Dragon Tattoo Design

In the orient myth, the dragon could not be more the opposite to it's western counterpart. Dragons in the Orient do not have wings nor do they breathe fire, although flames erupt from their limbs.

Dragons are not creatures of earth but rather combine elements of the air and water and are equally at home in the ocean or the clouds. Although strength and power are represented, the dragon above all is a reconciliation of opposites a combination of yin and yang.

Also unlike the western dragon the oriental dragon is not a cunning malevolent beast. Instead it is strength with wisdom and is benevolent.

It is also not unusual to see a dragon clutching a ball, or pearl or jewel in one of its claws. This item is essentially the closed-lotus form seen in various Buddhist designs including those in temples or grave markers. It represents the spiritual essences of the universe, by which the dragon controls the winds, rains, and even the movement of the planets, and he protects it from those who might usurp those powers.

Like other Japanese tattoos the choice of a dragon is an aspiration to these same qualities of wholeness and wisdom. It is one of the most popular of Japanese - style tattoos and they are depicted with great variety in terms of body position, degree of hostility in aggressive or passive position of the claws and jaws, and their environment .


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According to maritime tattoo tradition, a dragon tattoo ( generally of the Oriental style) showed that a sailor had served on a Chinese station. A golden dragon showed that he had crossed the international date line . The association of a dragon with China is not unexpected , where the symbol is prevalent and positive. The reason for the association with the international date line is lost to time. It is interesting to speculate, however, about the connection between distant ocean places and the edge of the known world, and fantastic beasts such as dragons. On the Lenox globe ( manufactured around C.E. 1500 ) the words " hic sunt dracones" or here are dragons appear on the eastern coast of Asia.


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Before Getting Your Tattoo

Have a look at these tattoo meanings. You may have been thinking about getting a certain tattoo design. Have a look through the list and find out what the meaning of your particular tattoo has. You may be surprised in a positive or negative way. You'll be happy you researched it a bit before hand.

Have a look at some actual tattoos that other people have had tattooed on their bodies. This can give you a good indication as to what that type of tattoo will look like on your own body.

Some homework before hand will lead to a good choice in a tattoo design. Something that will give you pleasure for the long term. Remember your choice of tattoo design will be a reflection of you.

All-Seeing Eye - The all-seeing eye is depicted as an eye surrounded by beams of light. It is found in a number of different cultures. It can symbolize the third eye, extra sensory perception or spiritual insight. It is also a symbol used to ward off evil spirits in other cultures.

Amulet - An amulet is a form of Talisman used to protect the wearer from harm whether physical or psychic harm. It is comes in many different forms depending on the culture. For example Egyptian amulets were represented by a scarab and in Europe a rabbit leg was carried for protection. Many people get amulets tattooed because of the permanence and constant closeness of the amulet.

Angels - Angels manifest in practically all cultures in some form or other and represent higher beings beyond the physicality of the material world. They are usually depicted as guardians, guides, protectors and intermediaries between this world and the higher dimensions. They can take on the form of archangels like Michael and can be seen holding a sword or as playing music.

Anchor - Anchor tattoos are a popular design that has been reclaimed in the past few years. Like swallow tattoos, anchors were originally the preserve of sailors. Anchors embody the safety, hope and salvation for most people and are probably the reason for their popularity and peoples need for stability in a world gone mad.

Ankh - Is a form of cross and goes back thousands of years to Egyptian culture. It is also known as the key of life or the key of the Nile and is associated with sexual union.

AB - Short for the Aryan Brotherhood which is a prison gang and White Supremacist organization. Its main beliefs are of the superiority of the white race over all other races. The types of tattoos common to the Aryan Brotherhood are the Celtic cross, the shamrock or other Nazi insignia.

Aso - A mythical animal which is a cross between a dog and dragon and serves as a protective symbol against malevolent spirits. It originated amongst the indigenous people of Borneo known as the Dayak.

Aztec Sun - The Aztecs believed that four suns were created in four different eras. The sun was believed to be the giver and taker of life and the Aztecs frequently sacrificed people to the gods of these four suns.

Bombshell - Sometimes paired with the Atomic Radiation symbol , and looking like they came right out of 1950s B science fiction movie , bombs are naturally representative of explosive, destructive, and killing force. In many instances bombs are used to symbolize war , and the tattoo wearer may combine it with a dove, a mushroom cloud, or a skull and cross bones , depending on the specific message the person is communicating . On a deeper level , bombs represent energy itself- disruptive and aggressive .

This also can sometimes mean a beautiful woman wearing a tattoo.

Bomb with a fuse - The bomb with a fuse , unlike the artillery shell version distinctly implies a time- delay yet inevitable explosion .

Cards - Playing cards are a popular tattoo design. They can be depicted as an Ace of Clubs or a King of Hearts and mean good luck and fate.

Catfish - A popular form of tattoo in the Japanese style, catfish are recognizable by their whiskers and can grow quite large.

Celtic Cross - Also known as the 'Wheel Cross' and owes it roots to early Christianity in Ireland. It has been adopted by many White Nationalists.

Chains - Mostly worn by those who have been to prison. But they can also depict freedom if they are depicted as broken.

Cherries - Cherry tattoos are a very popular tattoo design being requested by a lot of females. There is something very feminine about cherry tattoos that has a certain allure and oozes sexuality and desire. This style of tattoo is done in a bright bold style is associated with new school style tattoos unlike the old school flat style of years ago

Even though a cherry is a widely used slang term for a woman's hymen, a piece of skin which covers the opening of the vagina and, contrary to popular belief, can be broken in many ways not just sex! A cherry can also be a slang term for a virgin.

If you see cherries in your dream it can symbolize honesty and truthfulness or sweetness and good fortune. To see a cherry tree in your dream can represent luck, spring, femininity, and youth.

Cherubs - Although originally from Middle Eastern culture, they have been adopted by Westerners. They are usually depicted as children on clouds and can mean protection.

Chinese Dragon - For centuries, the Chinese dragon has been a symbol of power and mystery. Depicted in countless legends, both Eastern and Western, the dragon has provoked man to fear and worship it. In medieval Europe, it was a bloodthirsty, fire-breathing figure. Its malevolence and ferociousness struck terror in all. However, in Asia, it is the contrary. The mighty dragon is a mythical beast long celebrated for its benevolence, intelligence and good will. The Chinese dragon has been a common symbol of identity for Far Eastern cultures.

In fact, Chinese people all over the world are affectionately known as 'lung de chuan ren', or the "descendants of the dragon". There are several distinct species of Chinese dragons. The Horned Dragon is considered to be the mightiest. The Celestial Dragon supports the heavens and protects the Gods. The Earth Dragon rules all of the earth. The Spiritual Dragon controls the wind and rain. The Treasure Dragon is the keeper of precious metals and gems. The Winged Dragon is the only dragon with wings. The Coiling Dragon dwells in the ocean. The Yellow Dragon is a hornless dragon known for its scholarly knowledge

Chrysanthemum - These are very popular in the Japanese style of tattoos. They were originally associated with royalty and can symbolize determination.

Claddagh - Claddagh is a place in the West of Ireland which has given its name to an Irish wedding ring depicted by a heart being held on either side by a pair of hands with a King's crown on top. The heart represents love; the hands represent friendship and the crown, devotion.

Clover - Otherwise known as four leaf clover or sometimes shamrock. The four leaf clover is very rare and is thus seen as a form of luck. It has also been adopted by White Nationalists and Aryans.

Cobras - This is a common tattoo and can mean a 'charmer'. Snakes have also been associated with youth.

Comedy and Tragedy - This is depicted as a smiling mask alongside a sad mask and is derived from Greek theatre.

Compass - A popular tattoo with 'travelers' and can mean guidance to its wearer.

Confederation Flag - This is a red flag with a blue diagonal St Andrew's cross with thirteen stars. It has been adopted by white supremacists in recent years.

Cow Skull - This is a popular form of tattoo in the Native American tradition. It can remind those living of the impermanence of life.

Cricket - Crickets play a large role in myth and superstition , both around the Mediterranean and in the Far East and are generally equated with good fortune and intelligence. In China , crickets were bred especially for their singing ( chirping) and were sometimes kept in little golden cages . In addition , cricket fighting was a sport in China , so they have also become a symbol of fighting spirit.

Crips - A gang that was started in LA. Tattoos worn by Crips are usually depicted as Old English script.

Crossed Swords - These are associated with death and harkens back to pirate times. They are associated with sailor style tattoos.

Crown - This is a form of tattoo that has been popularized by the new school form of tattooing. It is depicted as a heart with a crown on top.

Crucifixion - Worn obviously by those of the Christian faith. They can be worn on the arm or as an entire back-piece and usually symbolize devotion and sacrifice.

Cupid - The god of love and is depicted as a naked winged boy with a bow and arrow being shot through a heart. It is a positive symbol associated with love, being in love or yearning.

 

Dagger - Similar to the sword in meaning and can represent danger or betrayal. It is a popular form of tattoo in the new school tradition.

Dagger and skull - Worn mostly by those who have done prison time for murder.

Daisy - can represent youth and rebirth. These can be worn as an armband in the form of a daisy chain and can also mean carefree.

Death before Dishonor - The phrase 'Death before Dishonor' is usually depicted as a scroll wrapped around a dagger being held by an eagle. It is a popular military tattoo and has a couple of different meanings. Some suggest that extreme dislike of homosexuality while others suggest honor amongst troops.

Devil - It can be depicted in many forms from a scary entity to a playful cartoon depiction. The devil has many different meanings and is associated with evil but it can also be associated with desire and lust.

Devil Girl - A popular form of pin up girl which can represent lust and temptation.

Dice - Dice tattoos are worn by people who like to take risks and are representative of an uncertain outcome.

Dogs - As mans best friend they represent loyalty and faithfulness. They are mostly tattooed as memorials of pet dogs that have passed away and as such are a popular form of portraiture.

Dolphins - Dolphins are perceived to be one of the most intelligent of all mammals and have a close connection with humans. Humans have long associated them with symbols of spirituality and the divine. Dolphins have also been known to rescue humans who have fallen overboard. They are a very popular form of tattoos amongst females.  

Dragonfly - Dragonfly tattoos are thought be associated with good luck.

Dream catchers - Dream catchers were used by Native Americans to ward off bad spirits in dreams. The idea was that they would catch bad dreams in the web like circle and only allow good dreams through a small hole in the centre. The feather on the dream catcher was for added protection from spirit guides in the form of certain birds. They are a hugely popular form of armband tattoo amongst males in particular.

Eagle - The eagle is one of the most powerful and majestic birds. As a tattoo eagles can have many different meanings from strength to national pride as in the American Bald Eagle.

Eight ball - The eight ball from the game of pool or billiards, is the black ball that is at the center of the rest . The first seven balls are solid colors while the last seven are striped with white. The phrase " behind the eight ball" means back luck since if the eight ball is pocketed or misplayed during the game that player loses. In addition, the eight ball has an association with sodomy in certain contexts, as in the case of some prison tattoos , and also with drug us , as slang for an eighth of an ounce of cocaine.  

Elephants - Are popular forms of tattoos in the eastern tradition. Elephants are well known for their long memories. Also a god in the Hindu tradition called Ganesh.

Elf - The elf, a small airy creature both enchanting and mischievous, is Norse in origin. Although later incorporated into works of fiction as ethereal, beautiful, and benevolent, elves would originally dance in meadows at night in order to woo mortals to their deaths. As such they can symbolize powers of darkness and any desire that inhibits judgment and self control.  

Empress - The empress is the third Tarot and she is resplendent power incarnate with her eagle shield , crown, and scepter. But there are two sides to the empress , one that emphasizes the use of power to satisfy her vanity , and the other that uses power to rule justly. She symbolizes female nature in its entirety- idealism, gentleness, persuasiveness, but also weakness.

Evil Spirit ( Haida) - Not much is known about the evil spirit of Haida mythology except that it is half man and half bird and lives in the mountains, feeding off humans and whales. It is an image not often used in traditional arts of the Pacific Northwest but was documented as a tattoo in historic times. Although the design is essentially schematic line art, it clearly shows a human torso , human arm, and a human leg, as well as a head with a beak, a wing, claws for hands and feet , and sometimes also tail feathers .

Eye of Horus - In ancient Egypt, the eye of Horus was a powerful symbol and protective amulet. During his battle with Seth , Horus's eye was plucked out and torn apart. But Thoth was able to piece it back together, adding a little bit of magic to it to make up for a tiny that was missing. As the regenerated eye of the falcon god Horus, this talisman was worn as a sacred symbol to ensure good health . Among modern tattoos that use ancient Egyptian motifs, the eye of Horus ranks near the top, along with the ankh.

Fairy - Fairies in tattoo art are sometimes akin to the pinup girl, but more often they appear as the mystical world that they symbolize. In some sense, all these types of fantastical and mythical creatures represent our power as thinking beings to imagine, create, or embellish for a myriad of purposes.  
Falcon - The falcon has long being admired not just for its beauty but also for its strength. It has also been associated with meta-physical powers by ancient peoples.

Fan - Fans were carried by men and women in the east and were also an expression of individuality because of their ornate and unique designs. Some claim they were used to wave away bad spirits but they are mostly associated with Geisha Girls.

Female Symbol - The symbol for females is a circle with a cross hanging from it. It is associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite.

Fingerprints - Fingerprints, like hand and foot prints are unique to each individual person. In tattoos they are done to express this individuality as the tattoo can never be copied. Some people get the fingerprints of those who have 'touched them' as a sign of their love.

Firefighter - Firefighter tattoos are usually represented by a fire hydrant, dalmatian dog and a firefighter with yellow firefighter's hat. It can also feature the 'firefighters cross' which is a version of the Maltese cross. Firefighters are revered and respected because they risk their own lives to save others.

Fish - Fish tattoos appear in a multitude of different forms and can have many different meanings associated with them. In some cultures they are associated with fertility but can also be associated with wisdom as in the celtic 'salmon of wisdom'.

Fist - The fist as a tattoo is worn as an antagonistic symbol and has been worn by many groups from black radicals to white supremacists.

Flags - Flags are used to identify with a group or nation. They can mean national pride.

Flames - Fire is all consuming and can mean purification and renewal in beliefs. They are a popular form of tattoo in the new school tradition and are tattooed on ankles, forearms or even surrounding the sacred heart symbol.

Fleur de Lea - This symbol is associated with the French monarchy and also with Joan of Arc. As such it represents liberty.

Flowers - Flowers can cover the whole spectrum of individual species and are a hugely popular form of tattoos. All flowers have been admired for their beauty and can have many meanings depending on the variety.

Frog - Frog tattoos are quite a popular design even though there are many different varieties and meanings attached to them. Its choice as a tattoo comes down to aesthetic rather than symbolic reasons. This is partly due to its bright colors which are highly noticeable. Frogs have always been associated with the magical realm popularized by the Princess kissing a frog and turning him into a Prince.