The Chinese Dragon Tattoo - What Does it Mean?

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:37:38 GMT

Dragon tattoos are the most popular mythical creature requested at tattoo shops. People find themselves intrigued with their power, grace and spirituality. The history and tradition of the dragon is steeped into almost every culture around the world. This makes them interesting to almost anyone regardless of whether or not they are even considering a tattoo. The lure of the dragon is especially true for the Chinese dragon tattoo. People simply can't tear their eyes away from it.

While the dragons depicted in fairy tales are often blood-thirsty and cruel fire-breathing monsters, Chinese dragons symbolize exactly the opposite. Chinese people are affectionately called descendants of the dragon because the dragon is seen as intelligent, kind and full of good will. They are said to bring much-needed rain. These dragons are snake-like and most often don't have wings. They also have five claws. Chinese dragons are extremely specific in design. They have 117 scales, 81 are positive (yang) while 36 are negative (ying).

There are over 100 ancient named dragons. Choosing one for a Chinese dragon tattoo will require a lot of research and a lot of patience. It is well worth the effort to have an authentic tattoo that speaks personally to who you are. Here are just a few for you to consider. Jiaolong is a hornless dragon that is said to be the leader of all aquatic animals. Tianlong is a celestial dragon said to guard the heavens. Shenlong is the thunder god that controls the weather and Longwang is the divine ruler of the four seas. There are many more - these are just a taste!

There are also five coloured dragons categorized as kings. The White Dragon is pure and virtuous. The Black Dragon lurks in deep mystic waters, the Vermillion Dragon gives its blessings to lakes, the Azure Dragon is the most compassionate of them all and the Yellow Dragon favourably listens to any pleas.

These kings are only some of the sub-categories Chinese dragons fall into. The Chinese dragon tattoo can literally be one of hundreds historically portrayed.

Whatever Chinese Dragon tattoo you choose, please be sure it is done properly and in good taste. It is taboo in the Chinese culture to disfigure a dragon. It is seen as extremely disrespectful. In an effort to be true to the entire process, ensure that your tattoo artist has a particularly good knowledge on the subject. The Chinese dragon is a symbol of power and strength. It is revered and misrepresenting it will undoubtedly hit a soft spot.

Dragons are some of the most beautiful and regal mythical creatures that have ever been created. They are mysterious and compelling. Those characteristics make them exceptional for tattoos. Any Chinese dragon tattoo will become a conversation piece. If you do your research, you'll be able to wow anyone with your knowledge about the subject. They'll be pleasantly surprised with the amount of thought and preparation you put into your tattoo. It will become more than just a showpiece. It will become a statement about you and what you are.

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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:35:51 GMT

In the latter part of the last century and early 21st century the western civilization has began to take a particular liking to the tattoo body art that has been practiced for centuries in the Eastern world, particularly that of the region of China.

The irony of this is that what most people do not realize is the fact that tattoos are largely considered a bad thing in China. The reasoning behind this is mainly that during certain eras in Eastern society, the tattoo was used specifically as identification marks for criminals and society deviants.

Regardless, the act of branding oneself with a Chinese symbol has taken hold in the Western world, gaining a steady following in the tattooing circle. Although there are many tattoos that actually relate to a particular visual scene, such as dragons or Chinese warriors, most tend to lean towards the symbols utilized in the Chinese language.

The most common seem to be that of, love, strength, passion, and titles, such as father, mother, son, daughter, etc. Some unwise individuals will see a Chinese symbol and have the tattoo inked on, without even verifying the meaning of the word. These are generally young people or those who acquire tattoos just because their comrades are doing it. The true tattoo artisan will always check first. Do not always rely upon the word of the artist either. Some will make up a meaning just to make a sale, but again, this is generally from those who tattoo mainly for the cash and not for the art.

There are other symbols related to Chinese society that have gained considerable popularity also, such as the yin yang. This symbol originated in the Han Dynasty around 207 B.C. The Yin and Yang are symbolic of the belief that there is a balance in the universe. Chinese legend states that this balance must be maintained for each individual's destiny to go as it should. It states that for every day there should be a night, for every good, a bad, etc. Everything has an exact opposite. Many tattoo aficionados mistakenly think that it is a symbol of good and evil, but this is only a small part of the meaning behind the Yin Yang. To best describe the concept, it is a symbol of equality and balance.

Regardless of what tattoo you choose for yourself, do a little research first. Find out the true meaning behind it as well as the origins. You may find that this is something that you do not want to be associated with for the rest of your life.

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The Chinese Dragon Tattoo - What Does it Mean?

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