Getting A Dragon Tattoo
March 26, 2008
If you like to go into tattoo parlors just to browse the patterns like I do, it’s impossible not to notice the prevalence of tattoo designs that involve a Chinese dragon. It’s easy to think it’s just because they are pretty. But if you looked deeper you would learn that these images date into ancient history in China and its culture and that the dragon is a powerful image to that ancient world.
To us in western cultures, we see dragons as what King Arthur and his knights fought and there are lots of popular dragons like Puff the Magic Dragon that are happy and silly creatures from childhood stories. Dragons have a much more serious and mystical role to play in Chinese culture, however, and we can learn a lot about the rich cultural interpretations of dragons and about how dragons have been regarded as figures of authority in the many traditions of the Chinese people’s long history.
You wonder why so many people love to pick a Chinese dragon design for their tattoo but it may have to do with a desire to connect with a strong cultural myth since our culture isn’t big on that kind of thing. That’s probably why western people are so fascinated with eastern mystical images and even take part in our own way by connecting to it with a Chinese dragon tattoo. And because there is so much to learn and then to be able to tell others about the centuries old traditions and history of this eastern religious icon, it makes for wonderful stories when people ask you about the beautiful dragon tattoo you are wearing.
Interestingly enough, while in our culture dragons are generally enemies for our wizards and knights to slay, in Chinese culture, the opposite is true. In that society, dragons are the protectors of children and those in need of a strong spiritual guardian similarly to how we see guardian angels in our culture. The role of the dragon in Chinese history goes as far back as the very first emperor or China, Huang Di. It is said that when he passed away, he actually became a dragon himself and flew into the heavens to become part of Chinese spiritual life forever. So it’s easy to see why the dragon has become so special to the Chinese people and that they love to celebrate that image in many ways in their art and festivals.
There are many different types of Chinese dragons to choose from when you decide to incorporate this powerful image into a tattoo. If the dragon figure has horns, that means it is powerful. A heavenly dragon is a protector where the spiritual dragon controls the rain and weather and the yellow dragon brings knowledge and wisdom. So you can incorporate a value you wish to enshrine in your tattoo with the appropriate Chinese dragon who rules that area of life.
As often happens when a creature takes on strong mythical imagery, Chinese dragons represent the spiritual power behind the elements and changes in weather which are often interpreted as messages from the gods. The association between Chinese dragons and water is particularly strong as they are reputed to have control over the oceans and rivers as well as over waterfalls and water spouts which are thought of as dragons rising from their sleep.
You can see that you will have no trouble getting conversations going about your Chinese dragon tattoo and you will get plenty of compliments on your tat because these patterns are so often elegant, classy and beautiful. When you browse the tattoo parlors, you will notice that there are dozens of Chinese dragon patterns in every imaginable situation and position. So you could chose a benevolent dragon enjoying a festival with the people, an angry dragon snarling at an enemy, a playful dragon crouched and ready or a sleeping dragon blessing us with his peace. Whatever design you pick, the chances are it will be a tat that has a special personality of its own and not one you will see duplicated very often if ever.
Because the dragon tattoo is so artistic, expressive and classy, many people love to make this tattoo the one to have a place of honor such as the upper chest, across the back or the arm. A large Chinese dragon tattoo can quietly communicate power and strength which is why it is a very popular tattoo for men. But you can also find beautiful dragon tattoos for the ladies that even become delightful fashion statements because they incorporate so well with clothing and jewelry. The many kinds of designs, the wonderful colors and the many deeper meanings that dragons bring with them is one of the reasons that the Chinese dragon is one of the most popular tattoo designs available.
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