Vine symbolism revolves around the natural aspects of any vine-like plant, one of vibrant life and growth. In both Old and New Testaments, the vine is much like the “tree of life” in the sense that it brings life and has even been used to represent the person who is heaven sent. Even as early as the ancient Sumerians the written sign for ‘life’ was typically a vine-leaf.

This tattoo uses a scrolled vine as a backdrop, framing and contrasting with the central sun image. However, the sun itself is also given a floral treatment, it’s “petals” or rays, blown in the wind and turning over to show the yellow color of their underside.

Floral sun tattoo by Greg James.

Countless religions and cultures have used the symbolism of the sun, the dominant and supreme heavenly body in our sky. As it destroys the darkness and ushers in the new day, without fail, it has always been associated with not only light and energy but also life and life-giving force.

The essence of any solar design is a circle, or solar disk, many times surrounded by rays of light. Solar deities and solar cults have used this symbolism in virtually all parts of the globe and in all time periods and it universally is associated with the highest and best in any situation.

The central, glowing, yellow orb that is the center of the orange/red flower makes use of the natural and warm sun colors and suggests a source of light as well.

In fact, each of the elements in this tattoo design re-inforce the themes of life, light, and energy.