What Do Dragon Tattoo Symbolize?
Deciphering the meaning of dragon tattoos is no walk in the park given how rich and complex the symbolism of this creature is. Still, we’ll give it our best shot! The dragon has always had a very strong symbolic power in most countries and cultures. Though its representation varies, some of its characteristics are universal.
In general dragons (and dragon tattoos) are associated with strength, wisdom, prosperity, good luck as well as masculinity. Yeah, that’s quite a long and generic list but don’t worry, we’re about to get more specific.
Since dragon tattoos come in a wide variety of styles, we have selected the most common designs to explore their meaning in details.
Contents
- 1 What do dragon tattoos mean spiritually?
- 2 What does it mean if someone has a dragon tattoo?
- 3 What do red dragon tattoos symbolize?
- 4 What does a dragon symbolize?
- 5 Are dragon tattoos evil?
- 6 Is a dragon tattoo good luck?
- 7 What does a dragon tattoo mean on a man?
- 8 What tattoo represents strength?
- 9 What do different color dragons mean?
- 10 What do different colored dragons mean?
- 11 What does a Japanese dragon tattoo symbolize?
- 12 What does a dragon tattoo mean on a man?
What do dragon tattoos mean spiritually?
Dragon tattoo meaning – Different tattoos may take on a different meaning according to culture, color, and style. Similarly, the symbolism of dragon tattoos covers a wide range of meanings. For the Japanese, dragons represent balance and wisdom. In China, the dragon is the symbol of good luck, wealth, and fortune.
- In Christians, dragon tattoos might be looked upon as the symbol of Satan or the Devil;
- Likewise, most Europeans would consider dragon tattoos to be part of a cult or symbolic of evil, negativity, and destruction;
Depending on the tattoo design, the dragon can symbolize fire, passion, and energy. An earth dragon symbolizes power, fire, potential, and riches. An air dragon depicts embracing change and transformation. Dragon tattoos are also symbols of magic, sorcery, witches, and knights. They even stand for romance, adventure, thrills, and ambition according to pop culture. Thus, a tattoo can be a very personal choice of expression.
In order to make the right decision regarding a dragon tattoo, go through several designs. Dragon tattoo designs can be expressed in numerous styles, colors, and depictions. The western concept of a dragon tattoo is poles apart from the Eastern concept of dragon symbolism.
So choose your tattoo artist and your design wisely.
What does it mean if someone has a dragon tattoo?
Dragon Tattoos in History – Dragons are one of the most legendary creatures in the history of mythology and folklore. Dragons are a part of the historic culture of China, Japan, Vietnam, and many other countries. According to most Eastern civilizations, dragons were noble creatures with distinct honors and powers, while in the mythologies of European civilizations, they were usually considered evil and dark.
- The symbolism of dragon tattoos covers a wide range of meanings;
- One civilization may consider dragons a symbol of strength and wisdom, while another may consider them to be greedy and a bad omen;
- The Chinese (representing wisdom, good luck, and goodwill), Japanese (representing balance), and Celtic dragon styles (often shown with crowns and thrones depicting power and strength) are among the most popular;
The Eastern dragon is seen as a noble beast that offers wisdom and protection while in ancient Western culture, it represents a much darker and more threatening creature. However, both are usually depicted as very intelligent creatures free to roam wherever they wish.
- Thus, the dragon tattoo can also depict the freedom of your soul or life;
- The dragon symbolizes protection, power, and wisdom;
- Its fearsome and warlike qualities make it a wonderful ally or a fierce enemy;
Most people have heard stories about the knight slaying the dragon and winning the love of the princess. Among many ancient cultures, slaying the dragon is one of the highest honors a person can achieve. Think of the stories of St. George or Beowulf, although in both, the dragon might also represent pre-Christian thought.
- One of the great features about the dragon is that it can be done in a variety of different styles, realistic or abstract, cartoonish or dramatic;
- Many are done in solid ink and follow the tribal style of tattooing;
Even so, we are seeing more and more colored tribal tattoos today. Whether you choose solid black ink or color, the dragon tattoo gives a wide range of options to consider when designing your dragon tattoo. The dragon’s shape can be manipulated to fit in a wide variety of different locations on the body, although its most popular placement is on or near the shoulder.
Among the Chinese, it is not unusual to see full-body tattoos that incorporate other symbols. At one time in history, members of the Chinese mafia wore these full-body tattoos which became synonymous with criminal conduct and were looked down upon as well as illegal.
Nowadays, this criminal association is no longer common. The number nine is traditionally a very special number for Chinese people. It is the largest single digit and associated with the dragon. A “nine dragon wall” is a barrier that is often found around imperial Chinese palaces and gardens.
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What do red dragon tattoos symbolize?
The Meaning Of Red Dragon Tattoos – Every color has a different meaning, and when combined with a powerful mythological creature like a dragon, it can amplify its’ importance. Red is a color that signifies passion, strength, and love. Red dragon tattoos are typically Chinese or tribal-style tattoos.
What does a dragon symbolize?
The dragon is a highly complex symbol, combining images of the serpent and the bird, two loaded images in isolation. Together, they form one of the most powerful monsters dating back to antiquity. The dragon is a symbol of evil, in both the chivalric and Christian traditions. In the Orient, it symbolizes supernatural power, wisdom, strength, and hidden knowledge. In most traditions, it is the embodiment of chaos and untamed nature.
- It is associated with the depths of the unknown sea, with the mountaintops, and with the clouds;
- Heroes typically fight (“slay”) dragons to gain control over territory; dragons are also usually guardians of a treasure,whether it be material (as in GOLD ) or symbolic (as in knowledge);
Killing the dragon is the conflict between light and darkness, slaying the forces of evil. It has many correspondences: in psychology it is a fear of incest, or the chaos of the unconscious, evil. In ALCHEMY it relates as one of the many names of prime matter.
In Blake it represents sex and war, and in Yeats it is a guardian of life. Dragon blood is a talisman, ensuring good fortune, health and luck, can inflict incurable wounds if weapons are dipped in it. Click the dragon above to return to the painting of St.
George and the Dragon , or click here to learn more about Visual Symbolism. Up one level Back to document index.
Are dragon tattoos evil?
The Meanings of Dragon Tattoo Colors – Every color has its own meaning. When connected to a dragon, this color takes shape into a specific meaning meant for a dragon tattoo. These meanings can be more detailed depending on the style of the dragon tattoo and its design. Let’s take a look at some colorful dragon tattoos and their meanings:
- Red Dragon Tattoo Meaning
A red dragon tattoo is typical of the tribal tattoo style as well as the Chinese style of tattoos though it can be used in practically any style. It can symbolize strength because the color red symbolizes toughness. Another reason this is a great color dragon tattoo to get is that it symbolizes power. Power in a red dragon tattoo represents not only the strength of the dragon but also its magical powers. Another meaning of this color of dragon tattoo is individuality. Wearing this tattoo means that not only are you unique enough to have a red dragon tattoo but this tattoo will give you magical help to become more apart from others in a way that’s healthy. The red dragon is said to represent strength and a vigorous nature. A red dragon tattoo is a popular choice due to the way its distinctive color stands out against black and grey tattoos. The tattoo will help you not rely on others as much and find your own way.
- Golden Dragon Tattoo Meaning
There’s a reason that the golden dragon is gold. It is the king of all dragons, because not only does it represent all life on Earth, but for the Chinese, it symbolizes people’s greatest traits. It represents wealth, wisdom, and good health. These are seen as traits given to someone who has chosen the correct path in life and who is a good person. Someone would get a golden dragon tattoo if they feel they deserve these things and are on the right path. There’s another reason this is the king of all dragon colors. The golden dragon for the Chinese would represent the emperor himself and therefore was a highly respected symbol. This is also part of why the golden dragon symbolizes wealth (emperors are rich) but for other cultures as well as the Chinese this tattoo symbolizes great prosperity because the color gold itself is (obviously) the color of gold.
- Blue Dragon Tattoo Meaning
Descended from 800-year-old blue-gold dragons, blue dragons in Japanese folklore are guardians of the Eastern signs of the Japanese Zodiac and symbolize the approaching spring. They have been used to represent leadership and are seen as gentle and forgiving in nature. Japanese blue dragon tattoos are often accompanied by flower tattoos due to their links with nature. The blue dragon is related to certain astrological symbols, representing Leo, Aries, and Sagittarius. This would be a great tattoo for someone born under these signs. These astrological symbols also dictate much of the meaning behind the blue dragon. For example, The Sagittarius sign often means that someone is highly independent. You may want to get a blue dragon tattoo if you are a lone wolf or someone who likes to do things themselves. A part of being an Aries is being open-minded, which is the next meaning the blue dragon symbolizes. This tattoo can mean that you are not only a free-spirited individual but that you have an open mind to matters of religion, politics, and others’ suffering (you may be an empath). Other meanings of the blue dragon tattoo are generosity in the form of giving to others, creativity, or if you are someone who comes up with creative solutions to problems.
- Green Dragon Tattoo Meaning
Green dragons are often seen as a branch between heaven and Earth since green is a mix of blue and yellow and is in between being a warm and cool color. For that reason, they can symbolize life and death and the relationship between the two, causing a green dragon tattoo to mean you understand the life cycle or that you believe in life beyond the one we live on Earth. Along the same lines, this tattoo is also a major symbol of spring, meaning the regeneration of life. A green dragon tattoo would be a great tattoo to get for someone who has matured and grown greatly throughout their life. It also symbolizes that you have learned an important lesson and have become a new person because of it.
- Black Dragon Tattoo Meaning
Apart from being a popular color for a tattoo style, a black dragon tattoo also has a significant meaning. Since dragons represent good and evil, yin and yang, a black dragon tattoo can symbolize the dark side of the world which is more reserved and even feared. This can either show that you are a more quiet and intelligent person, or mean something completely different in that you are someone who is tough and not to be messed with. Black dragons also mean that you know someone who is old and wise, and that person could be you yourself. You could get a black dragon tattoo to represent someone in your life who you hold dear and who has taught you a lot of lessons. Or, you could get one to mean that you feel being wise is the ultimate goal in life.
- Purple Dragon Tattoo Meaning
A purple dragon has the power to represent royalty for many cultures. A purple dragon tattoo can therefore symbolize that you have tendencies to be powerful and ‘rule’ over others with great kindness and respect. This would be a great tattoo for someone who is a leader and wants to make a powerful and amazing change in this world. Another meaning of a purple dragon tattoo is, for the Chinese, heaven. A purple dragon tattoo can represent the power and strength of the Gods/God and can represent your hope that in your belief of heaven some deity will guide you there.
Is a dragon tattoo good luck?
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Where do you put a dragon tattoo?
The back is one of the most popular placements for a dragon tattoo. That’s because it’s one of the largest and smoothest areas on your body. When you have a large, detailed piece of body art in mind – like a dragon breathing fire – your back is the perfect place to show it off.
What does a dragon tattoo mean on a man?
Dragon tattoos for men can symbolize greed, power, duality, intellect, potential, dominion, nonconformity, wisdom and unpredictability.
Why do Asians get dragon tattoos?
What is the meaning of the Chinese Dragon Tattoo? – East Asian dragons (commonly known as Chinese dragons) carry a number of possible meanings. While they are most often symbols of wisdom, power, and good luck, the meaning of Chinese dragon tattoos depends on the style and the wearer. Other common meanings include:
- Strength
- Prosperity
- Longevity
- Yang
- Masculinity
- Water
- Transformation
In ancient China, dragons were loved and worshiped as gods. They were water-deities said to control rains and water – essential to early agricultural societies. During the wet growing seasons they were celebrated. During floods and storms the people would burn incense and offer food to appease them. In Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism they were rainmakers and power sources.
What does a black dragon symbolize?
Black Dragon – Most people associate the black dragon with vengeance. Thus, it’s often linked to catastrophes like storms and floods. 
Black dragons traditionally symbolize vengeance.
What does a blue dragon represent?
Blue and Green Dragons – In Chinese culture, blue and green are colors representing nature, health, healing, peace, and growth. A blue/green dragon symbolizes the approaching of spring, new life, and plant growth.
What tattoo represents strength?
Lotus/Floral Tattoo Design – As mentioned earlier, the lotus flower is an ultimate symbol of personal emotional, and physical strength. The lotus design is suitable for both men and women and represents power, strength, endurance, and one’s ability to overcome life’s struggles.
The design is incredibly beautiful, and the tattoo can be either small or big, simple or intricate. Some people tend to chose wonderful color schemes for their lotus tattoo, while others go with a more minimalistic approach.
Either way, you cannot go wrong with a lotus design.
- Tattoo highlights – just like with any design, the lotus tattoo can be either less or more expensive depending on the size, intricacy of the design, and the choice of color. Smaller designs can cost you up to $800 , while larger lotus tattoos with intricate design can cost up to $2,500.
- Best body placement – forearm, wrist, ankle, foot, middle of the chest, side of the neck, the bottom of the neck, lower back, shoulder area, etc.
Other Design Recommendations .
What does the dragon mean spiritually?
Dragon Omens – Dragons are considered omens of luck and good fortune. Many civilizations believe them to be harbingers of wealth and abundance in life, while many associate them with water bodies and rain. They are also omens of power, bravery, transformation, and sky to many.
Who is the dragon in the Bible?
Japanese Tattoo Designs – Meaning Of The Dragon
Abstract. In the Hebrew Bible, Yahweh is often depicted as a divine warrior, executing vengeance against his enemies. Some of these texts employ the image of Yahweh as a dragon-like creature who pours forth smoke from his nostrils and fire from his mouth.
What do different color dragons mean?
1 Blue and Green – . bangkaewphoto/iStock/Getty Images In Chinese culture, the colors blue and green are associated with nature, serenity, growth and health. Blue and green dragons symbolize the approaching spring, evoking the clear skies and new plants that the season brings.
What do different colored dragons mean?
Blue and Green Dragons – In Chinese culture, blue and green are colors representing nature, health, healing, peace, and growth. A blue/green dragon symbolizes the approaching of spring, new life, and plant growth.
What does a Japanese dragon tattoo symbolize?
Ryu Tattoo – Japanese Dragon Tattoo This is the most popular Japanese tattoo design. The Japanese dragon symbolizes strength, wisdom, blessing, and the force of good. The symbolism stems from the traditional belief that dragons can manipulate elements for the benefit of the people and the good in this world.
What does a dragon tattoo mean on a man?
Dragon tattoos for men can symbolize greed, power, duality, intellect, potential, dominion, nonconformity, wisdom and unpredictability.
What do the colors of dragons symbolize?
2 Black and White – . typhoonski/iStock/Getty Images Black and white are key colors on the Chinese spectrum, representing the balance of the black yin, which is negative, passive and feminine, and the white yang, which is positive, active and masculine. Black dragons are associated with winter and the North, while white dragons represent autumn and the West.
