The lantern tattoo is one of those tattoos that people love to get because it’s both attractive and holds many significant meanings to them. It’s also not quite as popular as other tattoos that share its meanings, which makes it an even more intriguing option for some people.
Below we will take a look at some of the meanings you can use with the lantern tattoo as well as some of the ways that you can design them.
Some people see the lantern tattoo as one of the best types of tattoos to use as a motivational tool. After all, the lantern has long been used to help people “find their way,” which is exactly how some folks use these designs. You can look at your lantern tattoo any time you need a little help figuring out what you should do next, which is pretty powerful if you think about it. If you do decide to use this meaning, chances are you will want the lantern on a visible part of your body for easy access, such as your forearm.
The lantern tattoo also represents guidance, so it is one of the better tattoos to get if you take pride in helping people find their way in this world. This is a valuable trait that is pretty rare, so if you have it then the lantern might be perfect for you. What’s great about this meaning is that you don’t have to emphasize anything in the design nor do you have to add any other images to make it clear what the tattoo represents.
Similarly, some folks opt to get their lantern tattoos because they themselves need some guidance in their lives and they look at the lantern every time they go through tough times or need to make tough decisions. Are you seeing noticing a pattern here? The lantern tattoo can be used for so many different motivational meanings, which is why it is high up on the list of tattoos to get if you want something that you can look at and hopefully feel a bit of inspiration come on.
The lantern tattoo also symbolizes knowledge, which is a great meaning for teachers or anyone else who enjoys educating others. Now this is one meaning that might not be obvious to people who have never looked up the symbolism of lanterns. You don’t have to add any additional images or symbols to this tattoo, but you might find yourself explaining it to people pretty often if it is on a visible part of your body.
The most common lantern tattoo style is the classic lantern that people use us (and sometimes still use), with its large base and a candle inside. And it’s important that we point out that this is a style and not a specific way that you get a lantern tattoo designed.
The fact is that you can get these classic lanterns designed in a million different ways simply by making small tweaks to the classic and/or changing the coloring. Even a small change to a lantern’s handle is a great way to make the design your own, which is what most people want to do.
Paper lantern tattoos are also quite popular because they give people a circular shape to work with and they can use any colors that they want to. Keep in mind that you can add even more personal meaning to your lantern tattoo with the color you choose since all of them have their own symbolism. Paper lantern tattoos work very well as wrist tattoos, neck tattoos, rib tattoos, or even hand tattoos. That circular shape will help you to design your paper lantern around whatever area of your body where you want to put it.
Placement of a lantern tattoo can be a bit tricky, especially if you are going to get one of the classic designs. Most people will want a vertical design, which limits where you can place the lantern design. Others will want to place it on an angle part of their bodies, which means the design will have to be made with that area in mind. It’s a good idea to think of the placement before you even start the design process so you can ensure that it will fit well where you want it to.
No matter what type or size of lantern tattoo you choose to get, we highly recommend that you find a tattoo artist who you are sure can do an excellent job on the design. The fact is that even the most simple lantern tattoo designs take some skill to make since there are multiple parts and different types of shade work that have to be done.
An experienced tattooist will know exactly how to make your lantern jump off of your skin and will make sure that it looks great for years to come. You definitely do not want to just go to the first shop you see with these types of tattoos; that will often lead to bad outcomes.
We hope you now have a better idea of what paper lanterns are and why so many people choose to get these beautiful and meaningful designs on their bodies. It may be tempting to get a lantern tattoo simply because you love their look, but it’s better if you also find a meaning or two that makes you feel something. Of course, this is one of those rare tattoos that will be meaningful to just about everyone, so chances are you can find a relevant meaning to use.
If you know that the lantern tattoo is a good fit for you, you should have multiple designs drawn up, find a great place to put it on your body, and have an experienced tattoo artist apply it for you. If you take all of those steps, there’s a great chance that you will end up with a paper lantern tattoo that you are proud to have on your skin.