Dragons might make you consider ferocity and energy or magic and chaos, however both method, they make unimaginable tattoos.
From luck and prosperity to monstrous and evil, these legendary fire-breathing creatures have a mess of meanings throughout cultures, and in China and Japan, dragon tattoos are sometimes a popular design choice.
The That means of Dragon Tattoos
Whenever you see a dragon tattoo it may be troublesome to decipher the which means as a result of there are such a lot of completely different prospects. Even inside folklore and mythology, dragons can each symbolize heroism or malevolence.
Some tales paint them as sacred guardians and clever advisors, whereas in different fables they’re an impediment to beat.
For instance, Hercules had missions of slaying dragons to be able to achieve immortality and show his bravery.
One other well-known dragon-slaying story comes from pre-Christian origins. On this narrative, Saint George saves the princess and the village of Cappadocia from an evil dragon.
Not all dragon tales come from Japanese and Chinese language tradition. A dragon tattoo might have more moderen inspiration, like Game of Thrones, The Hobbit, or The right way to Practice Your Dragon.
Clearly, if you see somebody exhibiting off a dragon tattoo, there isn’t a solution to know precisely what it means to the wearer.
You could possibly get a dragon tattoo to symbolize power or luck. Or it’d remind you of the obstacles you could have overcome. If you’re a water sign or just love the ocean, a dragon tattoo could possibly be a visualization of this. Or possibly you are simply an enormous Sport of Thrones fan paying homage to the Targaryens.
Simply because the which means of dragons varies between cultures, areas and tattoos, so does their look.
Some dragons have wings and the potential to breathe hearth, whereas others are way more serpentine. Chinese language dragons have 5 claws, Japanese have 4 claws and Vietnamese have solely three.
Simply as there are such a lot of completely different meanings and appearances of dragons, there are additionally many sorts of dragon tattoos.
Dragon Symbolism
To some, dragons are viewed as evil or grasping, whereas to others they’re seen as clever and powerful.
In Chinese language tradition, they’re a symbol of good luck and goodwill, typically worshiped as gods. Dragons are believed to be governors of water, in a position to management each the climate and the tides.
Journey to Japan and dragons are mystical creatures that symbolize steadiness — yin, and yang.
Celtic dragons signify energy, whereas amongst many different historical cultures, slaying a dragon is seen as a excessive honor.
Dragon Tattoo Placement Concepts and Kinds
Some incorporate shade, whereas others stick with strictly black ink. The dragon could possibly be detailed and ultra-realistic, or easier and extra symbolic. Some designs lean extra female whereas others scream masculinity.
You could possibly get a tiny tattoo in your wrist or an elaborate piece masking your total again.
From a Celtic dragon tattoo in your shoulder to a Chinese language dragon down your backbone, the choices are actually countless.
Under are our selections for the 9 finest dragon-inspired tattoos to encourage your individual design.
45 Dragon Tattoo Design Concepts For Males And Ladies
1. Conventional Chinese language dragon tattoo
Picture:Â Laura Foote
In terms of dragon tattoos, Chinese language-style dragons are a extremely popular alternative.
The serpentine type represents good luck and goodwill and might be finished in a variety of colors together with a crimson or a blue dragon tattoo.
2. Female dragon tattoo on again
Picture: Тату Барнаул Виталий
Including flowers to a dragon tattoo on again supplies a touch of femininity to the ferocious creature. If you’re trying to get a much bigger tattoo, your again is a perfect placement.
3. Dragon face tattoo
Picture:Â Owen Batchelor
A colourful dragon face tattoo could make for a daring and delightful assertion piece.
4. Sport of Thrones dragon tattoo
Picture:Â Paige Unfeigned
Channel the Khaleesi herself with a Sport of Thrones-inspired dragon tattoo.
Emelia Clarke, the actress who performs Daenerys Targaryen, even has an analogous dragon tattoo of her personal to recollect her three dragons on the present.
5. Tribal dragon tattoo
Picture:Â Pixabay / Darksouls1
Tribal dragon designs could make for eye-catching and complicated tattoos.
6. Forearm dragon tattoo
Picture:Â Drew Smith
This dragon forearm tattoo is an intricately stunning and detailed piece.
7. Floral dragon thigh tattoo
Picture:Â Laura Foote
Your thigh is the right place for a big and show-stopping dragon tattoo, like this floral one.
8. Cranium dragon tattoo
Picture:Â Laura Foote
Painting energy and perseverance with a dragon cranium tattoo or add flowers for a extra female contact.
9. Japanese dragon tattoo
Picture:Â Jenkens Tattoo
In Japanese tradition, dragons symbolize steadiness. Promote equilibrium in your life by getting a Japanese-inspired dragon tattoo.
10. Colourful dragon again tattoo
Picture: Jason Mendoza
Including pops of color, just like the pinks and teals on this peace, could make for a vibrant and delightful dragon tattoo.
11. Watercolor dragon tattoo
Picture: Renee at Okami Ink
For a whimsical and delicate dragon tattoo, a watercolor tattoo design is the best way to go.
12. Crimson dragon tattoo
Picture: Tats by Ronn
The red dragon symbolizes success. Entice good luck with an intricate crimson ink dragon tattoo on hips.
13. Colourful conventional dragon tattoo
Picture: Chris Tolleson
Coloration can flip an odd dragon tattoo into a robust and putting assertion piece.
14. Dungeons and Dragons tattoo
Picture: Alex Rowntree
Pay homage to your favourite fantasy RPG with a D&D devoted tattoo.
15. Rib dragon tattoo
Picture: Mimi-Sama Blackwork
A dragon tattoo will look trendy and stylish when positioned in your ribs.
16. Floral dragon tattoo
Picture: Luna Inked
By including florals to a dragon tattoo, you’ll be able to create a good looking distinction between delicacy and hazard.
17. Black and grey dragon tattoo
Picture: Alex Trang
Even with none shade, this darkish black and grey dragon tattoo is undoubtedly eye-catching and daring.
18. Cherry blossom dragon tattoo
Picture: Ernie the Swamp Rat
As a result of cherry blossoms bloom for a brief period of time, they symbolize renewal and the fleeting nature of life.
These pink flowers make for an ideal and picturesque addition to any dragon tattoo.
19. Floral abdomen dragon tattoo
Picture: Shannon O’Beirne
Your abdomen is one other best placement for a distinguished dragon tattoo.
20. Thigh dragon tattoo
Picture: Kitti Kulcsar
Whether or not you go small and delicate, or huge and daring, your thigh is a superb location for an simply hidden dragon tattoo.
21. Dragon tattoo on arm
Picture: Pixabay / PublicDomainPictures
Your arm is the perfect canvas for an extended and elaborate dragon tattoo.
22. Blue dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Scott Dumas
According to Chinese Astrology, the blue dragon symbolizes energy and energy.
Including blue to your dragon tattoo could make the ferocious beast much more mighty.
23. Fireplace respiratory dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Christophor Volk
The hearth-breathing creature makes for an particularly beautiful tattoo when proven respiratory hearth.
24. Dragon sword tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Barashkova Natalia
Swords can symbolize energy, justice, safety, and braveness. Paired with a dragon that is an extremely highly effective tattoo.
25. Yin and yang dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Ljiljana Jankovic
Yin and yang symbolize steadiness and duality. This tattoo serves as a reminder to understand each the great and the dangerous in any scenario.
26. Dragon and tiger tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Wowim
In Buddhist imagery, the tiger represents a tough and relentless energy, whereas the dragon symbolizes a softer and extra clever energy.
By combining these two beasts in a single tattoo, it should remind you to stay in between the 2 extremes.
27. Inexperienced dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / GOLFX
Other than the beautiful pop of shade that the inexperienced ink supplies, a green dragon tattoo symbolizes development and rebirth.
28. Life like half sleeve dragon tattoos
Picture: Pixabay / Squarefrog
On this lifelike half sleeve dragon tattoo the dragon appears to be like as if it is about to slither proper off his bicep.
29. Dragon wing tattoo
Picture: Simina
This bright and colorful tattoo highlights the great thing about the dragon’s wings, which symbolize magic, fantasy and energy.
30. Dragon and phoenix tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Satori.artwork
This colourful dragon tattoo with a phoenix is the ultimate symbol of love. The phoenix brings concord and femininity to the highly effective and majestic dragon.
31. Small dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Mauro Rodrigues
A dragon tattoo would not need to be enormous to make an announcement.
32. Celtic dragon tattoo
Picture: Emma Rox
Incorporate Celtic artwork — assume thick black strains and twisted designs — into your dragon tattoo to represent braveness and energy.
33. Koi fish dragon tattoo
Picture: Flickr / Punk27fay
By pairing majestic koi fish — which represent perseverance and strength of mind — with a dragon, your tattoo will symbolize transformation and rebirth.
34. Medieval dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / DeepGreen
Whenever you consider dragons from fairytales and folklore a surprising medieval dragon, like this one, probably involves thoughts.
35. Dragon head tattoo
Picture: Pixabay / Clker-Free-Vector-Images
Regardless of the scale, this easy dragon head tattoo is a daring and putting piece.
36. Sea dragon tattoo/water dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Satori.artwork
In case you’re a water signal or simply love the ocean, go for a sea dragon also referred to as a water dragon tattoo.
37. Easy dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Narokzaad
A dragon tattoo would not need to be intricate to face out.
38. Neon dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Tanya Shatseva
This watercolor design incorporates vivid neon colours for a vibrant and delightful tattoo.
39. Dragon heads tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / AKV
These two dragon heads kind a yin and yang image to symbolize steadiness.
40. Dragon sword tattoo
Picture: Amin Sultan Hajiani
Showcase your capability to beat and face your fears with a dragon tattoo on the arm that features a sword.
41. Black dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Valery Sidelnykov
A dragon tattoo might be extremely distinguished and attention-grabbing, even with none shade.
42. Rising dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Eeng Joe
This ferocious dragon is rising up with what appears to be like like a loud and highly effective roar.
43. Full again dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / GOLFX
This serpentine dragon design is detailed sufficient to cowl your total again.
44. Colourful Japanese dragon tattoo
Picture: Flickr / David Davis
This breathtaking Japanese-inspired dragon tattoo is filled with intricate particulars and vibrant colours.
45. Norse dragon tattoo
Picture: Shutterstock / Mikhail Balashov
The rationale that Viking ships have been typically referred to as dragon ships was due to their association with bravery, battles and fearlessness.
Any Norse-inspired dragon tattoo can have the identical associations.
Audrey Jaber is a author dwelling in Boston, Massachusetts. She covers a wide range of subjects for YourTango, together with information, leisure and astrology.
