Since it is almost November, and beautiful juicy red pomegranates are starting to appear, I was inspired to share the story of Jaime’s pomegranate tattoo, My Pomegranate Tattoo Step-by-Step, for your future tattoo inspiration.
MyPomegranate Tattoo
Recently I took a trip to beautiful Portland, OR to visit my dear friend Alice and her family. Our kids all played and husbands rode bikes and beards were seen and local craft microbrews were drank. Alice’s husband Lewie is a world class tattoo artist at Atlas Tattoo parlour in Portland. He gave me my Scarlet tattoo a few years back. I knew I wanted another while I was in town.
Why a Pomegranate Tattoo?
I decided on a pomegranate because we had a pomegranate tree at the house I grew up in, before my parent’s got divorced when I was very young. With my recent life upheaval, finding out I was adopted, memorializing these memories of that house with a tattoo felt right to me. Also, the pomegranate is a symbol of prosperity and ambition, and I think they are beautiful. I realize tattoos aren’t for everyone, but if you are curious about the process, I took pictures along the way and you can see how I got my pomegranate tattoo after the jump…
My Pomegranate Tattoo Step-by-Step
First, I looked through a bunch of books and found so many pomegranate tattoo ideas. I found a pomegranate I liked in a book about Japanese matchbooks. It was a great choice. Lewie drew his own version.
PomegranateSymbolism
I wanted it to be a little more girlie and beautiful, so he consulted some pictures and added pomegranate flowers and leaves. Pomegranates, besides being a Persian symbol of prosperity and symbol of fertility in Iran and Afghanistan, symbolize growth of the family, and have connections toGreek Mythology as well.
Greek Mythology
Ancient Greeks believe Persephone, the Greek goddess of spring, became trapped in the underworld because she was intrigued by the pomegranate fruit, which was planted there by the God of the Underworld, inspired by Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love. For that reasonPomegranates are a symbol of the abduction of Persephone. Pomegranates have also been linked to Demeter and Athena.
This delicious red fruit is also mentioned in the Koran and in Buddhism. used as imagery for decorative purposes on 15th century fabrics from Italy and the Orient.
Biblical Reference
Pomegranates have a wealth of symbolism and different meaning. It is also understood that the apple of paradise in the Old Testament was actually a pomegranate, so it also has biblical meaning among a community of believers, even though it is still referenced as an apple in Europe and the United States.
I loved it, and got Jacinda’s text approval before proceeding of course.
Lewie transferred the design onto my leg, and we moved it around a couple of times until I liked the placement. You have to have a lot of patience to get it just right. Also, tattoos hide cellulite. Just FYI. He started by outlining it black, it was a lot of hard work. If we had stopped there, I would have had a lovely minimalist pomegranate tattoo.
Then he did some shading in black as well. I was starting to see the charm and beauty of this pomegranate tattoo which would also make a gorgeous classic blackwork pomegranate tattoo, but I wanted more of a scarlet splash from this tempting tattoo.
Here it is with intricate shade and the rest of the detailing. Yes, it hurts, but I had less pain then I imagined I would have. Maybe my thighs have enough padding to make it less uncomfortable then previous tattoos on my ribcage. I have smaller tattoos which were more painful than my bright red pomegranate tattoo, despite their smaller size. Neither is the most common area of skin for such tattoos.
Next, Lewie added green to the leaves. I loved it! And I needed a break for a few. It had been about 1.5 hours of tattooing at this point. The beauty of the tattoo is really starting to prove that it was a wonderful choice.
Next he mixed several colors to get just the right shade for a pomegranate. It’s a tough pigment color that required different kinds of inks, a little red, a little purple, a little orange. The flowers are more orange than the fruit itself. It’s a colorful tattoo and definitely not a common tattoo. I wasn’t going for minimalism.
Next up was the final touches of color on the flowers, abundance of seeds, and all those beautiful green leaves and sweet details of the branches. Some of the light red flecks are actually blood from the fresh tattoo. We didn’t add any white to the highlights. I was fatigued from the pain. I think I prefer it this way. It was time to start focusing on aftercare.
And that’s my new pomegranate tattoo. I am so happy with it.
The ingredients of thick leaves, a beautiful cluster of pomegranate seeds, and attractive shade of bright red color make this eye-catching, cool pomegranate tattoo a really pretty choice. it’s totally in vogue! I feel like this tattoo showcases the intricacy of the subject, immaculate details, and fresh touch of the tattoo artist. I love My Pomegranate Tattoo Step-by-Step.
Could you envision any other tattoos in the fruit category? Lemons or peaches or an avocado tattoo, might also make a popular choice for different reasons.
Revised 10/22 – Original10/13
by Jaime
9 Comments
Audrey G I love it! Thank you for sharing. I have six. They all mean something and I was past 40 when I started. You are right, they’re not for everybody but they are right for us.
Nakia I think it looks great! The colors really pop. I have two tattoos – an ankh + tribal combo on my lower stomach and a lotus flower on my back. The ankh, I hardly ever think about anymore – its not the same after multiple pregnancies. The lotus, I’ve been thinking of adding on maybe a vine and a couple more blossoms for a total of three to represent all of my kiddos.
Erin Beautiful! I have 3 tattoos. A butterfly I got on my foot when I was 18 and moved away to college. I have a very simple line drawing of an ankh that circles around my wrist and reconnects at the top of the ankh that I got after my first miscarriage to symbolize the circle of life. I also have a 5 petaled Rose in between my shoulder blades to symbolize the 5 phases of a woman’s life. My best frien and I each got one after I got married and before she moved away with her partner. I have plans for a peony in memory of my grandmother (not sure where I’m going to put it yet though) and a family garden on my back with the birth month flowers of my husband, me and my kids along with 3 cherry blossoms to symbolize the ones we lost. Both of those tattoos may have to wait though. Repairs to our home kind of trump new tattoos unfortunately!
Kristin That is gorgeous! I have 14 and can’t wait to save up for my next one!
Crystal A Vela Thankyou juicy fruit
lolbeans Great post, because I didn’t have enough time to think about changing the look of my interior. But the quarantine forced me to think about some really good ideas for my house, and this blog was extremely helpful.
Crystal A Vela Thankyou juicy fruit
coreball Indeed, I find the appearance to be rather pleasing. The hues jump out at you. I have a tattoo of a lotus blossom on my back and another of an ankh inside a tribal design on my lower stomach. Having had many pregnancies has made me forget about the ankh almost entirely. The lotus, I’ve been considering expanding it with a vine and more flowers till it has three in total to stand in for my three children.
nearestpetroltome I will make it by myself to give for my family and friends. Thank you so much for your great sharing. Thanks.
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FAQs
What does a pomegranate tattoo symbolize? ›
Pomegranate Symbolism
Pomegranates, besides being a Persian symbol of prosperity and symbol of fertility in Iran and Afghanistan, symbolize growth of the family, and have connections to Greek Mythology as well.
Abstract: Pomegranate seeds tied Persephone to her fate as queen alongside Hades in the Underworld. Typically pomegranates were com- monly known symbols of fertility and marriage.
What does pomegranate mean spiritually? ›Pomegranates have diverse cultural-religious significance, as a symbol of life and fertility owing to their many seeds but also as a symbol of power (imperial orb), blood and death. Pomegranates already symbolised fertility, beauty and eternal life, in Greek and Persian mythology.
What does the pomegranate symbolize in the Bible? ›Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol for righteousness, because it is said to have 613 seeds that corresponds with the 613 mitzvot or commandments of the Torah. In some artistic depictions, the pomegranate is found in the hand of Mary, mother of Jesus.
What is the symbol of the pomegranate Persephone? ›In the Greek myth of Persephone's abduction by Hades, lord of the underworld, the pomegranate represents life, regeneration, and marriage.
What was Persephone's favorite flower? ›Symbolism Associated With the Goddess Persephone
Two of her most prominent symbols were pomegranates and the narcissus flower because of their strong relation to the origin story of Hades and Persephone's relationship.
Persephone ingests seven pomegranate seeds, a departure from the single seed in the Homeric Hymn and the three seeds in Fasti (4.607–8), where, as Fantham observes (1998: 207), the number of seeds is equivalent to the months spent in Hades.
Why is pomegranate so special? ›Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, both of which are known to prevent free radicals from damaging your cells. In some studies, pomegranates show potential to be effective in preventing prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancers.
What is the power of pomegranate? ›Pomegranates contain compounds called ellagitannins, which act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation in the body. As such, they also offer protective benefits for your brain against conditions that are influenced by inflammation and oxidative stress.
What do pomegranates do for females? ›Some studies show that pomegranate juice helps to increase testosterone levels in both men and women, which is one of the hormones that stimulate sex drive in both men and women.
Why is pomegranate called fruit of heaven? ›
In the Quran, pomegranates grow in the Garden of Paradise and are referred to on multiple occasions as God's good creations. The pomegranate is also said to be found in the Garden of Eden according to Ancient Iranian Christianity and was believed to be the real forbidden fruit rather than the apple.
What did the Prophet say about pomegranate? ›TEHRAN (FNA)- Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, “There is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranates of the Garden of Jannah (Paradise) in it.” This fruit is no less than a wonder in its nutritional as well as its structural sense. Indeed every creation of God demands pondering.
Is pomegranate fruit of heaven? ›Pomegranates are one of the paradise fruits mentioned in the Holy Quran. Quranic medicine scholars believe that pomegranate as a fruit of paradise comes in autumn because the autumn season is the fall season of trees and clogs of the sky and is very useful in preventing depression and worry.
What does having pomegranate mean? ›Modern science has found that pomegranates can help protect your heart and may even prevent cancer. A pomegranate is a sweet, tart fruit with thick, red skin. While the skin is not edible, it holds hundreds of juicy seeds that you can eat plain or sprinkle on salads, oatmeal, hummus, and other dishes.
Why is the lady saying no pomegranates? ›According to International Business Times(Opens in a new tab), Martino explained she was discussing the meaningless of the word 'no. ' To her, refusing pomegranates to the class was akin to telling your kids not to do drugs.
What does the name pomegranate mean? ›The word pomegranate is derived from the medieval Latin “pomum granatum,” meaning apple of many grains or seeds. Because of its exotic appearance and prolific seed clusters, .
What do fruit tattoos mean? ›Apples: knowledge (state fruit of Minnesota, Vermont and Washington: also a symbol for New York, which is known as “The Big Apple”) Bananas: comedy (also a phallic symbol) Blackberries: bad omens in folklore (state fruit of Alabama and Kentucky) Blueberries: protection Cherries: fertility (state fruit of Utah) Coconuts ...
Is pomegranate a healer? ›Pomegranate is rich in polyphenolic compounds and has been used in traditional medicine of many cultures, for its' strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties [13].
Do all pomegranates have 613 seeds? ›Yet, there are those who claim that the pomegranates from the Chatam Sofer's time had an average of 613 seeds, or that there were rare pomegranates with exactly that number. Today, in any case, pomegranates have anywhere from 200 to 1,200 seeds (you are welcome to count for yourself!).
What does smashing a pomegranate mean? ›The pomegranate is a symbol of fertility, abundance, good fortune and prosperity. And according to Greek tradition, if you are wishing for some good luck in the new year, you should prepare for some annual pomegranate-smashing!
What does a pomegranate symbolize in art? ›
The pomegranate, for example, is depicted in mythological paintings as an attribute of Venus and a symbol of desire, fertility—because of its many seeds—and marriage, but appears as frequently in sacred images of the Virgin and Child.
Is pomegranate The Tree of love? ›The pomegranate is the passion fruit, also called the fruit of love. Hades tricked Persephone, the goddess of innocence, into eating pomegranate seeds, which forced her to retreat to the underworld for winter each year.
What fruit symbolizes love? ›The history of the strawberry dates back to Ancient Rome where the fruit was considered the symbol of Venus, the goddess of love, because of its bright red color and enticing taste.
What tattoo means losing someone? ›The infinity symbol is a common grief tattoo. This sign represents togetherness and eternity, mostly used to honor a love that will never end. Though you might have experienced loss, your love is endless and unyielding.
What fruit symbolizes success? ›Grapes stand for abundance and for success. The fruits also symbolise materialistic wealth and is used to cure fertility and ward off bad luck.
What fruit means wealth? ›The pineapple has always been associated with prestige and luxury due its exotic appearance. It first appeared in Britain in 1668, gaining notoriety when Charles II used it as part of a public relations opportunity.