Cherry Blossom Tattoo- More often than not, when cherry blossoms appear in tattoo artwork, they do not appear alone. Sometimes a shame because the delicate and subtle beauty of these small blossoms is easily overwhelmed by other imagery.  Even so, the centuries old Japanese tattoo tradition from which they spring,  has essentially formalized their use in that way.  Their powerful symbolism has taken on a life of its own, For Japanese imagery, the beautiful period of its flowering and then the all too soon fading and subsequent scattering of petals on the wind, they symbolize life itself.  The fragility of the cherry blossom is the fragility of human existence, its brief period of life, like our own; its movement toward death, indifferent to the good things of this world, is the ideal death for a warrior; and finally, its individual and perfect beauty is also ours. Poignant for some but hopeful for others, the symbolism of this staple in tattoo artwork seems almost more than one flower could bear. However it does shoulder the burden perfectly.  Cherry Blossoms are held in high regard here in Japan, emblematic of life’s fleeting nature they represent mortality, love, magnificent beauty and sudden death.  It is regarded by all as a good omen. Sakura viewing, or hanami, is a national event. people of all walks of life gather under the trees in bloom to picnic, drink sake, karaoke and welcome spring.