Season two of "The White Lotus" came to an explosive end on Dec. 11, and boy, was it a roller-coaster ride. The popular HBO anthology dramedy follows a group of hyperdysfunctional, privileged guests in the titular luxurious hotel over the course of a week. And while witnessing these vacationers make some questionable choices has been the core appeal of the Emmy-winning show, one of the biggest mysteries of the Sicily-centered sophom*ore season has been the undisclosed identities of the dead bodies discovered by Daphne (Meghann Fahy) at the beginning of the premiere episode.
While we finally know what went down in the finale, the series creator, Mike White, certainly planted some Easter eggs in plain sight throughout the seven episodes to subtly let viewers in on the eventual fates of the characters. You have the legendary tale of the head statues, the various art pieces adorning the interior of the lavish hotel, and, of course, the opening sequence that is undoubtedly riddled with many symbolic references that deftly foreshadow the events of the on-the-edge-of-your-seat finale. One thing in particular, however, caught viewers' eyes: the intentional placement of tattoos on certain actors that further informed their fictional counterpart's motives, actions, and inherent personality traits.
Let's break down the deeper meanings behind each of the "The White Lotus" season two tattoos ahead.
Jack's DCLXVI and Bird Tattoos
Jack, Quentin's supposed nephew, has an air of recklessness about him, so his character, of course, instantly hits it off with Portia. In an interview with Men's Health, Leo Woodall, the actor who plays Jack, told the outlet that his character's tattoo collection was supposed to convey his fun-loving, easy-going attitude in a way that it "screams 'impulsive.'" White and Woodall worked together to decide on the ink pieces Jack would have. "Mike had some ideas of what he wanted — like, he knew he wanted something that creeped onto the neck. So I found "cowabunga," which is his neck tattoo, and that was Mike's favorite one. A mate of mine suggested "live fast die young," which is on my rib. My favorite, which I don't know if people will spot, is "Wendy" on my bum."
However, it seems certain pieces of ink also signify his covert cunning persona. He has the Roman numeral DCLXVI tattooed on his left pectoral muscle, which represents the digit 666, a number biblically associated with the Antichrist, or the devil's number. As we now know, Jack was in cahoots with Quentin and his entourage, who were potentially planning on killing Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) on her husband Greg's order. Jack also has a swallow-bird tattoo right below his right clavicle, which often symbolizes freedom and overcoming hardship in life. It's possible this design is a nod to Quentin, who once helped Jack "out of a f*cking hole," which is perhaps why he assists them in getting away with their dirty work by keeping Portia, Tanya's assistant, away from her during their trip to Palermo.
Lucia's Pepper Tattoo
Lucia (Simona Tabasco) has a red-pepper symbol tattooed on the side of her forearm, near her right wrist. As one Reddit user theorized, the design resembles a cornicello (an Italian horn), widely considered a harbinger of good luck. Considering how her character's fate turned out, one might presume the ink was subtly nodding to how she would eventually use her wits on Albie (Adam DiMarco) and get him to send her 50K euros by making him believe that she's in fatal danger. This also echoes the statement she makes to Mia in episode six – "This is a lucky week for us. I feel it."
Cameron's Bird Tattoo
Cameron appears to have a bird tattoo located on his left calf, which, as many fans pointed out on social media, eerily resembles the bird that appeared right next to Aubrey Plaza's name in the opening credits.
While Cameron and Harper (Plaza) seem to hate each other's guts at the beginning of the series, we see Cameron make sexual advances toward Harper on several occasions, which ultimately results in a kiss, as per Harper's account of the incident. Though it initially seems like a figment of Ethan's imagination, Harper later admits to kissing Cameron, which she chalks up to her drunken state. However, during their hookup scene (that plays out entirely in a paranoid Ethan's imagination), Cameron's bird tattoo is prominently on display — leading many to think it was the show's way of letting viewers silently know (before Harper's eventual confession in episode seven) that this encounter did indeed occur in reality.
FAQs
Lotus flowers symbolize spirituality, rebirth, and inner peace.
What do Jack's tattoos mean in White Lotus? ›
In an interview with Men's Health, Leo Woodall, the actor who plays Jack, told the outlet that his character's tattoo collection was supposed to convey his fun-loving, easy-going attitude in a way that it "screams 'impulsive. '" White and Woodall worked together to decide on the ink pieces Jack would have.
What do lotus tattoos symbolize? ›
Lotus flower tattoos represent resilience, rebirth, and beauty in the face of adversity. Lotuses symbolize purity, spiritual awakening, and the path to enlightenment, and they're sacred symbols in Buddhism and Hinduism. They can also represent open-heartedness and love, as well as transformation and rebirth.
Does Leo Woodall have tattoos? ›
"I say it was accidental that I had my 'cowabunga' tattoo on my neck," Woodall said on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna Feb. 13.
What does the lotus fine line tattoo mean? ›
While the exact meaning varies between cultures, it generally symbolizes beauty, purity, rebirth, and spiritual awakening. It's peaceful and calm, and it helps that lotus flowers are also aesthetically pleasing. In short, it's perfect for those looking to find peace in their ink.
What is the deeper meaning of The White Lotus? ›
The white lotus flower is known to symbolize Bodhi (being awakened), and represents a state of mental purity, and that of spiritual perfection; it is also associated with the pacification of one's nature. This lotus is considered to be the womb of the world.
Is Jack actually his nephew White Lotus? ›
As the viewer, we've already cottoned on to the fact Jack is in fact not nephew to his rich “uncle” Quentin, and as discovered by Tanya's nocturnal wanderings, is likely to be a sex worker employed by him.
Are Jack and Quentin related? ›
Jack is initially introduced as Quentin's nephew, and he catches the attention of Portia, who later meets and bonds with him at the resort's pool.
Why did Jack get the tattoo lost? ›
Although Jack had tattoos on his arm the entire series, their origin had never been explained. Matthew Fox received the tattoos before Lost was even created. The producers considered putting make-up over them, but instead, decided just to keep them and fit it in with the plot.
What do the dots mean on a lotus tattoo? ›
The spiral and loop starting at the bottom is life's beginning; Birth. It's followed by mistakes and lessons made throughout life to reach Nirvana. The stem is Nirvana, which is the release from the cycle of rebirth. 3 dots which represents enlightenment.
The lotus is referenced in ancient Chinese and Indian texts that date back to 1000 BCE. Additionally, it is most widely associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. The petals represent the five Buddhas of Wisdom, and the center symbolizes both the heart chakra and enlightenment.
What does a dragonfly tattoo mean? ›
Dragonflies are one of the world's fastest flying insects and they represent positive energy, grace, peace, prosperity, maturity, purity, harmony, freedom, changes, adaptation, and patience. Because of these different meanings, people choose to get dragonfly tattoos.
What does the neck tattoo say in White Lotus? ›
So I found "cowabunga," which is his neck tattoo, and that was Mike's favorite one. A mate of mine suggested "live fast die young," which is on my rib.
What is Jack's accent in White Lotus? ›
He does, after all, speak in a co*ckney accent, while his “uncle” is frightfully posh. Earlier in the episode, Jack is shown being unable to pay when he and Portia go out for dinner, despite his own family's apparent wealth.
Who is the Essex boy in The White Lotus? ›
It's been a long time since the nation was enraptured by an Essex boy. The sheen of Love Island has completely tarnished and The Only Way Is Essex feels like a distant fever dream.
What does The White Lotus avatar symbol mean? ›
"The White Lotus has always been about philosophy and beauty and truth. The Order of the White Lotus, also known simply as the White Lotus, is an ancient and formerly secret society that transcends the boundaries of the four nations, seeking philosophy, beauty, and truth.
What does white lotus mean in slang? ›
A "white lotus" means a character who comes off as too naive, trusting and gullible, to the point people find it annoying. On the other hand, a "black lotus" or "fake white lotus" means a character who fakes innocence and kindness while in reality they are cruel and mean.
What does The White Lotus statue mean? ›
What Is the Meaning of the Head Statues in "White Lotus"? Based on Rocco's explanation, it seems the heads are a reminder of the secrets that can be kept between couples and the way they turn into poison — and even violence.
What is the significance of the lotus symbol? ›
In Hinduism, the lotus represents spiritual enlightenment, beauty, fertility, purity, prosperity and eternity. It is said that there's a lotus flower in every Hindu's heart, and that when this lotus blooms, the person achieves enlightenment. The lotus is also an important symbol in the Hindu tantric tradition.
