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Dragon Tattoo Meaning and Ideas

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If you’re interested in getting a dragon tattoo, you may want to consider the symbolism and dragon tattoo meaning in cultures across the world. This article will go over how dragons are depicted across the globe. 

 

A dragon is a legendary creature, typically portrayed as a giant, fire-breathing, scaly, and horned reptile with or without wings. They have been depicted in various ways throughout history and cultures worldwide. In some cultures, dragons were seen as gods while in others, they were seen as evil creatures that could breathe fire from their mouths and destroy villages. The meaning of the dragon tattoo is often courage, power, wisdom, or good luck because these are all traits associated with this mythical creature.

Dragon Symbolism in Western Culture

Dragons are powerful and ancient mythical creatures that have been a part of both eastern and western cultures for centuries. In some legends, dragons even represent Satan or evil. In western culture, dragons are often depicted as evil creatures due to their association with fire and their habit of dwelling on gold and jewels. In many tales, the dragon must be slain by a knight or other hero. The word dragon comes from the Greek word “drakon” which means “serpent.” In Christianity, the dragon symbolizes Satan.

Dragon Tattoo Meaning in Eastern Culture

In contrast to their western counterparts, Eastern cultures see dragons as wise creatures to be respected. From the mighty Chinese dragon to the Japanese Qilin, dragons have been praised in many East Asian cultures for a long time. In the East, dragons are powerful spiritual beings that bring good luck and fortune. Dragons in the East symbolize power, good luck, and fortune.
In China, people worshiped dragons during the Lunar New Year to bring them luck.

Chinese believed that those born during the Year of the Dragon were nobler than others. Chinese people also believed that if they wore dragon tattoos, they would live long lives without illness or injury. Dragons are often depicted as benevolent creatures who bring good luck to those who see them. 

Dragon Symbolism in Celtic Culture

Dragons are a prevalent and recurring figure in Celtic mythology and folklore. The Celts believed in two different types of dragons: the Llewyrr (the benevolent) and the Llion (the malevolent). The Llewyrr was said to take on human form, while the Llion was always in its dragon form. They symbolize both wisdom and power, as well as greed and cruelty.

Like other dragons, the Celtic dragon is often depicted with three claws instead of four. This is because they are said to have lost one claw when they were battling a giant.

The red dragon tattoo is a symbol of power, luck, and fortune. The character of the red dragon varies from one culture to another. In some cultures, it can be seen as a symbol of evil, while in others, it is revered as a guardian. The most common use for the red dragon in Western culture is an emblem for Wales and other Celtic nations.

Colorful Dragon Tattoo Meaning

Dragons are often depicted in a variety of colors, and the significance given to different colors often depends on what an individual sees as a symbol.

  • White: Purity, truth
  • Red: Good fortune, luck
  • Yellow: Fortune, power
  • Black: Vengeance, struggle
  • Blue: Freedom, protection, calm

Dragon Tattoo Ideas

To help you choose your next tattoo design, we found the best dragon tattoo ideas on Instagram and compiled them on this page.

Check them out here:

Dragon Tribal Tattoos


black tribal dragon tattoo sideblack tribal dragon tattoo side
@lovelucktattoofaenza
black dragon head tattoo tribal with red eyesblack dragon head tattoo tribal with red eyes
@deemira22
tribal dragon tattoo with wingstribal dragon tattoo with wings
@vampiligua
black dragon tattoo red eyes sternumblack dragon tattoo red eyes sternum
@leveegee_tattoos
black dragon tattoo chestblack dragon tattoo chest
@femininktattoo
ed and black tribal dragon tattooed and black tribal dragon tattoo
@helen_tinc_etherington
orange tribal dragon tattooorange tribal dragon tattoo
@chuyjlj
black dragon tattoo sleeveblack dragon tattoo sleeve
@blackstarstudio
black dragon linework tattooblack dragon linework tattoo
@body_art_by_kim
blue purple flame dragon tattooblue purple flame dragon tattoo
@stevezippillitattoos
black tribal dragon ankle tattooblack tribal dragon ankle tattoo
@madink.tattoo.egypt
blue dragon tattoo backblue dragon tattoo back
@sacredrosetattoo

Japanese Dragon Tattoos


blue japanese dragon tattooblue japanese dragon tattoo
@aderadfordtattoo
blue japanese dragon tattoo sleeveblue japanese dragon tattoo sleeve
@radiantcolorsink
black and white dragon tattooblack and white dragon tattoo
@anaheimik714
black linework dragon tattoo with white claws sleeveblack linework dragon tattoo with white claws sleeve
@paddy.dundon.tattoo
black dragon tattoo with flowersblack dragon tattoo with flowers
@hadesgravetattoos

Chinese Dragon Tattoos


@lilyredtattoo
@paulnycz
colorful Chinese dragon tattoocolorful Chinese dragon tattoo
@tippingtattoo
@wildwest_tattoos
@inkedmag

Celtic Dragon Tattoos


@margaret_irene_tattoos
@taggurrstattoos
@newhampshiretattoo
@mokotattoo
@jrherguner
@kiwi_kim_mullan

Red Dragon Tattoos


@westside_tattoo_brisbane
@leanneckerr
@shomase_tattoo

American Traditional Dragon Tattoos


@pongtattdiction
@yeyettattoo
@inkertattoo

Feminine Dragon Tattoos


@robsonnsantos
@nugget_tattooartist
@veraka_v
@alaska.ink
@worevitano
@keithlascruces

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