Winter and snowy weather can be cold and wet. Many people don’t enjoy it and even choose to leave the place they grew up to enjoy more sunlight and warmer weather. However, anyone who stays or leaves cannot deny the beauty of the snow or the little snowflakes that make up the white blanket that covers the ground.
When we think of snow, it takes us back to when we were children building snowmen and throwing snowballs at our friends. It might even remind us of holding hands with our partner, seeing our breath and holding on to each other to stay warm. The real beauty of the snow isn’t just in its sparkle and white color, but the individual snowflakes that make up the snow. In fact, it’s their beauty and symbolism that make them such a popular subject for tattooing and we will talk about why that is.
In this post, we will talk a bit about snowflakes and what makes them the beautiful and unique designs that they are. We will also discuss the meaning behind the snowflake tattoo and what it symbolizes for the people who have it. We will also talk about the different variations of snowflake tattoos.
What is a Snowflake?
Each snowflake that falls is unique from the next so they can be designed in countless ways. Snowflakes are intricate and delicate, often rendered in white, light hues of blue, purple, or pink, or done in simple contour lines or an outline. Many snowflakes placed together, often minute in size, give the appearance of snow falling from the sky. A single snowflake can also appear on its own. Regardless, snowflakes are a representation of individualism.
Multiple snowflakes, each differing in appearance and design, emphasize the symbol of uniqueness. Various colors and thicknesses can be used as well. Snowflakes placed in a linear or circular form are sometimes designed in graduating order, where the first snowflake is very simple, and the following snowflakes become more intricate in detail. This graduation is a representation of development and growth with the addition of a winter theme. The choice of a snowflake, however it is designed, can serve as a symbol of the climate in which the individual lives or enjoys.
Snowflake Tattoo Meaning
Some of the most beautiful things about snowflakes are their enigmatic formations process and mesmerizing silhouettes. This has made the symbols of purity, the center of legends and the basis of many proverbs that cross many cultures.
One of the main ideas that snowflakes symbolize is uniqueness. It is said there are no two snowflakes alike. It’s such a popular opinion that scientists and researchers have spent countless hours trying to prove or disprove this theory. Although nobody is sure if this is true, it doesn’t take away from the expression of the unique quality that describes us as people and exemplifies the universe and the events we deal with on an everyday basis.
This tells us that people who wear the snowflake tattoo are wearing a representation of their own unique personality. Just as every snowflake is said to be unique, so are we. We all start off as infants that have similar personalities and looks. As we grow, we have new experiences and weather-proverbial storms that end up shaping the kind of person we are. What a beautiful symbol to wear proudly in the form of a tattoo.
Outside of the scientific research that tries to determine why snowflakes form like they do; they are found as a perfect symbol of life for those who follow the Zen philosophy.
To add on to this, there is a Zen proverb that states that no snowflake ever falls in the wrong place. This means the snowflake tattoo represents us being right where we are supposed to be at the right time. Don’t look at what could have been or what will be. We are where we are supposed to be in life.
This proverb explains a Buddhist and Taoist fundamental principle that everything is perfect. There is no right or wrong, good or evil, just perfect. This means there is no such thing as a coincidence in either life or nature.
In Christianity, the snowflake symbolizes some ideas that are similar. It is said that every snowflake that hits the ground is an image of the birth of the Savior because they come from above and remind us of the love and care that God has for us. Each snowflake is unique and represents our individuality to Christ. He knows everyone and not one person is the same as the next. In addition, just as snowflakes cover the earth and cover what is unsightly with a beautiful white blanket; it is said that Christ covers our sins and allows us his grace when we accept him.
The snowflake tattoo also represents the fragility of life. Because they are here one second and melt away quickly, it represents the time we have. Those with the snowflake tattoo might be the same people who value life and take advantage of every moment they can.
An obvious symbol of the snowflake is the holidays. It might remind one person of Christmas and the birth of Christ. It might remind someone else of the Jewish celebration of Hanukah.
The snowflake might also represent rebirth and renewal. The vegetation dies when the snow is here and when it melts, it turns to water which represents new beginnings and nourishment for the life that will be growing in the near future.
Snowflake Tattoo Placement
A snowflake on its own can be a petite tattoo, often placed in a small area like fingers, inside of the wrist, or behind the ear. When designed larger, the snowflake can be made thicker and serve as an outline in which other images can be placed as a filler. A large snowflake can house a winter scene like snow-covered trees or any other desired image such as flowers. Swirls of line work, generally rendered in cool tones of blue or purple, often accompany the snowflake to add detail and create a fuller design for larger pieces.
The intricate detail of a snowflake is easily translated into a mandala-like symbol with an East Indian flare. Multiple colors, beyond the traditional cool tones, can be used to make the design bolder.
Negative space works well with the design of the snowflake. Dots or lines, or tiny snowflakes, can serve as the background while a larger snowflake image is left out of the foreground to create a complex design.
Snowflake Tattoo Variations
A snowflake seems to be an image that we all know of. The variations come in the styles, the placement, colors and the other objects tattooed with the snowflake. Below are a few examples of the ways people get the snowflake tattooed.
Watercolor Snowflake Tattoo
Just like the snowflake, the watercolor style of tattooing is beautiful and unique. There are no rules or lines when tattooing in watercolor styles, so each watercolor tattoo might be unique like each snowflake. In addition to having a whimsical look about it, they fit very well together.
Floral Snowflake Tattoo
In a few cases, we have seen a flower being placed at the center of a snowflake. In this case, you can represent many traits depending on what flower you choose. This is a fun unique spin on the already creative snowflake image.
If you choose to get your own snowflake tattoo, make sure you take your time in the research process. Find an artist that you feel comfortable with and will sit down with you and discuss your goals for the tattoo you will be getting. If you feel you are having a difficult time finding someone to work with, please reach out to us as we are well-versed in offering artist recommendations.