Known as Lichtenberg figures or lightning flowers, “they are thought to be caused by the rupture of small capillaries under the skin due to the passage of the lightning current or the shock wave from the lightning discharge as it flashes over the skin.”

Apparently, the Lichtenberg figure’s fern-like patterns can last for a few hours or up to a couple days.

I like what Redditor sleepyworm has to say about ‘em:

girl: “I like your tattoo.”
guy: “Actually that’s a scar from when I was hit by lightning.”
girl: removes clothes

Via reddit