Dragon Tattoo Meaning & Types Explained
The dragon tattoo is one of the most popular and thought-provoking tattoo designs seen around the world. Dragon tattoos have been around for hundreds of years in some cultures. It’s no wonder that tattoo artists and canvases alike have been impressed with the variety of dragon tattoo designs, with styles evolving as the years go on.
Dragon Tattoo Meaning
This mesmerising tattoo style means something different depending on your culture. In China, Japan and Vietnam in particular, dragons have a rich history, making them highly regarded mythical creatures. Often representing wisdom, freedom, and strength, an Eastern-style dragon tattoo is a symbol of power. In contrast, in Europe, dragons were considered evil creatures to be slain. The meaning of the dragon tattoo will vary depending on who you are and where you’re from.
Types Of Dragon Tattoos
Dragon tattoo meaning has evolved over the years. The true meaning of your tattoo will depend on the type of dragon you choose, including its history, meaning and symbolism.
Japanese Dragon Tattoos
The meaning behind Japanese dragon tattoos is a lot more positive than its Chinese counterpart. This highly regarded symbol in Japanese tattoos is believed to protect and watch over families and homes. Japanese dragons are also known to bring happiness, freedom, and good luck to the people of Japan.
As a highly regarded mythical creature, the Japanese dragon is a cultural icon that is often depicted in the water, adding a unique spin on typical dragon tattoo designs.
Chinese Dragon Tattoos
The Chinese dragon is both a positive and negative symbol in Chinese culture.
This dragon tattoo design simultaneously represents power and fear, two conflicting, yet strong emotions. In greater contrast, the Chinese dragon can also represent wisdom and good luck, showing the many complexities of the Chinese dragon tattoo’s meaning.
This style of dragon tattoo is often drawn in a snake-like fashion with small legs rather than as a large, winged creature. When positioning the Chinese dragon tattoos on your body, make sure it’s pointed upwards towards the sky or it’s considered a bad omen.
Red Dragon Tattoos
Red dragon tattoos symbolize power, passion, and good fortune. In many cultures, they’re seen as protectors and bringers of prosperity.
Dragon Tattoos For Men
Dragon tattoos for men often emphasize strength, courage, and leadership. They represent a man’s ambition and determination to overcome challenges.
Woman Dragon Tattoos
Dragon tattoos for women can symbolize grace, wisdom, and independence. They represent a woman’s inner strength and connection to her intuition.
Dragon Koi Tattoos
Dragon and koi tattoos together represent transformation and perseverance. The koi fish swimming upstream to become a dragon embodies the journey towards achieving one’s goals.
Blue Dragon Tattoos
Blue dragon tattoos are associated with healing, peace, and forgiveness. They can represent a connection to the spiritual realm and a desire for inner tranquillity.
Black Dragon Tattoos
Black dragon tattoos symbolize wisdom, knowledge, and the mysteries of the unknown. They can represent a connection to one’s ancestors or a desire for self-discovery.
Dragon & Tiger Tattoos
Dragon and tiger tattoos represent the balance of opposing forces, yin and yang. The dragon symbolizes power and the heavens, while the tiger represents courage and the earth.
Vietnamese Dragon Tattoos
The Vietnamese dragon is a powerful and noble creature that has influenced art for hundreds of years. Tattoo artists can derive dragon tattoo meaning from traditional Vietnamese dragon artwork, and will often design a Vietnamese dragon tattoo in a S shape, surrounded by thunder and lightning to symbolise power.
Celtic Dragon Tattoos
The Celtic dragon tattoo is a simple, yet intricate design style that often uses bold, dark knots and unattached lines to depict the dragon. In history, Celtic dragons have appeared on armour and the flags of ancient family lines. Often associated with the throne, this type of tribal tattoo represents the cycle of life, including its ups and downs.
Eastern Dragon Tattoos
The Eastern dragon, also known as the oriental dragon, is one of the most sacred creatures in East Asia culture. Drawings of the Eastern dragon date back to prehistoric times, with this ancient style being replicated in tattoos still to this day. Eastern dragons are considered to be heroes, protecting the heavens and spreading good fortune.
Dragon Tattoo Placement Meaning
One of the most appealing reasons to get a dragon tattoo is that the shape of the dragon can be altered depending on where you want the tattoo positioned on your body. Whether you opt for a small dragon tattoo or a larger, more statement piece, your tattoo artist will be able to manipulate it to suit your body.
Dragon Back Tattoo
A great large space to get a dragon tattoo is on your back. Positioning your tattoo on your back gives your tattoo artist a wide area to work, thereby striking and unforgettable results for your art piece.
Dragon Sleeve Tattoo
A dragon tattoo sleeve is arguably one of the most stunning pieces of tattoo art around. Our artist will be able to wrap the dragon tattoo around your arm, in a way that gives people the full picture and adds mystique.
Dragon Forearm Tattoo
The forearm offers a versatile canvas for showcasing a dragon’s might, whether it’s a coiled masterpiece for male forearm tattoos or a delicate, soaring design for female forearm tattoos that commands attention.
Dragon Arm Tattoos
Dragon Thigh Tattoo
The thigh provides a large and relatively flat surface, making it ideal for showcasing a dragon’s full form and intricate details.
Dragon Neck Tattoo
Dragon Spine Tattoo
Dragon Chest Tattoo
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