Ferns Tattoo- Art From Nature

Did you know that body art and tattoos date back to 5000 BCE, and maybe even before that?

Tattoos are a widely embraced form of art that allows people to showcase images, art, and phrases that have meaning to them. Over the centuries, many types of tattoos have become popular, but for fern lovers, there’s nothing better than a fern tattoo.

There is something so striking, beautiful, and peaceful about fern tattoos that have captured the imagination of people around the globe. But where does this love of fern tattoos come from?

Here we’ll look at the origins of fern tattoos, their rise in popularity, their meaning in different cultures, and the many different styles and types to choose from.

This may be all the information you need to convince yourself you need a fern tattoo.

History of Fern Tattoos

Investigating their history is essential in learning more about fern tattoos. When did they first start popping up?

Was there a reason people started getting fern tattoos?

Have they changed much over the years or stayed relatively true to their roots?

It’s important to note that ferns as a plant have been highly regarded over the centuries. Just take a look at various indigenous cultures, and it’s common to find ferns involved in their way of life. A great example is in New Zealand with the Maori.

The Maori see the fern as a very special and important symbol. Ferns signify growth and fresh beginnings, a hopeful message many are happy to embrace. 

But it’s not just indigenous cultures; ferns are also celebrated in Slavic folklore, Finnish folklore, and even in ancient Japanese culture. Take a look at various pieces of art and décor from the Victorian age in the UK, and you’ll also find that ferns often played a prominent part.

As you look into the various cultures, you will find the fern represents different things, but it always has a positive and hopeful message behind it.

When you have a symbol or an image that pops up that much in so many different cultures, it’s clear it’s the kind of item that has mass appeal not just in historical times but today as well.

You may also be curious about the history of ferns in general. These are classified as vascular plants that are ancient in their origins.

They are one of the oldest groups of plants that we have. They date back 383-393 million years ago, which is rather shocking when you think about what the earth must have been like then. Some scientists may even date back further to 430 mya.

It’s worth noting, however, that the past ferns are different from today’s, as most of those varieties are now extinct. Even with that said, ferns are still a very diverse group of vascular plants. Fern tattoos can also depict the diversity of ferns, depicting popular and less common ones.

Exploring the Types of Ferns Used in Tattoo Art

This brings us to the various types of ferns and how they are used in tattoo art. Stating that you want a “fern tattoo” is a broad term, as there are so many different-looking ferns.

You can line up many people with fern tattoos, and there’s a good chance everything will look different, whether it be in size or shape. Even the movement of the fern leaves changes depending on the type, affecting how the tattoo looks.

The Silver Fern tattoo is probably the most popular. While women or men can get it, it tends to be more trendy with men. It’s a small, more understated-looking fern with many intricate details.

It’s the kind of tattoo that you want to look up close at to appreciate all its beauty. Remember that this tattoo involves a lot of shading work, so you want to be prepared for it. These tend to symbolize minimalism, which is also trendy nowadays.

Others may choose to go for something with more of an impact. A large fern with different shades of green showcases beauty, nature, and new beginnings. It can be perfect for those seeking a fresh start. If you like something more in between, you’re likely the type with hope about life and what lies ahead.

And while green is traditionally used for fern tattoos, some only want an outline which could be in black, or maybe you go for something a bit creative and choose blue.

Peeling Back the Meanings of Fern Tattoos

What the fern tattoo symbolizes is personal, and each person will have a connection to their body art.

However, generally speaking, ferns are meant to signal rebirth. Perhaps the person has been through a traumatic experience, a big life change, a new beginning, a new job, or moving to another country—a big life moment—and wants to commemorate it.

Ferns are also ideal for those who want to explore a sense of renewal and start fresh. That could be physical and emotional. In that same vein, ferns are a hopeful symbol, a sign that better times are ahead and that you can leave all that hurt and pain behind you.

Popular Tattoo Styles and Techniques Used to Create Fern Tattoos

We’ve touched on the different colors, but green and blue aren’t the only ones. The use of color and styles fall under the technique.

This is when it pays to look around, check out the portfolio of different tattoo artists, and find one that meshes your style and vision. Just because you have a friend who went to a particular artist and loved the outcome doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same.

Ferns are known for their intricate and unique leaf patterns. You want to be sure the artist you choose is well-versed in creating these patterns, ensuring the tattoo is customized for you. It should feel like something other than a basic template that everyone else is getting. And just like in nature, the fern should have some movement. In other words, the leaf could be more perfectly straight.

Dot work is a popular style that works well with fern tattoos. Small dots are used to create an entire image. This takes true artistic vision and experience. Other styles and techniques include shading, an ombre look, using different tones of a single color (tonal art), or perhaps an outline only.

Some people even prefer to make the tattoo themselves, sketch it out, and have the tattoo artist copy the rendering. If you don’t fancy yourself an artist, you could take a photo of a fern that catches your eye or a type that has meaning to you. You can also ask to see the tattoo artist’s previous work and profile. They may even sketch it out ahead of time.

Removing or changing a tattoo is never easy, so you want to be sure you will be happy with the results.

The tattoo’s placement can also significantly impact the style and technique used. If you want the fern to be noticeable, pick a place like your forearm, front of your leg, or even your collarbone so that it will pop. For those who like something more understated, shrink the size and place it in a more discreet area such as the inside wrist, ankle, behind your ear, or hipbone.

It Can Be a Stunning Tattoo for the Right Person

Tattoos are personal and shouldn’t be based on what’s trending but on what kind of symbol or image speaks to you and holds meaning.

Fern tattoos can be uplifting, freeing, spiritual, and beautiful and fill you with hope. They can be the perfect first tattoo or cap off an already large collection of tattoo body art.