Going through life presents many challenges, and each one of us has to go through their own set of them. But how we respond to those challenges, and the people we come out on the other side of them is what makes the biggest difference.
If you’re looking for a new tattoo idea, and want to represent what you’ve been through, and honor your growth – here’s a list of symbols of growth and change!
List of Symbols Of Growth
We at Tattoo Stylist have been interpreting symbols for people’s tattoo designs for years now, and have researched them in detail to find the best ones that represent growth and change.
Here’s our list:
- Lotus Flower
- Sunflower
- Snake
- Cherry blossom
- Butterfly
- Phoenix
- Koi Fish
- Moon
- Dragonfly
- Ship
- Moth
Dive in below to learn more about each symbol and see some amazing symbol of growth tattoo ideas!
Lotus Flower
In oriental cultures such as the Buddhism, lotus has long been regarded as a symbol of one’s journey to enlightenment.
Why is that?
Well, it typically grows in muddy and seemingly dirty water but blossoms into a beautiful flower above the surface, representing rising above obstacles and impurities to achieve spiritual purity.
When it comes to tattoos, one of the most popular types of mandala tattoos is the lotus mandala, a mandala that’s in the shape of a lotus flower.
The mandala design itself dates back to ancient India as a symbol used for meditation and healing, but they’re not limited to this part of the world.
Sunflower
Sunflowers have been a magical plant for the human race since centuries ago. It has helped feed countless, and it is through their incredible survival skills.
Sunflowers are known for their ability to grow tall and strong, even in adverse conditions. They can withstand harsh weather, poor soil, and limited resources, making them a powerful symbol of resilience and perseverance.
This symbolism is often used to inspire and motivate individuals to overcome challenges and grow in the face of adversity.
Sunflowers remind us that no matter how tough the circumstances may be, we have the inner strength to rise above and thrive. They encourage us to embrace change, adapt to new situations, and continue to grow and evolve.
To find our guide with dozens more sunflower tattoo ideas, you can check out our blog post here.
Snake
Snakes is a symbol of growth, rebirth, change, and even immortality, the reason for which comes from the skin-shedding properties of the snake.
Adult snakes shed up to two times a year, which shows that we can often change our paths, mind and work on ourselves all year round.
Here are more ideas for snake tattoos, and learning more about their deep meaning.
Cherry Blossom
We wrote extensively about cherry blossom tattoo meanings.
In the Buddhist philosophy, life is all about working towards wisdom and greater understanding. Each moment should count because life is quickly passing us by, so don’t let anything go to waste.
The short life of these cherry blossoms fits easily into this philosophy. The colorful blossom itself is a symbol for enlightenment, but also for the unending cycle of life and change.
Butterfly
Butterflies are beautiful insects that are born out of a cocoon in which they stay until the environment is ready, usually between five to 21 days. If they’re in really harsh places like deserts, some will stay in there for up to three years waiting for rain or good conditions.
This shows that we blossom into the best and most beautiful versions of ourselves when our surrounding is right, even if we had to keep to ourselves for a while to get there.
This represents spiritual rebirth, transformation, change, hope and life.
Just like the cherry blossom, the short-lived butterfly also closely mirrors the process of spiritual transformation, reminding us about the brevity of life.
If you’re looking for more butterfly tattoos, you can find more here.
Phoenix
Phoenixes are mythical immortal birds that seemingly turn to ashes, only to be reborn again out of them.
Because of this, their meaning shows that we grow through adversity and re-emerging.
To overcome your problems it is said that, metaphorically, you have to die to be born again, or that you have to go through difficult situations to come out renewed and grow.
The phoenix bird tattoo means to its wearer that they should believe in their potential to grow, adapt. Also, it reminds them to find peace in difficult times because they should trust in their own capability to find creative ways to power through, to learn more, to be flexible.
Koi Fish
A koi with a white body and black spots or with an all-black body symbolises life’s transformations and future growth. It was named after the Japanese dragon of transformation.
There is a lot of symbolism behind a koi fish tattoo.
The meaning of it comes from the ancient tale explains that there was once a huge school of golden koi swimming upstream the Yellow River (Huang He) in China, trying to reach the top of the waterfall. After a hundred years of jumping, one koi finally reached the top of the waterfall.
This left the gods speechless, and the determination of that koi fish was rewarded by turning it into a golden dragon.
Their story shows that sometimes growth comes from a persistence, resilience and huge effort.
Moon
Universally, the moon is the symbol of growth and change.
Moon tattoos are a symbol of change because of its cyclical patterns of waxing and waning in stable patterns.
The moon’s phases are a visible representation of the cyclical growth and decline that are a natural part of the world around us.
Dragonfly
The dragonfly is another insect that symbolises growth through its short-lived life, as they only live about a month.
In that sense, a dragonfly tattoo shows us that spiritual rebirth means a new and stronger self follows the pain and discomfort of growth.
Ship
Ship tattoos hold many meanings, one of them being starting new adventures and growth.
Why?
Because ships are regularly starting new journeys from the same port or even new places.
With every sail off they are starting a new journey that can bring them new adventures, lessons, success, and growth, leaving their old path behind, never to return to it again.
Moth
Moth tattoos can vary in meaning, especially depending on the specific species of the moth you want to portray.
If you’re looking to portray the meaning of growth and change you are looking for an Atlas moth tattoo.
This beautiful species of moths is one of the largest in the world, and its meaning is one of personal growth and self-transformation through overcoming obstacles and challenges.
Do you have a specific tattoo idea with any of the symbols of growth above? Write to us below and we’ll help translate it into a beautiful custom tattoo design!
