Inside: Pretty Poppy Tattoo Designs + Ideas.
Floral tattoos are some of the prettiest, most feminine designs out there. The poppy flower is one of the most popular flowers when it comes tattooing. Poppies are rich with symbolism and meaning, and have popped up all over the world. Generally speaking, the poppy flower often represents the dichotomy of war and peace, life and death.
Often depicted in shades of red and ruby, the delicately-petaled poppy flower is one of the most easily recognizable flowers in the world. Partly because of its rich history, partly because of its inherent beauty. Many different tattoo styles can easily incorporate the poppy flower–watercolor, black and grey, American Traditional, you name it–it’s one of the more versatile floral motifs tattoo artists love to work with.
If you’re interested in a flower tattoo rife with symbolic meaning, check out our list of poppy tattoos that is sure to dazzle and inspire!
What Does the Poppy Flower Symbolize?
Thanks to L. Frank Baum’s classic novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the poppy flower has long been a symbol of eternal sleep. If you haven’t read the book, you’ve probably seen MGM’s 1939 film version of The Wizard of Oz. Remember when Dorothy accidently stumbles across that vast poppy field and proceeds to fall deep, deep asleep? That scene is a thinly veiled metaphor for eternal sleep, or death. Many tombstones will incorporate a poppy design, making the flower an unofficial companion to death.
One of the most moving and monumental ways the poppy flower has been used in the 20th and 21st centuries is to commemorate fallen soldiers. Ravaged by war for four long years during The Great War, or World War I, most of the land in Western Europe was barren and unusable. However, in the spring of 1915, little red blossoms began popping up all over, turning a wasteland of war and suffering into something else altogether.
The poppy flower–believe or not–is actually qualified as a weed. The fact that hundreds of poppies began popping up out of the wreckage and ruin of the Great War speaks to its tenacious and sturdy nature.
Poppy Flower Tattoo Designs
Poppy tattoos are often chosen in shades of bright red, but it’s also common to find designs with black and gray tones to highlight the elegance and natural beauty of this flower. It is often used to commemorate soldiers fallen on the battlefield, as well as to more generally symbolize life and death.
1. Single Needle Stem Poppy Flower
5. Matching Poppy Wrist Tattoos
7. Behind the Ear Poppy Tattoo
Poppy Tattoo Black and White Ideas
Poppies can range in shades from deep, ruby red to soft, muted pink. There is even a black poppy. Unsurprisingly, a black poppy is often associated with more negative emotions like anxiety and grief, and even has some connection with the occult. If you’re someone who’s into the darker side of life, a black poppy would make for a great piece of art.
8. Outlined Poppy Flower Bundle Tattoo
9. Tiny Poppy Black and White Outline Flower
10. Black and White Shaded Poppy Tattoo Idea
12. Poppy Flowers Blooming on Body Tattoo
13. Single Stemmed Poppy Design
Red Poppy Tattoo Designs
Every year, the Tower of London in London, England uses the red poppy flower to commemorate fallen and veteran soldiers. As red poppies are linked to remembrance and death, the flower choice is more than appropriate.
In contrast to its more solemn meaning in the West, in Eastern cultures, the red poppy symbolizes love and prosperity.
15. Traditional Style Tattoo Art – Poppys
17. Painted Poppy Tattoo Design
19. Ankle Flower Tattoo Design
Opium Poppy Tattoo Art
Because of its medicinal heritage, the poppy flower is often used in tattoos to represent addiction recovery. The poppy flower contains natural opiates that, when consumed in massive amounts, can result in hallucination or sedation. If you or someone you love has had to endure to massive medical intervention or intense treatments like chemotherapy, the poppy flower would make a great commemorative tattoo.
21. Vibrant Poppy Foot Tattoo
23. Opium Poppy Tattoo with Quote
25. California Poppy Tattoo Design
26. – 56. Poppies as August birthday tattoos
57. – 109. Poppy flowers as ankle tattoos
110. – 135. Poppy designs with lace tattoo
136. A poppy bouquet you’ll want to have on your leg asap
137. Poppies as part of a black sleeve looks really great
PS. See all our black sleeve tattoo inspiration right here!
More Tattoo Ideas You’ll Love
- Cute Animal Tattoo Ideas – Animal lovers often find their perfect tattoo in the symbolic expression of their favorite furry or feathered friend. These cute, inspiring, and sometimes ferocious tattoos are extremely common as people often link their own identities to these animals. Many of these tattoos are also inked in memory of favorite pets. Animals have several human-like quality and range in meanings across many different cultures. If you’re interested in learning more about what animal tattoo is right for you, keep reading to discover more symbolic meanings and cool ink designs.
- Zodiac Tattoos – For those with a strong belief in the stars and zodiac signs, considering using your sign as a tattoo can be an amazing expression of who you are. Choosing the right symbol to represent your sign can tell others a bit about who you are and your personality. We’ve made a list of hundreds of Zodiac Tattoos for you to review to find the one that represent you the best.
- Artistic Dragonfly Tattoo Ideas: Symbolizing transformations, change, and new life, the dragonfly is a tattoo design that will never go out of style. Adding lots of details with many lines and colors or opting for a more simple design, a dragonfly tattoo is beautiful. Whether you are in the midst of significant changes in your life or have experienced an awakening of some sort, a dragonfly tattoo is perfect for you. Don’t miss out on these stunning design ideas!
Test Out These Tattoo Products
Looking to check how you like a tattoo but don’t want something permanent? These temporary tattoos are perfect for you. Or maybe you have new fresh ink and want some care supplies, we have just what you need. Click the links below to test out some of our favorite products.
- Temporary Tattoos Watercolor Florals Sheets– Includes two sheets of Watercolor Florals temporary tattoos and designed by Helen Deal. Safe & non-toxic, printed with vegetable-based ink; FDA-compliant and fun for all ages Each tattoo will last 2 – 4 days. Designed by professional artists who get a cut of every sale
- Bright Aftercare All Natural Tattoo Lotion – New tattoos are exciting, but you will experience itchiness and inflammation. To prevent irritation, to speed up your recovery time, and to extend the life and vibrancy of your new tattoo, we recommend using Bright Tattoo – Tattoo Aftercare Lotion. For the best results, you can use it daily to keep your skin moisturized, happy, and extend the time you need between ink touch-ups.
- Temporary Tattoos Watercolor Butterflies Set – Temporary watercolor tattoos are a really fun way to gain the experience of wearing a tattoo without the long-term commitment. The butterfly set of watercolor tattoos is a fan favorite. Have a look at our list of temporary watercolor butterflies set tattoos.
- Disposable Cohesive Tattoo Grip Cover Wrap – Need to cover your new tattoo? Get this self grip wrap! It comes in several different colors and because it has a self grip there is no need for tape. It’s comfortable and can be used in other ways too. Check it out and get some ordered today!
I'm Victoria Hudgins founder of Tattoo Glee and managing editor. I'm a Tattoo Stylist and love helping others find the best way to express all the fun and joy that is within them! Follow along with my posts for all the celebratory style your next ink design is needing.