What is the significance of the dragon tattoo

Keep reading to learn more about these mythical creatures! Western cultures often attribute dragons to heroes. Popular culture depicts dragons as obstacles that the main protagonist needs to overcome. Dragons are found with elaborate scales and wings and are some of the most iconic creatures in the fantasy world. Popular books like Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings have brought fantasy into mainstream culture, thus popularizing dragons and the mythical world.

In European depictions, dragons are often seen breathing fire , whereas, in Chinese culture, dragons are not commonly represented with fire-breathing qualities.

Dragons are used as symbols that are found extensively throughout prehistoric civilizations in Asia. In China, dragons are at the top of the animal hierarchy and are believed to hold a power over rain and drought. Several mythical stories relating to dragons are tied to deities and demigods, also serving as companions to these heroes and important figures. Dragons were also used as a marker of the Emperor of China, where clothes and objects would be ornately designed and reserved specifically for the Emperor.

These legendary creatures are also central to popular customs like dragon dancing and dragon boat racing. The symbolism of dragon tattoos has always been incredibly rich and complex between different cultures around the world.

Let's take a look into some of the most popular ones:. Chinese conceptions of dragons are often serpent-like and with four legs, rather than the traditionally winged creatures found in Western depictions. In Chinese culture, dragons represent several ideas like strength, power, wisdom, fortune, and protection. These noble creatures are sacred to Chinese history and date back to imperial China, where the dragon was seen as an extension of the emperor.

Dragons in Chinese culture are viewed as guidance and protectors because they are wise and bring good luck. Chinese dragons are always depicted as ascending towards the sky because dragons pointed downwards were seen as a bad omen.

In Greek and Nordic mythological traditions, a dragon symbolizes heroism and masculinity. Dragons were often presented as obstacles for heroes to overcome, signifying bravery, courage, nobility, and power. The elements of this tattoo have a strong link with Asia, especially Japan.

The koi carp is brave, strong and able to face the most difficult situations without any sign of fear. According to Eastern legends, if a koi carp was able to swim upstream and climb the great falls of the Dragon Gate on the Yellow River , it would become a dragon. A tattoo with a dragon and a koi represents perseverance and progress through hard work, since the koi carp becomes powerful only after it has completed its challenge.

The phoenix is a creature that is consumed and magically reborn from its ashes. Its symbolizes rebirth, redemption and the ability to get up when you are at the bottom. A phoenix tattoo can also be tied to a particular event in one's life. It can mean that the person has had a difficult or even tragic experience, but has recovered from it. In this sense, it symbolizes surpassing oneself.

Dragon and phoenix are very complementary animals which is why they are often associated to create unique tattoo designs. The snake embodies good health and is a symbol of regenerative power. It is also seen as a symbol of evil and misfortune in some cultures.

Most tattoos depict dragons and snakes as deadly enemies. On the other hand, dragons are driven by the primary forces of nature and the natural elements. In that sense, dragon and snake tattoos symbolize the conflict between intelligence and intuition, the modern against the traditional and society versus nature. Congrats on making it to the end of this article!

As you can see, the meaning of a dragon tattoo can vary a lot depending on the style and the culture it was inspired of. One thing is certain though: underneath the aesthetics of a dragon tattoo, there is often a deep meaning that tells a part of the life of the person who wears it.

Michael McDaniel September 27, What I got from your article was the concept that they are the essence which includes both light and dark. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Rings Bracelets Necklaces. T-Shirts Hoodies. Incense Burners Wall Art Bedding. Belts Wallets Temporary Tattoos Mugs. Western Dragon Tattoo Meaning In Western traditions, the dragon has the opposite connotation of its Oriental counterpart.

Leave a comment Name. Most read Chinese Dragons What do Dragons eat? People are such big fans that they choose to get the image tattooed on their body. The dragon tattoo is hugely popular not only because looks great on the skin, but also because there are plenty of dragon tattoo meanings to choose from. You can get a dragon tattoo in just about any color and any size, which means that it is one of the more customizable tattoos. They are a fit for any style of tattooing and work on any skin color.

In this post we are going to be talking about the dragon and the meanings behind the dragon tattoos. As we were saying, there are many variations of this tattoo with a multitude of different meanings. By the end of this post, we hope you have a better understanding of what it means to have a dragon tattoo.

This creature has ties with several cultures from European folklore and Middle Eastern mythology to Asian influence. While not everyone will use these more ancient dragon tattoo meanings, some do like the fact that they can attach these stories to the dragon images that they choose to get. In European culture, dragons were seen as creatures of evil that must be slain by a noble knight.

The evil dragons that are seen in current books, TV shows, and movies often get their influence from those classic European tales. Dragon folklore appeared in Jewish and Christian stories as a serpent and they regard killing a dragon as defeating Satan. When someone choose to get a dragon tattoo based on one of those legends, they will either get the exact design from the old books, or they will include one of those famous characters to make it clear which dragon they have.

Of course, someone could also choose to get one of these dragons to show that they are protected from evil. In Asian culture the dragon can symbolize many things including meditation, strength, power, masculinity and the subconscious. You could choose to use just one of them, or you could use multiple meanings if they work with your personality.

For example, if you find meditation to be one of the most important practices in life, then you could get a customized dragon tattoo to express that. If later on you want to use the tattoo to be a symbol of strength, you can do that, too! Dragon tattoos can also represent creation and destruction, master of natural elements, wisdom, prosperity, desire and sexual passion.

Many people feel that they are the types who have a tough time keeping their life intact and will get the dragon tattoo to express that.

Each dragon tattoo meaning tends to vary based upon the incorporating elements in the design. A dragon tattoo in the shape of a cross is going to hold very different meanings than one that has an evil look and is on the attack.