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The Vine Tattoo Meaning and 120 Tattoo Ideas to Wind Your Mind Around

by Sherri Owens

Vine tattoos can symbolize anything from interconnectedness, life, and development to a whimsical relationship with the natural world.

I have recently been asked to design more vine tattoos and I just had to figure out why this design was becoming so popular. While my clients gave me half the story, my research uncovered the hidden symbolism of the designs.

In this post, I will discuss the vine tattoo meaning and give you gorgeous ideas for each.

What Do Vines Symbolize?

Due to their presence and prevalence throughout the world, there are numerous deep symbolic meanings for vines.

Vine Tattoos and Interconnections

There are some concepts and meanings that are similar to one another. For instance, due to the vine's natural structure, the vine and vine tattoo is associated with interconnectedness.

It is often difficult to know where one vine begins and the other one ends. This is much like a family or a community. The deeper meaning here is also that people rely on one another if they are to survive and thrive.

Bold Black Line Vine Tattoo on Shoulder to Back

Image by @frontstreettattoorb via Instagram

The Vine Tattoo and the Depiction of Survival

Speaking of which, the ancient Celts have symbolic history with the vine too. They gave meaning to the vine due to its growing patterns. Vines tend to be opportunistic in how they grow. They take hold wherever they can, forever seeking more space even in areas that other people would consider uninhabitable.

Beautiful Leg of Vines Tattoo

Image by @missdee_tattoo via Instagram

The meaning can be about taking your circumstances in your stride. You can't always control your situation but you can control your reaction to it. As long as you focus on making the best of the opportunities provided to you,

The vines and vine tattoo can also be an indicator to adapt to your surroundings. If you look for ways to thrive in your environment, you can often find them.

Now, many vines have curling ends. The spiral has a great deal of meaning for the Celts. It symbolizes continuous growth and development. They also believe that it has to do with the human consciousness.

The vine and vine tattoo could also be a reminder to spread your tendrils as far as they can reach. If you are constantly try to grow and improve yourself, there may not be any limits.

Even if there is, at the end of your journey, you will be in a far better place than where you began. Your vine tattoo could be a symbol of the potential inside that is just waiting to be unlocked.

Vine Tattoos and the Link to the Continuation of Life

The Ancient Sumerians had a different take on the symbolic meaning of vines. It is linked to immortality. Keep in mind that with many fruit bearing vines, picking the fruit doesn't damage the vine. Instead, it can continuously produce fruit afterwards.

It is also due to this that vines are associated with life, growth, and development. It can be a symbol that the main parts of you continue to change and develop, giving birth to different results and fruits each time.

The meaning isn't just because of the vine itself, but also what it produced - grapes and wine. Back in those days, wine was an important resource.

This is because for many people, it was safer to drink wine than water. People didn't realize that you needed to boil water to make it safe back then. So, people used to often get ill drinking contaminated water.

As wine was fermented, it was the preferred option.

The Roman and Greek Meanings Behind Vine Tattoos

Ancient Roman and Greek culture have their own meaning attached to the vine.

According to Roman legend, Bacchus found an unusual plant in the ground as he was making an important journey. He pulled it out from the ground and placed it in a hollow bird bone. It grew from here quickly, requiring a larger space.

Bacchus then placed the vine in a lion's skull bone. Once again, the vine grew out of it quickly. Finally, Bacchus placed the vine in a donkey bone. Eventually, it gave way to fruit from which wine was made.

Grapevine Shoulder Tattoo Piece

Image by @tracey.rox.tattoos via Instagram

Bacchus is the Roman god of wine and good times. As he tells it, when men drink a little, they are as happy and free as birds. Drink more and they become as brave as lions, seeking out trouble. Drink significantly more and they become donkeys. making very stupid decisions.

So, if you would like to remind yourself that all things in life should be enjoyed in moderation, then this is certainly a good tattoo to get.

Then, there is the story of Ampelos and Dionysus. Dionysus is the Greek version of Bacchus. He, too, is in charge of revelry and drink.

As the story goes, Ampelos was a favored lover of Dionysus. One day, the young man was gored by a bull and died. Dionysus grew vines from the place that he was slain.

In this sense, the vines can be a reminder of something that you have loved and lost. Or, it can remind you of a loss in general.

At the same time, the vine tattoo can help you to remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Something positive can come out of grief as well - wine from the grapevine.

What Do Vines Symbolize in Art?

More often than not, vines in the artwork are a sign of deities. In Ancient Greek and Roman art, the vines were meant to commemorate Bacchus and Dionysus. In drinking the libations produced by the vines, the people were celebrating these gods.

In Christianity, the vine can be used as a symbol of Christ. This is because He once said, "I am the vine". In other religious pieces, the vine imagery is used to depict the blood of Christ - an alternative to the wine. In this instance, it is a sacred symbol.

The Best Vine Tattoo Designs

If you are looking for beautiful and meaningful vine tattoos, here are the categories and ideas you should consider:

Simple Vine Tattoos

One of the benefits of vine tattoos is that most vine tattoo ideas are quite simple. The very design of the vines allows for this. Therefore, you can still get a minimalistic vine tattoo and be comforted by the fact that there is still an enormous amount of meaning in your vine tattoos.

Simple Fineline Leaves Tattoo on the Hip

Image by @artofhaliepowers via Instagram

Black and Grey Floral Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @hometowntattoos73 via Instagram

Black Leaves Finger Tattoo

Image by @kristinevodon via Instagram

Simple Vine Tattoo Piece

Image by @bugpin.bunny via Instagram

Simple Line Work Leg Vine Tattoo

Image by @imjameskeller via Instagram

Freehand Lil Vine Tattoo

Image by @mccoy.tattoo via Instagram

Vine Tattoo on Arm

Image by @vvstattoo via Instagram

Black Simple Vine Tattoo on Hands

Image by @missjetink and talksweetstudio via Instagram

Collarbone Vine Tattoo Piece

Image by @twiggy.tattoo via Instagram

Black and Grey Vine Tattoo on Arms

Image by @beckz_m via Instagram

Black Leaves Chest Tattoo Piece

Image by @southindyink via Instagram

Black and Grey Shoulder Vine Tattoo

Image by @truetattoolondon via Instagram

Crescent Vine Moth Tattoo

Image by @tattootherapybytessa via Instagram

Little Ankle Vine Tattoo

Image by @bloodlustxtattoo via Instagram

Delicate Little Vine Ear Tattoo

Image by @becca_tattoo via Instagram

Black Palm Vine Tattoo Piece

Image by @tattoosbykota via Instagram

Angel Number and Vine Tattoo

Image by @thebrowbrat_does_tinytats via Instagram

Freehand Leafy Vine Tattoo

Image by @elisekatherineink via Instagram

Black and Grey Leafy Vine Chest Tattoo

Image by @abidal_tattoo via Instagram

Bamboo Leaves Forearm Tattoo

Image by @jessieke_ via Instagram

Morning Glory Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @tee___tatt___too via Instagram

Wrapping Vine Wrist Tattoo

Image by @ink.dust via Instagram

Leaves Vine Tattoo Piece Along the Spine

Image by @meganboyletattoo via Instagram

Black and Grey Leaves Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @staceymactattoos via Instagram

Leafy Vines Forearm Tattoo

Image by @ola.tattoos via Instagram

Fern Leaves Back Tattoo Piece

Image by @amber_ink_ via Instagram

Fineline Vine Tattoo Piece

Image by @newyorktattoocollective via Instagram

Vine finger tattoo

Image by @louizamariedesigns via Instagram

Fine Line Vine Rib Tattoo

Image by @joyofinktattoos via Instagram

Greyscale Leafy Vine Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @sono.tattoo via Instagram

Black Leaves and Vines Forearm Tattoo

Image by @dixiebluetattoo via Instagram

Sun and Leafy Vine Tattoo Piece

Image by @totallytemporary via Instagram

Wrapping Leaves and Vines Armband Tattoo

Image by @ktj.ink via Instagram

Tiny Leaves Vine Ear Tattoo

Image by @rudestudios via Instagram

Wraparound Vine Tattoos

The wraparound nature of these vine tattoos add entirely new vine tattoo meanings to your ink. The swirling vine imagery is quite sensual which is why this kind of vine tattoo tends to be a traditionally feminine image.

If you have a girly personal style and want your vine tattoo design to embody this as well as meaning, then this is a great design to go with. To add to the vine tattoo meaning twining, there is also something wild and untethered about these designs.

So, if you want something a bit mysterious, these are the vine tattoo variations to go with. Here are the vine tattoos that you can draw inspiration from:

Floral Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @inlayerink via Instagram

Black and Grey Leaves Vine Wraparound Tattoo

Image by @elisekatherineink via Instagram

Leafy Vine Tattoo on Shoulder to Arm

Image by @tattoo.ate.9 via Instagram

Leafy Vine Wrap Tattoo on Arms

Image by @philakintattoos via Instagram

Dainty Freehand Vine Wrap Tattoo

Image by @somberallure via Instagram

Petite Thumb Vine Tattoo

Image by @czack_tattoo via Instagram

Leafy Vine Wrap Tattoo Around Forearm

Image by @kianahopetattoo via Instagram

Leafy Vine Wraparound Wrist Tattoo

Image by @ianadams420_ink via Instagram

Floral Wraparound Forearm Tattoo Piece

Image by @morika.ink via Instagram

Wrapping Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @sevensaintstattoo via Instagram

Wrist Wraparound Vine Tattoo Piece

Image by @madisonpaigedavenport via Instagram

Leaves Vine Wrap Tattoo

Image by @zuquink and archangeltattoostudio via Instagram

Olive Branch Wrist Wrap Tattoo

Image by @livi_ink via Instagram

Shoulder Wrap Vine Tattoo

Image by @caseykirschtats via Instagram

Freehand Vines Tattoo Piece

Image by @frankiedanbytattoos via Instagram

Plant Vine Finger Wrap Tattoo

Image by @peripeteiah via Instagram

Black Leaves Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @wonderlandtattoonc via Instagram

Vine Anklet Tattoo

Image by @madisonpaigedavenport via Instagram

Vine Shoulder Wrap Tattoo

Image by @nineroundliner via Instagram

Little Dainty Shoulder Vine Tattoo

Image by @notacooltattoo.carmen via Instagram

Wraparound Leafy Arm Vine Tattoo

Image by @anna.corbett.art via Instagram

Black and Grey Leaf Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @quin10tattoos via Instagram

Wraparound Vine Tattoo on Legs

Image by @inkedbydane via Instagram

Greyscale Leaf Wraparound Vine Tattoo

Image by @artbyjessehill via Instagram

Greyscale Vine Leaves Shoulder Wraparound Tattoo

Image by @memeskulls via Instagram

Black Leaves Vine and Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @eddiemacintoshtattoos via Instagram

Arm Vine Wraparound Tattoo Piece

Image by @shane_varner via Instagram

Leaf Vine Leg Wrap Tattoo

Image by @miabarix_tattoo via Instagram

Leaves Vine Around the Arm Tattoo

Image by @sleepy_poppy_tattoos via Instagram

Forearm Vine Wrap Tattoo

Image by @gracedoestattoos via Instagram

Fine Line Vine Arm Wrap Tattoo

Image by @sakira.sky.tattoo via Instagram

Fine Line Vines and Text Tattoo

Image by @jbrown_tattoo via Instagram

Leaves Vine Arm Wraparound Tattoo

Image by @blacksheepgalleryandtattoos via Instagram

Vine Wrap Forearm Tattoo

Image by @glennkestelltattoo via Instagram

Vine Arm Cuff Tattoo Piece

Image by @averyrosetattoos_ and blackamethysttattooco via Instagram

Viney Wraparound Forearm Tattoo

Image by @kurtchicagocustomtattoo via Instagram

Shaded Vine Leaves Hands Wraparound Tattoo

Image by @cathiscosmos via Instagram

Anklet Vine Wrap Tattoo

Image by @littleferntattoo via Instagram

Arm Wrapping Vine Tattoo Art

Image by @gracedoestattoos via Instagram

Bold Black Leaves Vine Wraparound Tattoo

Image by @tylerbudimlija via Instagram

Pothos Plant Leg Vine Tattoo

Image by @fallen.arts via Instagram

Neck to Arms Vine Wrap Tattoo

Image by @isabella.inks via Instagram

Delicate Lines and Shade Vine Wrap Tattoo

Image by @megancelledge via Instagram

Black Vine Wrist Wrap Tattoo

Image by @govel.ink via Instagram

Finger Vines Wraparound Tattoo

Image by @nancyrose.art via Instagram

Colorful Vine Tattoos

As you may have noticed, most vine tattoo designs are in grey and black ink. This can add to the meaning of the vine tattoos. After all, keeping the vines can help you to focus on the driven and ambitious nature of these vine tattoos.

However, if you want forest iconography or natural forest motif, you may want to consider a colorful vine tattoo design. The vibrant green leaves bring life and realism to the vine tattoos.

What's more, this forest like imagery with tree branches and detailed leaves is a great way to add even more significance to your tattoo. This is because the nature theme vines seem more primal and free.

If you think of yourself as a free spirit or don't enjoy being tied down, this is a great option for tattoo enthusiasts like yourself.

Keep in mind that you will need the right tattoo artist on board to help you create the right look. Take a look at these stunning vine tattoos.

All Green Wraparound Vine Tattoo Piece

Image by @ash_shumaker via Instagram

Green Vine Ankle Wraparound Tattoo Piece

Image by @derekgarciafx via Instagram

Green Leaves Wrist Tattoo

Image by @a_blasphamy via Instagram

Ladybug and Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @jktat2 via Instagram

Green Climbing Fig Vine Back Tattoo

Image by @dreadarlingtattoo via Instagram

Green Leaf Wraparound Tattoo

Image by @mr.inkwells via Instagram

Green and Yellow Leafy Vine Tattoo on Legs

Image by @tattoosbyandrewsussman via Instagram

Floral Vine Tattoos

Most vine tattoos boast a plant figure with just leaves or curling tendrils. They may feature certain fruits like grapes.

However, if you think this is too plain or old fashioned, you can put a new twist on it with a flower vine tattoo. What makes such vine tattoos even cooler is the fact that they can impart their own meaning.

For instance, if you want to get a rose vine tattoo, know that the rose represents femininity, beauty, and youth. So, you can get a flower that is perfectly aligned to your vision of what you want your vine tattoo to mean.

Here are the vine tattoos that you have got to see.

Floral Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @goolsbytattoo via Instagram

Flowers Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @khaiitatt via Instagram

Floral Wraparound Tattoo Piece

Image by @silent__wulf via Instagram

Leaves and Flowers Vine Leg Tattoo

Image by @inkontattoo95 via Instagram

Leaves and Tiny Flowers Vine Tattoo

Image by @sheacline.art via Instagram

Creeping Vine Leg Tattoo

Image by @noelle_adrienne via Instagram

Floral Vine Back Piece Tattoo

Image by @paintedsoularts via Instagram

Flowers and Leaves Vine Forearm Tattoo

Image by @yzaguirretattoos via Instagram

Black and Grey Floral Vine Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbypri via Instagram

Leaf and Flowers Vine Arm Tattoo

Image by @elune_adore_ via Instagram

Grey Leaves Foliage Forearm Tattoo

Image by @jamrosetattoos and theoraclestudios via Instagram

Floral Wrist Vine Wrap Tattoo

Image by @browlouiejenn via Instagram

Flowy Vine Spine Piece Tattoo

Image by @somberallure via Instagram

Rose Vine Ankle Cuffs Tattoo

Image by @the_slim_reaper_tattoo via Instagram

Flowers and Butterfly Wrist Vine Tattoo

Image by @rach.h.tattoos via Instagram

Leaves and Florals Vine Spine Tattoo

Image by @mkirkuptattoo via Instagram

Wisteria Flower Vine Arm Tattoo

Image by @tattoo.ate.9 via Instagram

Mexican Flame Vine Tattoo

Image by @abigaelstattoos via Instagram

Flowers and Leaves Vine Arm Wrap Tattoo

Image by @wtc13 via Instagram

Greyscale Flowers and Leaves Vine Spine Tattoo

Image by @apolvitattoos via Instagram

Dragon Vine Arm Tattoo

Image by @flow_tattoo_toronto via Instagram

Leaves and Flowers Vine Tattoo On Shoulders

Image by @staysonyamind via Instagram

Florals Vine Arm Tattoo

Image by @shane_varner via Instagram

Vines Forearm Tattoo Piece

Image by @heidikayetattoo via Instagram

Floral Vine Arm Wrap Tattoo

Image by @dontsleepvincci via Instagram

Tiny Roses Vine Ankle Tattoo

Image by @just_jess_tattoo via Instagram

Wild Flower Vines Forearm Tattoo

Image by @ironxwielder via Instagram

Soft Rib Floral Vine Tattoo

Image by @beckz_m via Instagram

Floral and Leaves Vine Wrap Tattoo Piece

Image by @controlledabrasions via Instagram

Ankle Vine Wrap Tattoo

Image by @akd_tattoos via Instagram

Fine Line Vine Spine Tattoo

Image by @jose_g_p via Instagram

Vine Wrist Tattoo with Violets

Image by @danielsosotattoos via Instagram

Traditional Vine Tattoos

I actually love this concept for vine tattoos. Here, the tattoo artist applies the traditional style of tattooing to the curving lines of the tattoo.

This style of tattooing utilizes bold lines and colors. However, you can also find a touch of macabre with these vine tattoos. So, if you are hoping to do something a little different, this is a technique you should consider.

Here are the vine tattoos that can give you a few ideas:

Strawberry Vine Tattoo

Image by @will_allan_tattoos via Instagram

Pothos Plant Arm Tattoo

Image by @alyssadaytattoos via Instagram

There are numerous meanings for vine tattoos. Now that you are aware of the significance of each design, making your decision just became a lot easier.

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