While some of us draw tattoos simply because they look nice, others have more in-depth connections with these body prints. Getting a carnation tattoo often shows some level of intimacy that suggests an affection or liking for someone or something. The fantastic carnation flower tattoo doesn’t just look great on the skin but also has a popular symbolism.
However, getting a tattoo has been a controversial topic among various social classes. Antagonists believe that these skin marks are a form of taboo associated with a distasteful body modification. But it’s safe to say that these opinions are subjective as others find tattoos as a form of self-expression.
The Carnation flower tattoo isn’t any different. In the rest of this article, we shall understand the meaning and essence of this type of tattoo, helping better determine its relevance and see why it’s commonly favored.
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What do Carnation Tattoos Symbolize?
The term carnation refers to a moderate red plant of the numerous cultivated and typically double-flowered varieties of an Old World pink. That’s why the carnation tattoo design resembles a pink or red rose flower that usually symbolizes love.
Of course, the rose flower tattoo is more popular in the love description. Still, we prefer a carnation flower tattoo because it gives a unique appearance while also describing the classic love meaning. This tattoo has different designs which can represent a particular meaning that we choose to make of it.
However, the common meanings often surround passion, fidelity, and even religion. Carnation tattoo designs also exist in various colors that usually demonstrate the symbolism more clearly.
Color Variations and Meanings in Carnation Tattoos
We believe that different colors suit different objects or emotions, so you can have a carnation tattoo that’s not necessarily in the popular pink color. When you can relate a color to a specific feeling, the association gives you a better understanding of people’s emotions.
The distinct nature of colors in carnation tattoos ranges from psychological effects to cultural significance. Some of these pigments perfectly describe how we feel as they exist naturally around us in various forms. Red, for example, can represent a flaming object that suggests burning passion.
So, as you get a simple carnation tattoo, it tells of a more sophisticated meaning when you select a rather unusual color for the plant design. Without further ado, let’s look at some common/uncommon colors used for this type of tattoo.
- Red/Pink carnation tattoo
The red color typically signifies a form of intense emotion connected with desire, passion, and love. It has a very visible quality compared to the others, so it’s easy to catch one’s attention. Overall, the red carnation tattoo describes courage.
A pink carnation tattoo, on a similar level, is used to represent romance, sensitivity, and tenderness. Applying the color to a carnation flower suggests a cute, sweet, or charming quality.
- Blue carnation tattoo
When it comes to demonstrating some sort of calmness and relaxation, the blue carnation flower plays an appropriate role. This color reveals intelligence, responsibility, and discipline. Its commonest variations, light blue and dark blue, can represent peace and power, respectively.

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- Purple carnation tattoo
A purple-colored carnation tattoo gives a mixed emotion or representation of the red and blue colors. The pigment incorporates passion and energy together with calmness and serenity.
Purple carnations can also suggest royalty and luxury. In religion and spirituality, color holds special meanings present in Catholicism, Judaism, and Buddhism.

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- Black carnation tattoo
Although the color black itself often has negative connotations, the association with a carnation tattoo tends to demonstrate boldness and elegance. Some may deliberately use this color to give off a mysterious or intimidating quality.

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- White carnation tattoo
Known as a rather neutral color, white carnation tattoos describe purity and innocence. They can also give a subtle, non-descriptive representation. The tattoo’s color may represent grief as well.

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- Yellow carnation tattoo
Yellow denotes the sunlight color, which typically expresses brightness. However, the carnation tattoo of this pigment may represent neglect or refusal that hints at disregard. It can also indicate caution.

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Some Amazing Carnation Flower Tattoo Ideas
It’s probably apparent to you why a carnation flower tattoo is and will continue to remain a popular design. It looks fantastic and has special meanings that accompany the different colors.
One thing is to know what emotional connection or particular meaning you’ll like to imprint, and the other aspect is to determine the right art that suits you perfectly. So, here are some cool carnation tattoo ideas that might come in handy before you visit the tattoo shop.
Small Carnation Tattoos [Minimalist]

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Simple Carnation Tattoo

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Carnation Tattoo with Name

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Pink Carnation Tattoos

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Red Carnation Tattoo

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Outline Carnation Tattoo

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Carnation Tattoos for Men

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Carnation and Butterfly Tattoo

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Carnation and Snowdrop Tattoo

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Carnation and Daffodil Tattoo with Butterflies

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Watercolor Carnation Tattoo

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Carnation Flower Tattoos

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Carnation Flower Tattoo with Snake

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Carnation Tattoo Designs

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Conclusion
The carnation flower tattoo has various meanings that rely on the design and color you choose. Essentially, the tattoo can depict different feelings while giving an aesthetic quality. There are also traditional and cultural interpretations of carnation tattoos, making them a typical floral design with significant representation.
Many of these representations indicate positivity with meanings that tend to demonstrate more affection than confliction. Hence, our awareness of the various styles aids one’s understanding better in determining whether this type of tattoo is used to pass an emotion or instigation.