way without a fight.

The meaning of poppy tattoos in men and women

The poppy tattoo has a distinct symbolism difference on the skin of men and women. For girls, poppy tattoos mean relaxation, fullness of joy from life. The drawing intertwines a sense of female attractiveness and the discovery of one's potential.

Poppy tattoo meaning for girls:

  • sexuality;
  • attractiveness;
  • youth;
  • playfulness;
  • comfort and happiness;
  • search for love;
  • finding happiness in relationships;
  • the power of joy.

Poppy tattoo with inscription, photo from: https://www.instagram.com/p/BiZymJXHhSV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Sense meaning is not alien male tattoo poppy. For men, the tattoo is filled with the energy of success and victory. There is something mystical about it. For many men, poppy has the ability to attract good luck and success. Gradually, this symbol becomes an anchor for consciousness, allowing you not to forget who you really are.

The meaning of poppy tattoo for men:

  • pure consciousness;
  • victory over reality;
  • patronage of Fortune;
  • life in the fullness of manifestations;
  • happiness joy;
  • achievement of the cherished goal;
  • willpower, purposefulness;
  • true vision of the state of affairs.

The figure combines the simplicity of lines and shapes. The head of the flower is painted red, symbolizing the sun. For men, this is a symbol of ascent and flowering of potential.

Variants, styles, compositions

From nature, the plant has received graceful forms. A lush large head sits on a rough stem, surrounded by elongated dark green leaves. The shape of the flower is plastic, it is laid out in patterns or knots. Elongated lines are interspersed with rounded figures.

Depending on the composition, the meaning of the picture is enhanced. For example, bowed heads and stems braiding a cross indicate sleep. Plants stretched upwards with open heads - the triumph of life, joy.

Suitable styles for flower:

  • watercolor;
  • realism;
  • graphics;
  • abstraction;
  • chicano;
  • black and white;
  • engraving;
  • old school.

The thin stem of the flower can be used as a line to create an inscription. The red bud is often depicted with streaks of blood. This enhances the tragedy of the underlying meaning. Poppy is combined with, triangle, cross, heart rhythm.

A sketch for the future can be selected from the photo of the plant. A large number of varieties with a bright and original look will become good helpers tattoo master. By choosing a place and style, you can easily compose a drawing. The wizard's tips will help you achieve the best result.

Poppies are recommended to be filled in color. The flower will look festive even after many years. To keep the image in its original form, you will need minimal effort and correction every 5-6 years.

To make your tattoo reflect your personality as much as possible, think about the composition. For girls, wreaths of poppy heads woven with other flowers are suitable. Single flowers are suitable for local tattoos in the chest, collarbone, shoulder blade or abdomen.

For fair skin, it is better to choose images in the watercolor style. To fit organically, the colors should be as transparent as possible. Owners dark shades skin can feel free to color solutions. Combinations of black and white drawings with bright poppy heads look original.

It is recommended to avoid filling the background with blue. The exception will be drawings in the style of realism, where the background is not uniform. Faded monochromatic blue fills look cheap and unprofessional against the background of scarlet overflows of flower petals.

On what part of the body is it better to get a poppy tattoo?

Poppy tattoos look good on the arm. Lush soft heads are easy to arrange with a ring around the wrist,. They successfully fit into the structure of the forearm along a vertical line. Favorably look poppies in the compositions on the shoulder.

For beautiful and full-scale panels, a place on the back is suitable. A poppy tattoo will decorate the shoulder blade or lie along the line of the spine. It is not uncommon to use poppy heads with boxes to create a floral ornament on the lower back of girls.

Men prefer to hit poppies on the chest, lower leg or side line. The heads are placed on the ribs, descending slender stems to the lower back. An elegant poppy is suitable for compositions shot along the oblique lines of the body. For this reason, it is often stuffed into. Moreover, tattoos can be found in both men and girls.

Minimalist poppy head designs are used to create compositions with fonts. They are stuffed along the line of the foot or wrist. The design has a lot of potential, since red poppies are combined with almost any object or image.

Video - applying a poppy tattoo

Almost all floral motifs that are used in the art of tattooing carry a rather deep and important meaning, directly related to our ancestors, their customs and culture. Flowers are often tied to the feminine, but this is far from always true. This time we will figure out what is the meaning of poppies tattoo.

Origin story and symbolism

The poppy symbol is not just an image of a delicate scarlet flower, it carries completely different meanings and messages. In order to find out what a poppy tattoo means, we will turn to myths, legends and customs that originate long before tattoo culture became so popular.

Even in ancient times, poppy seeds were the main ingredient for making sleeping potions. However, taking this decoction, a person risked forever remaining in the world of dreams, so the ancient tribes attributed to this plant special, even magical properties. Also in Greek mythology, this flower was an attribute of the god of sleep Hypnos, who lived in underworld with his twin brother, the deity of death Thanatos. With the help of a magical flower, Hypnos gave peace and bliss not only to mortals, but even to the gods. Thus, with narcotic properties, poppy is often associated with sleep, rest, forgetfulness, or death. Even at the present time, poppy flowers are used in occult rituals, magic, witchcraft, all kinds of predictions, divination and conspiracies.

A place for these unusual flowers was found in folklore and religion. For example, in Christianity there is an idea that poppies sprouted from the blood of the crucified Christ and became a symbol of innocently shed blood, so it is often used to decorate sacred utensils, paraphernalia and temples. IN ancient Russia poppy flowers were a symbol of health, youth and beauty. But in the folklore traditions of the British, it is a symbol of the blood of a defeated dragon. Now in the UK, this flower has become a sign of military courage, valor, honor and selflessness. Bouquets of poppy flowers are often brought to the graves of dead soldiers, and at ceremonies dedicated to the memory of those who fought in the Second World War, all participants wear a poppy or an emblem with its image on their chests. Thus, a poppy flower tattoo can also be related to the army theme.

The image of a poppy in a tattoo

In the meaning of a tattoo, everyone is free to put their own meaning and meaning. That is why images of poppies are suitable for both women and men. The meaning of a poppy tattoo for girls is the most diverse. For example, she can act as a symbol of love and fidelity or femininity and natural beauty, strength and health. Based on the meaning, girls most often choose for themselves. This direction involves everything unusual, romantic and poetic. In this style there are no restrictions for experiments, creative improvisation, expression and riot of colors. To be convinced of this, it is enough just to see paintings in the watercolor style, which are filled with extraordinary lightness, ease and some special softness and sensuality.

Men can see photos of poppy tattoos in
Representatives of the stronger sex quite often choose for themselves this particular direction in the art of tattooing. This style is designed to shock, stun, protest or even frighten. Trash polka is a challenge modern society consumers. A tattoo in this direction involves the use of black in combination with a bright, flashy shade, which becomes the main focus of the entire composition. A black poppy tattoo, made in the trash polka style, can become for a man a vivid symbol of resurrection after a traumatic experience or a sign of escape from a cruel and unfair reality.

When choosing a sketch for a tattoo, do not forget to take into account the features of the body part on which it will be located. So, for example, voluminous or round works look best on the shoulder blades, chest or thigh. Small vertically elongated sketches are more for the forearm and lower leg. Horizontally stretched or V-shaped patterns are perfect for girls and will look good above the chest.