Issue 01

The Peony

At first glance in the Japanese Tattoo tradition, the peony flower is regarded as a symbol of wealth good fortune and prosperity. In both Chinese and Japanese culture, the peony is regarded as the “king of flowers”.

 In Japanese wabori (traditional tattoo symbolism), peonies are the favoured design of gamblers and risk takers. The flower represents a “Devil-May-Care” attitude; throwing caution to the wind. In some ways, the peony may be the Japanese equivalent of the fineline “Laugh Now, Cry Later” tattoo motif. 

Peonies are also often left at funerals of those that that have passes, so in Japanese underworld circles, peonies could be tattooed on individuals that may not expect a proper burial, or expect not be visited by loved ones after their death. 

In Europe there is a long-standing history of the medicinal and healing powers of the peony. The English word peony is named after the Greek god of healing and light, Paeon. In Greek mythology, the god Paeon used the roots of this flower to heal the wounds of Hercules. The flower has been called a “rose without thorns” and has also been used to refer to the Virgin Mary. In this sense, the peony is associated with dignity and honour, with the wood being used in European folk medicine to create amulets to keep evil spirits at bay. 

Is a peony flower the right tattoo for you?