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Tattoo symbols/Bamboo

Mandira Antar
Dec 9, 2017
4 min read

Updated: Aug 12, 2023

The bamboo is an Asian and Zen symbol. It's symbolism is old and deep and part of the old Japanese tattoo school tradition. For them it stands for strength and resilience and the reason will become obvious further down.

It is also used as a medium for the ancient tattoo Thai technique. Bamboo thorns were used as needles by monks, to create an authentic tattoo. The art of ‘Sak Yant’ is inspired by religions – Buddhism, Animism and Brahmanism, all practiced in Asia. Sak Yants came from previously held traditions in Thai (and other Asian) cultures as part of the Shamanistic traditions that already existed.

Bamboo in a Rhombus Tattoo Design (pencil and pen on paper) by Mandira — Bamboo in a Rhombus Tattoo Design by Mandira

Back then the tattoos where placed on a body by monks as mantras (blessings, prayers) to protect the wearer. Monks had them by their master and each one was unique and associated to the individual's life path. Many warriors passed through Buddhist temples to get one before they head to battle. That being said you can see that the bamboo is associated with the origin of the tattoo art back to 3000 years ago. We know that because mummies (both men and women) were found with tattoos still visible on their bodies.

Monk creating Sak-Yant tattoo Thailand — Monk creating Sak-Yant tattoo

Bamboo is a plant that will survive even the strongest winds (tornados, typhoons, hurricanes), having very deep and strong roots that support it's great height... it also sways with the slightest breeze.

In the Chinese and Japanese culture, this is a strong symbol of resilience and humility. Bamboos are about non resistance, allowing the flow of life to pass through you. Comparing them to other trees they look so weak and thin, reminding us not to judge a book by it's cover. Bamboos survive extreme climate changes and temperatures just by staying plain and simple. Aikido master Kensho Furuya says that

“The bamboo in its simplicity expresses its usefulness. Man should do the same.”

Custom tattoo design lotus flower and bamboos in an oval shape and a triangle — Lotus & Bamboo dotting custom design by Mandira

Back arm tattoo, lotus and bamboo, black and dotting in an Oval shape, triangle with big dots Mandira tattoo custom — Lotus and Bamboo tattoo, custom design by Mandira

Bamboo trees live for a long time, sometimes for a century and this stands for longevity. Did you know that they blossom rarely sometimes once in 60-100 years, and when they do, they die afterwards? Along with that all the bamboos of the specific forest die with them. This is one of the reasons that bamboo flowers are considered a curse in some Chinese, Tibetan and Indian tradition and mythology.

In Chinese language bamboo is named “Fu Gvi Ju”.

Fu - Riches / Gvi – Power and Honor / Ju – the Bamboo. In many cases the bamboo symbolises the season of summer.

Bamboo is among the fastest-growing plants in the world. They remind us to never stop growing and expanding.

For the Japanese and Chinese culture it is also a symbol of good luck and used in Japan for New Year celebration.

In parts of India it represents tranquillity and inner peace along with friendship.

(One thing you should keep in mind is not to confuse the bamboo plant with the "lucky bamboo" mentioned in Feng shui. Those are not bamboos but Dracenas sanderianas, a different species. They belong to the same family as the Lily plants and they have wonderful qualities but they are not bamboos.)

Tattoo art and bamboos

The way the artist designs the tattoo usually resembles the Japanese ink painting technique sumi-e. Simple and monochromatic. It is what attracts the bamboo lovers usually anyway.

Bamboo in a Rhombus tattoo, design by Mandira

Some designs are more colourful and realistic but in my opinion they luck the spirit of the symbol. This does not mean they are not gorgeous and we always support the choices of the wearer but every flower has it's uniqueness and origin.

Bamboo tree tattoo on the ribs — Bamboo tree tattoo

You can place it in various parts of your body but most commonly on the torso, because many of the rings divided by a tubular stalk of bamboo are intuitively associated with human vertebrae. In any case they also look amazing in feet and arms because of their shape. They also give great freedom to the artist to expand it as much as the body requires in order to have a balance,

embrace the body and play with transparencies. It is a lovely choice for watercolour tattoo fans!

Back colored tattoo, japanese style, yellows and blues, Dragon, bamboos and koi fish — Japanese dragon and Koi fish and bamboo color tattoo

They are often combined in a design with the other oriental symbols like the dragon or the tiger enhancing their meaning of strength and power, usually is Japanese tattoo schools.

Make this tattoo choice if you want something simple and artistic yet deeply meaningful. The bamboo will enhance your strength, resilience, flexibility, acceptance and wisdom. It will remind you that letting go and being empty will give you the energy to accept what life brings to you, learning the lesson and go with the flow.

Don't assume that because this is a zen symbol you have to be a meditator or a Buddhist or a yoga lover to benefit from it's qualities. Every element that nature gives us, it does unconditionally! The qualities of a natural element is for everyone to connect to and enjoy... you may connect to it's beauty, it's straightness , it's grace... Your gut never lies!

Reminder:

Never forget that every tattoo and symbol takes it's meaning from the wearer !!

Check out my tattoo page and message me for a custom design that we co-create with love and enthusiasm! Like my facebook page to stay in touch! About Mandira Antar