What's the best way to get a dragon tattoo? Dragon tattoo meaning. What does a dragon tattoo mean?

The most popular tattoos for men are the dragon and its various variations, especially for creative and extraordinary individuals. Different cultures have their own interpretations of this mythical creature. Some considered the dragon a symbol of dark forces, witchcraft and aggression, others worshiped it and considered it an invincible creature.

Based on modern interpretations and information, we can conclude that the dragon is the personification of power and strength, wisdom and longevity. More detailed meaning for men can be obtained by looking at the details.

The dragon is a mythical creature that can be the personification of goodness and justice, as well as aggression and belligerence. Therefore, when considering sketches of popular ideas, a man needs to familiarize himself with the designation of different drawings.

Sleeping dragon- the most common option today, symbolizing peace of mind, harmony of body and soul, stability.

Multicolored dragon– such a tattoo personifies the connection with natural elements, special capabilities and love for nature.

Dragon with tiger- This is one of the varieties of the yin-yang symbol with an appropriate explanation.

Dragon flying up– the owner of such a tattoo is by nature a friendly and sociable person who strives to find partners and comrades.

Dragon flying down– the opposite meaning, that is, unfriendliness on the part of the owner, reluctance to contact other people without special need.

Dragon with horns– the man thereby shows those around him his determination, determination and readiness for active action.

Grinning Dragon- is a symbol of aggression, danger, thereby a man shows that it is better to be friends with him or not to come into contact with him at all.

Celtic style dragon is a popular tattoo that symbolizes power, strength, might, and spirituality in the owner.

Fight of two dragons– this tattoo shows the duel of two yin-yang and their powers.

Dragon with spread wings– helps the owner strengthen his faith, strength, power, spirit.

What does this tattoo give a man for self-affirmation?

Initially, dragon tattoos were done on the skin in eastern countries, where this animal was considered a sacred creature. For example, in Japan it was believed that tau with a dragon symbolizes strength, greatness, longevity and courage, power, wisdom and mystery in the owner.

Later, such tattoos began to be used in Western European countries, but there such tattoos personified chaos, aggression, evil, deceit, and destruction. It is known that in many criminal circles and groups (for example, the Yakuza), dragon tattoos were a kind of dress code. In China, only those who had power and authority got tattoos on their entire backs.

Important! Today, men use tattoos with dragons in order to emphasize the qualities and characteristics similar to the creature, as well as to develop them in themselves, adopt and increase them. Some believe that a strong but fair animal will become a talisman and a kind of amulet against failure and dark forces.

Where do men get dragon-themed tattoos?

The place where the tattoo will go is another way to decipher the image itself, its meaning and purpose. Most often, dragons are painted on the chest and back, as this favors a large area of ​​the body and a wide selection of designs. The second most popular place is hands and all their parts.

Shoulder

In this place, a sleeping dragon in a calm state would look ideal, personifying peace, stability, harmony of soul and body. But if it flies upward, it will show the good goals and intentions of the owner, and downward - the negative intentions and bad deeds of the man. A dragon with spread wings on its shoulder can be regarded as a sign of authority, while a dragon with a grin is aggression and hostility, respectively.

Examples of such tattoos:




Forearm

A dragon on the forearm will become a financial talisman for a man; in addition, it will protect him from accidents, catastrophes and various accidents. This zone is also responsible for sensual pleasures, which means it will attract attention from the opposite sex to a man, protect a man from weaknesses in the sexual sphere, and improve reproductive functions and immunity.

Examples of such tattoos:




Wrist tattoo

Hands are what a man can use to influence and influence the world around him. By depicting a tattoo with a dragon on his wrist, a man thereby attracts fortune, luck, achievement of goals into his life, and develops his creative potential. If a guy doesn’t know what to do in terms of work, a tattoo with a dragon on his wrist will become a guiding element on the right path.

Examples of such tattoos:



Tattoos on the palm, hand and fingers

Fingers are a special energy center of a creative person, so tattoos with dragons are suitable for people of a creative nature; they will help strengthen existing talents. A dragon on the palms is rarely seen in practice; it speaks of a man’s desire to retain strength and energy. On the hands, such tattoos mean that the man demonstrates to those around him characteristics similar to the creature in himself.

An example of such tattoos:





Tattoo sleeve

The most interesting and popular option for tattooing a man’s arms today is sleeves. They allow you to make adjustments and more details to the sketch, enhancing the symbolism of the sketch, and look impressive and believable. The decoding of the sacred meaning will largely depend on the method of applying the dragon and other symbols.

Examples of such tattoos:




Neck

If a dragon is drawn on a man’s neck, most often the meaning is the following: the man has been tormented by mental anguish, injustice in life, difficulties and obstacles (the interpretation first appeared in the zone). If the creature grins, the owner is correspondingly protesting against society and the environment. A calm animal speaks of a man’s inner peace and tranquility.

Examples of such tattoos:





Breast

The chest is the area on the body that is responsible for matters of the heart, which means they put a dragon on the chest to demonstrate their state of mind. Depending on the type of dragon, one can judge a man’s marital status, whether he is in love, lonely, or whether his heart is broken. But one thing is for sure, the opposite sex is attracted to men with a dragon on their chest.

Examples of such tattoos:




Side

A dragon on the side of a man’s torso will emphasize the relief and fit of the figure, and will also become an indicator of the owner’s extraordinary thinking. Most often, a tattoo in this place is an artistic symbol that does not carry any sacred meaning. But if it is a grinning or fighting dragon under the heart, it symbolizes the readiness to protect the lady of the man’s heart.

Examples of such tattoos:




Hip

In this part of the body, dragons are most often tattooed on women, since the hips are a symbol of childbearing potential and sexuality. Men should not get tattoos that are in any direct or indirect way connected to religion. Otherwise, the dragon on the hip will mean what its illustration says.

Examples of such tattoos:




Back

Correctly applying a dragon tattoo on the back will become a kind of talisman for a man, protecting him from sexual weakness and childlessness. If it is an eastern dragon, it will become a symbol of a man’s wisdom and longevity, inner strength and endless energy. If this creature is in battle or with a grin, it will protect against dark forces and enemies.

Examples of such tattoos:





Spatula

Only such tattoos are applied to the shoulder blade that hide a very personal meaning. The dragon can talk about mental wounds, betrayal experienced by the owner. Or maybe it is the personification of hidden aggression and anger. A dragon with religious or philosophical overtones would look ideal, since the shoulder blades are energy points of willpower, desires and needs, and the male Ego.

Examples of such tattoos:





Leg

A dragon on a man’s leg is an unexpected, but effective and original solution. But it will be successful only if the relief is tight and strong, so that the drawing is not distorted. A dragon in such a place will speak of the owner’s self-confidence, his steadfastness, and his firm position in life.

Examples of such tattoos:




Important! The dragon is a fairly massive mythological creature that requires the transfer of even the smallest details. Therefore, it is better to apply it to a fairly large area of ​​the body, unless it is a symbol or just a zodiac sign.

The main condition for applying a successful dragon tattoo is to find a good artist with a license and extensive experience in this matter. Also, a man should carefully consider the tattoo option, choose a sketch and become familiar with its interpretation. The recommendations will be as follows:

  • Before visiting the salon, finally decide on the design;
  • do not copy other people’s tattoos, add individual details to your sketch;
  • match the design with the place where it can be applied so that the dragon looks impressive, and not compressed or stretched;
  • familiarize yourself with the meaning of the chosen location, do not forget about the possible relief and density of the skin in the selected area, whether you can hide the tattoo in inappropriate conditions or not;
  • choose the optimal level of brightness and clarity of the composition, also relying on the physiological properties of the body and the quality of materials;
  • Apply a dragon only if its characteristics are similar to your character, and the tattoo does not contradict your lifestyle and field of activity.

Did you know that in Japan it is not customary to get a tattoo in a visible place?

YesNo

How to choose a tattoo design for a location on the body?

Each area of ​​the body not only provides its own characteristics and interpretation, but also has parameters that can either favor the choice of a tattoo or hinder it. A dragon is often a large-scale tattoo with many small details and elements, which means it can be depicted differently on different parts of the body.

For example:

  • back, chest, forearms, arms and legs– in these areas there is enough space to fill the dragon close-up and in its entirety, be it a flying, sleeping creature, a dragon with other animals or in a whole composition;
  • elbows, shoulders, palms and hands, thighs– here you can either play up the size of the animal, or depict it incompletely, limiting yourself to detail;

    Styles and colors that are popular for dragon tattoos

    Today, men's tattoos suggest a huge number of styles and trends. But as for dragons, 3 style treatments are suitable for them:

    Realism– most often the dragon is pinned in a fantasy style, detailing small lines and strokes so that the drawing is as believable as possible.

    Tribal– an image of dragons according to Celtic culture, complementing the mythical creature with coats of arms, ornaments, symbols and amulets.

    Japanese style– in this understanding, the animal represents longevity, sun and prosperity, and the artist depicts a tattoo with three toes on its paws, adding colors to the design.

    The main colors of the tattoo are black, white and grey. In the Japanese style, the dragon is depicted in bright colors - red, blue, green, yellow.

    Symbols that a dragon tattoo can be combined with

    Symbolism can also influence the symbolism and aesthetics of a dragon tattoo. Such a creature is most often combined with the following symbols:

    Flowers

    Tiger

    Cross

    Flame

    Hieroglyphs

    Where is the best place to get a tattoo?

    A tattoo with a dragon implies the presence of a large-scale composition with many small details, lines and strokes. Due to the complexity of the drawing, masters advise choosing places such as:

    • back;
    • breast;
    • shoulder blades;
    • forearms.

    When choosing a place for a tattoo, the factor taken into account is whether the man will need to periodically hide the tattoo from the thief of others.

    Today, a tattoo with a dragon is not perceived unambiguously everywhere. There are sketches and drawings that can be perceived negatively by the environment, for example:

    dragon and cross– in Christianity, the dragon is associated with dark forces, so such a creature with a cross looks contradictory;

    Yakuza style dragon— in Japan they have an extremely negative attitude towards such tattoos for guys, perceiving a person as a criminal;

    dragon with skulls– in such a composition the animal itself can be perceived as the personification of evil;

    dragon with a grin– a guy with a dragon tattoo can be perceived as aggressive and cruel, which is not always a good thing (especially in prison).

    Conclusion

    Although the dragon is a mythological creature, for most men it is a real animal that represents wisdom, strength, longevity, prosperity and power. Some men prefer such tattoos to express themselves and enhance strong qualities in their character, while others thereby prove their worth to society. When choosing a tattoo, it is determined by a sketch and photo, style, color scheme, and location. It is also important for a man to find a qualified artist, since drawing a dragon is a difficult task.

The dragon is an image of power, strength and wisdom. Today he is one of the most popular and famous mythical creatures. He is depicted as a huge creature, somewhat similar to a snake, with large claws, horns and a long beard, and with the ability to breathe out fiery flames. The dragon is mystic, supernatural. The history of the appearance of Dragons goes deep into the legends and myths of various peoples of Asia and Western Europe. In the West he was symbolized with evil, dark forces, in the East with divine power, he was considered a protector and savior. Therefore, the attitude towards the Dragon varies greatly among different nations.

As already mentioned, the image of the Dragon came to us from Asia and Western Europe, and more specifically from China and Japan.

For Chinese culture– The dragon is symbolized as a deity who has control over rain, lightning and the four natural elements. The abilities of this mythical creature are so enormous that he is subject to the property of reincarnation. He personifies strength, infinite wisdom and harmony of his inner world.

To Japanese culture The dragon came from China and meant luck, wisdom, guardianship and strength. According to legends, the sacred Koi carp (a symbol of courage and luck) had the ability to turn into a Dragon. Many emperors had the honor of depicting the Dragon symbol on their clothes and symbols, as a sign of majesty and a certain origin from this creature.

Unlike positive eastern images, in Western Europe the Dragon was a negative creature. He was depicted as a lizard, with huge wings, a tail and a thick impenetrable skin. According to legends, he burned out entire villages, attacked people and dragged them into his dungeons. With the advent of Christianity, the European image of the Dragon was given the face of the devil, and he is depicted in the “bible” as a raging evil.

Among the Celts The dragon personified toughness and life wisdom. He served the god of the earth and was a symbol of sovereign power.

In Rus' the analogue of the Dragon was the Serpent-Gorynych. He was a very vile and dangerous creature. According to legend, whoever was able to defeat him was considered a brave and courageous person.

In Greek and in Roman civilization, the image of the Dragon meant a symbol of terror. It was applied to the armor of Roman soldiers in order to intimidate their opponents.

In Buddhism The dragon is the protector of Buddha and his laws. His symbol was applied to temples to protect them from dark forces.

The meaning and position of the Dragon tattoo

A Dragon tattoo has a different meaning for each person and can mean many things. However, the main meanings of tattoos are Dragon in Eastern interpretation are:

  • Greatness;
  • Force;
  • Tremendous wisdom;
  • Bravery;
  • Longevity;
  • Mysteriousness;
  • Power.

Concerning Western Europe, then the meaning here has the opposite side and means:

  • Chaos;
  • Destruction;
  • Deceit.

In East Asian criminal groups such as the Triad or Yakuza, the colorful image of the Dragon tattoo is a highly respected and revered symbol.

In general, the meaning of the Dragon tattoo has a lot of options, both good and bad. It all depends on the style of the tattoo, the choice of design and color.

Depending on the meaning of the Dragon tattoo, there are a large number of variants of this design:

  • Sleeping dragon– a symbol of spiritual harmony;
  • Dragon, in multi-colored colors(often white, black, red and blue) - indicates a connection with natural elements;
  • Dragon and Tiger- a variation of the Yin-Yang symbol.
  • Dragon flying up– indicates friendly intentions;
  • Horned dragon- means the determination of the owner of the tattoo;
  • Dragon with wings— strengthening faith and fortitude;
  • Dragon crawling on the ground- indicates the connection between the earthly and heavenly elements;
  • Dragon with bared teeth– aggression and danger;
  • Dragon, with golden shades– indicates wisdom and the desire to learn new things;
  • Dragon flying down– denotes unfriendly intentions;
  • Dragon with coins– wealth and prosperity;
  • Dragon in Celtic style- means power, strength and spirituality;
  • Two Dragons who compete with each other– duel of Yin-Yang forces;
  • Dragons chasing each other's tails- a symbol of the creative action of Yin-Yang.

Before getting a “tattoo” on your body, you should choose the location very carefully. After which the optimal size and style of tattoo is selected. The dragon is a majestic creature and is mainly depicted in large-scale versions and on large parts of the body:

  • back;
  • breast;
  • or combined, that is, the pattern is made to extend to the shoulder, arm, neck, collarbone or thigh.

Masters, with the help of their imagination, depict a tattoo in the form of a Dragon on the back so brightly, colorfully and harmoniously, and looking at the end result, it is impossible to take your eyes off, because it is a magnificent and exciting sight.

In ancient times, Chinese emperors tattooed the Dragon on their entire back to show their power and might.

Tattoo artists do not recommend applying Dragon tattoos to small parts of the body, such as the foot, calf, forearm or wrist. This is due to the fact that due to the small area of ​​the body, it is impossible to display all the power and beauty of the Dragon. But if you still choose one of the listed body parts, then it is recommended to apply a Dragon tattoo in the Chinese style. With fine lines and expressiveness, this design will look more organic on your body.

Color scheme and style of tattoo

As a rule, a tattoo with the image of a Dragon is applied to the body in bright colors in order to show all the beauty of this creature. The colors of the Dragon tattoo palette play a very important role and speak volumes:

  • Black – symbolizes respect;
  • Blue – calm, openness;
  • Yellow – victory, conquest;
  • Golden – wisdom, compassion;
  • Red – passion, anger and hostility;
  • Dark green – courage, bravery.

A Dragon tattoo on the body is usually depicted in the following styles:

  • Oriental;
  • New School;
  • Traditional;
  • Tribal.

As for girls, they mainly choose elegant sketches with patterns and the addition of different colors and inscriptions.

Meaning for boys and girls

The tattoo design is basically the same for both sexes. Guys, in turn, choose “aggressive tattoo designs” such as Dragon with an open mouth, Dragon with flame, Dragon with a sword, etc. Dark shades predominate in these tattoos, however, other colors also exist.

As for girls, they mainly choose elegant sketches with patterns and the addition of different colors and inscriptions. In turn, cartoon Dragon tattoos look very playful.

Combination of tattoos with other symbols

Basically, the Dragon tattoo is depicted solo, or in combination with other elements:

  • Tiger;
  • Koi carp;
  • Hieroglyph;
  • Phoenix;
  • Fire, Flame;
  • Cross;
  • Flowers.

Conclusion

To summarize, I would like to add only one thing, that such a noble creature as the Dragon will only decorate your body, and you, in turn, must approach the choice of a tattoo design with great responsibility in order to choose exactly the design that you will like not only eye, but will also suit your inner world.

Dragons have always been a source of fascination for people, so their image since time immemorial has become in demand in various types of human activities around the world.

Body art also has not ignored the attractiveness of this mythical creature. Dragon tattoo is one of the popular designs among lovers of body art: it looks powerful, alluring and, moreover, attracts the attention of the opposite sex.

Types of existing dragons in Asian culture

If you choose a tattoo of this mythical creature, you should know about all six of its types, since each of them has its own meaning.

Han Riu is one of the largest fire-breathing snakes in its history and culture. It is recognized by stripes running throughout its body.

Kai Riu is distinguished by its miniature size. And the stunning red color makes it one of a kind.

Sue Riu is the king of all Japanese dragons. It is believed to control rain.

Ri Riu is known for his amazing eyes. Unlike other Japanese dragons, there is much less information about it. They say this is a rare breed.

Hai Riu is heavily influenced by Chinese mythology. It is also called a kite.

Fuku Riu is known for bringing good luck. This is what can be seen on most tattoos.

The meaning of dragon tattoos

Apart from its symbolic meaning, tattoo designs have excellent aesthetic value, which increases its popularity throughout the world.

The fire-breathing serpent is a legendary creature that symbolizes courage, strength and power in Asian culture, as well as fear and evil in the Western world.

Apart from aesthetics, there are much deeper reasons why people choose to get dragon tattoos on their body. Below we will look at the main meanings of a dragon tattoo.

Force. A dragon tattoo actually symbolizes strength and this is all because this creature is quite powerful. Many people believe that it can destroy an entire city by shooting fire from its mouth. For this reason, it represents power and courage.

Life balance. Dragon tattoos signify harmony, at least that's what the Japanese believe. In general, this creature is an integral part of Japanese mythology, in which it is revered as a water deity. Japanese culture imagines him with the head of a snake, the scales of a fish, the claws of a predator and the paws of an eagle.

Luck. The Chinese believe that a mythical beast tattoo means good luck. In fact, the Chinese dragon is a sacred symbol in this culture: it represents goodwill and wisdom for Asians.

Evil. Another thing that the eastern dragon represents is evil. This symbolism is especially common in Western culture: people are afraid of this creature, which, in turn, makes it the embodiment of evil. European folklore depicts them as evil creatures, even in children's fairy tales.

A Celtic dragon tattoo symbolizes the dark side of its owner. On the other hand, a tattoo can also mean courage and strength.

Dragon tattoo meaning depending on color

There are different colors of fantasy creatures, and each of them has its own meaning. Black is the most popular color in tattoos, but due to the variety of designs, it is possible to add a variety of bright colors to the design. Below are some of the meanings that influence the meaning of a tattoo.

  • Black is associated with elder dragons and signifies wisdom.
  • Green symbolizes earth and life.
  • Blue can symbolize compassion, forgiveness or laziness.
  • Yellow represents kindness, helpfulness and wisdom.
  • Red denotes passion, determination and authority.

Popular tattoo designs

There are many design options available when choosing a design of a wondrous mythical creature. A Chinese dragon tattoo can be done in the usual shades of black and gray or in a variety of bright colors, depending on the preferences of the future wearer.

A tattoo can look beautiful and attractive in any design. While the tribal style represents the strength and power of the dragon, those images that are applied in bright colors show aesthetic beauty and are the best option for women.

Dragon tattoo on back is the most popular design among both men and women.

Another popular option is a full arm tattoo in the form of a sleeve: it looks attractive and will certainly attract the attention of people around you with its bright color and bold design solution.

Dragons, in the form of a tribal tattoo, are depicted as large and ferocious creatures, created using thick black lines and strokes. The designs look great on the shoulder or leg.

Men's tattoos represent the brave and fierce side of the dragon and are therefore performed in a more brutal design, while soft lines and graceful curves are an integral part of women's tattoos.

Small tattoos are popular among girls, which they prefer to wear on the shoulder, thigh, shoulder blade and forearm.

For men, larger and more powerful tattoo designs are used that cover most of their back, chest or shoulder.

Some dragon tattoos may include other elements such as a skull, flowers, and birds depending on the person's choice. The design can be discussed with a craftsman who can create something unique as per his client's requirements.

The incredibly powerful energy of the supernatural serpent attracts many to depict its silhouette on the body. The wise and noble dragon, which brings prosperity and good luck, has today become an inseparable companion to the art of tattooing.

The guy has a dragon all over his back

The dragon in one form or another appears in the mythology and folklore of all significant world cultures. And if Western peoples, as a rule, associated him with evil spirits, then the East endowed the mythical creature with wisdom and power. That is why attitudes towards the image of a dragon vary greatly around the world.

The first image of this creature was found in China. Here the water serpent was associated with fertility; it soared from lakes and rivers and gave people the long-awaited rain.

Later, the Chinese winged creature emitting fire from its mouth represented strength, knowledge, harmony, luck and health. The abilities of such a dragon are limitless, he can turn into even a small speck of dust, even the entire Universe, and controls the four cardinal directions and four elements.

In Japan, the dragon rules the water element, and the first emperor descends from this heavenly creature. The power of flying giants is that they are capable of both creation and destruction, and, therefore, they remind a person of the cycle of life. The Buddhist dragon was depicted on temples, as it was considered a protector against dark forces and an assistant to Buddha.

Dragon on the hand in realism style

Fact. Members of eastern forensic groups often have a large, bright image of a dragon on their back or chest. However, this does not bother Europeans to apply the same design on themselves.

The European snake is a much more prosaic entity, with vivid symbolism of aggression. Usually Western peoples endowed him with cunning, malice and hatred of people. Dragons were disgusting low creatures that lived underground and often guarded treasures and untold riches.

Probably, dislike for a supernatural being came to Europe from Christianity, where the tempting serpent hands Eve the notorious apple. The snake defeated by George the Victorious is none other than the embodiment of this dark essence. The dragon, better known to the Slavs, is embodied in the image of the Serpent Gorynych.

This great creature was also known to the Celts and Vikings, who marked his connection with magic and the inexplicable forces of existence. The Scottish flag is decorated with a fiery red dragon. If we take the generalized image of the mythical serpent, we will see that it is not an unambiguous embodiment of good or evil; most likely, it is a personification of the forces of nature.

If you are interested in a dragon tattoo, you can see photos of its execution options in our article.

Chinese dragon tattoo on arm

Symbolism

Advice. A dragon is a very difficult drawing to complete, therefore, so that your mythical friend does not look like a caricatured snake with wings, approach the choice of the artist especially carefully.

Whatever interests you about a dragon tattoo, its meaning boils down to the following components:

  • Luck and prosperity;
  • Impeccable beauty;
  • Nobility, greatness and power;
  • Imagination and ability to go beyond existing boundaries;
  • Fearlessness, strength and courage;
  • Wisdom and thirst for knowledge;
  • Longevity and immortality.

Japanese style dragon sleeve tattoo

How to depict eastern and western dragons?

This is interesting. Angelina Jolie once had an image of a dragon on her shoulder, but now another tattoo takes its place. The dragon, sketched by Bruce Willis, covers the scar on his shoulder. Celebrities such as Lenny Kravets, Jack Osborne, Pink and others also have this creature.

The body of the Chinese mythical character is snake-like and wingless, despite this he is able to fly. The number of scales of the Chinese dragon is 117, and there are 5 claws on each paw. A burning pearl is usually depicted in front of him, personifying his ability to control atmospheric phenomena, and his very appearance is warlike.

The Japanese dragon can have the face of a wolf, horse or camel. Unlike its Chinese counterpart, it has 3 claws on its paws, and a goatee adorns its chin.

The European dragon, which is closer to us, necessarily has a long neck, tail and wings similar to the wings of a bat. Moreover, he has little connection with the celestial sphere, but lives in dungeons and caves.

Realistic style dragon with crown

Image options and color symbolism

Depending on the meaning of a dragon tattoo, its sketches will vary greatly:

  • The horned dragon signifies the determination of the tattoo wearer.
  • A dragon standing firmly on the ground indicates the connection between the earthly and celestial spheres.
  • A flying dragon protects the gods and strengthens a person’s faith and fortitude.
  • The creature's bared teeth indicate aggression and desire for dominance.
  • A peacefully sleeping dragon will be a symbol of peace of mind, good nature and harmony.
  • A creature made in Chinese traditions is often supplemented with hieroglyphs.
  • A popular image is of a fairy-tale animal in a cloud of smoke or flame.
  • The mythical creature, made in golden shades, symbolizes wisdom and the desire for knowledge.
  • A yellow animal will mark victory.
  • The green snake will indicate the owner’s connection with the earthly sphere.
  • White, black, red and blue creatures are each responsible for their own side of the world and element. At the same time, black speaks of respect for parents, blue symbolizes peace, and red symbolizes both passion and aggressive defense.
  • If the dragon's flight is directed upward, then the wearer has benevolent intentions.
  • A creature rushing down will indicate that such a person should be feared.
  • An animal surrounded by coins bestows family prosperity.
  • The combination of a dragon and a tiger in one composition is a classic variation of the Yin-Yang symbol.
  • An unrealistic image of a dragon, its fairy-tale, cartoonish style is typical for the female gender.

Chinese dragon calf tattoo

They say that the dragon tattoo is very hackneyed. I think it all depends on the choice of sketch. I chose a little dragon from the popular cartoon How to Train Your Dragon. Sleeping peacefully on the lower back, it simultaneously speaks of inner strength and feminine elegance and grace.

Marina, Pskov

Place of drawing

The main plot of my sleeve revolves around a flying dragon. I like this composition for its abundance of colors and amazing realism. I think that there is no person who would not want to decorate his body with this beautiful creature.

Oleg, Moscow

Japanese style dragon tattoo on shoulder and shoulder blade

Of course, such a strong-willed creature requires respect for itself, so often its entire back is given over to its image or it is allowed to climb up the side of the body. It is possible to apply a pattern to the lower back or shoulder blade. There are interesting compositions for the shoulder, where a long tail encircles the wearer's wrist.

The dragon is a character from mythological stories that is most often found in tattoo images. There are many interpretations of the meaning of a dragon tattoo and options for its execution. This image was particularly influenced by Chinese culture.

What does a dragon tattoo mean?

Now there are two types of tattoos with this creature:

  1. The first is a European dragon, which has wings and a body covered with scales. They are found in fairy tales of almost every nation and, as a rule, personify darkness, evil and the devil. They can be depicted as cartoon characters, fire-breathing monsters, in general, whatever your imagination allows.
  2. The second dragon is made in the oriental style, in which the animal resembles a snake and its wings are missing. Such dragons symbolize the four elements: earth, fire, water and air. At the same time, they can be both kind and cruel.

Chinese culture is closely associated with dragons. The throne of the emperor of many dynasties was called the "dragon throne". During the Qing Dynasty, mythical creatures were depicted on the flag. A commoner could even be executed for wearing clothing with a dragon on it.

Chinese dragon tattoo

The distinctive features of the Chinese dragon are:

  • presence of 117 scales on the body;
  • four paws, each with five claws;
  • the ability to fly despite the lack of wings;
  • snake-like body.

The main factor due to which such tattoos have gained great popularity is the possibility of using imagination, using bold colors that make it easy to create a creative design.

In addition to being colorful, tattoos can be made in black, shades of gray, or a combination of black and red.

Since dragons are diverse, the background design can be just as diverse. Most often, a dragon drawing is accompanied by images of flames, medieval castles, mountains, flowers or clouds.

Regardless of the location and color of the tattoo, in general it means magic, strength, power, nobility. Most often, the dragon represents how we would like to appear in reality – independent and strong. The tattoo also reminds us of the relationship between man and the environment, since dragons are the lords of the four natural elements.

Dragon tattoo - meaning for girls

When choosing a tattoo design, you need to think about its location. Depending on where the image will be located, the optimal tattoo size is determined. In addition, the appearance of the dragon and its pose can tell a lot:

  1. When applying a tattoo on the shoulder, you should remember that if a dragon lies calmly with its wings folded, then this indicates a state of mental balance.
  2. If the dragon's body is directed upward, then this speaks of good goals and a positive attitude.
  3. If the dragon is directed downward, then this indicates negative intentions.
  4. The creature's spread wings and bare teeth indicate the aggression of the owner of the tattoo, her power and hostile attitude.

Dragon tattoo is the best option. The back is a so-called canvas on which you can create a simply stunning picture.

Girls most often prefer a colorful tattoo with an image of a dragon, made in a fairy-tale style, and less often resort to applying black and white designs.