Vines have long been featured in tattoos, twined along with grapes, flowers and other symbols. Vines are favourites for tattoo artists given that they can bend and drape around almost any body part.
Of course the vine is closely associated with the grape, which was of course appreciated for its intoxicating qualities. While a grape vine stood for joy, fun and liberation Ivy stood for intellectual achievement.
The Celts believed that Ivy was a symbol of determination, death and spiritual growth. If it was shown growing around the trunk of a tree it meant rebirth, joy and exhilaration. The Druids appreciate the strength of Ivy, which could wrap around the mightiest oak and kill it.
Christians thought that growing Ivy was a symbol of the resurrection, and often lovers took Ivy as a sign of fidelity.
