Women in search of the perfect tattoo have millions of designs to choose from, including the distinctive cherry blossom. But the task can often be overwhelming. Many women don't want anything too "girly" or ultra-feminine, but at the same time don't want something that's too strong or brash for their personalities. There's also the added danger of getting anything that's too generic or overused.

In reality, the cherry blossom tattoo is the best of both world's a perfect balance of strength and femininity. Because the varieties and styles of this tattoo are nearly as numerous as tattoo artists themselves, it's important to keep some specific things in mind. Since a tattoo will last for the rest of your life, you don't want to make the mistake of deciding on something that you may change your mind about a few years down the road.

A lot of people don't realize that the decision of choosing the appropriate tattooist can be just as important as choosing the tattoo itself. Asian artwork is notoriously intricate and complicated, so it's vital that the artist has a lot of experience with this style of design. Ask to see the portfolios of the tattooists you encounter. Make sure the person you choose has adequate or (preferably) vast experience with the cherry blossom tattoo. It helps if he or she understands the cultural and iconic background of this symbol as well. Its meaning can shine through in the most unexpected of ways.

The Japanese use the cherry blossom as a symbol to demonstrate how fleeting life is. This interpretation can be double-edged can carries two meanings. Although the idea that life is ethereal and transient can bring sorrow, it can also encapsulate the idea that "This too shall pass." In other words, no hardship that we encounter in life will last forever. Just as our joys can be temporary, so too can our sorrows be impermanent. We must learn to be grateful for both.

For the Chinese, the cherry blossom can be perceived as an enduring symbol of strength and love. The undeniable nature of feminine potential and independence is exemplified in this seemingly fragile flower. It is also a reminder that power can be found in the most unlikely of places, and that people should never underestimate the subversive strength of pure love.

Taken together, these meanings can combine and intermingle to create a symbol that is as much for you as it is for those who see it. It would be difficult to find a design with the same broad variety of equally significant interpretations. You might find that the timeless, classic nature of a cherry blossom tattoo is what you've been searching for all along.