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.
In many cultures, powerful mythical creatures like the Chinese dragon have influence over weather events and freak occurrences in nature. It seems that the Chinese dragon in particular has a strong connection with different aspects of water. So within the context of Chinese culture, the dragon has a lot of control over the seas and rivers and even over waterfalls. Water spouts are often said to represent the surge of the great dragon from his lair. What a wonderful and exciting tattoo image that would make.
In addition to these wonderful stories and legends that can make your dragon tattoo a rich source of conversation, the images of Chinese dragons are very colorful and artistic. Because each dragon has a different look and you can find designs showing dragons in flight, stalking, snarling or looking down from the clouds, the chances are good that the dragon you use for your tattoo will have a personality all his own.
When considering a Chinese dragon tattoo, it’s obvious because they are so artistic and gorgeous that you will want this tattoo to be in a place of honor such as your stomach, your calf, your back or your chest so it can be easily seen an admired. For the men, a Chinese dragon that is the perfect expression of strength and confidence is perfect. For the ladies, an elegant design that is as beautiful and artistic will assure that your dragon tattoo will also fit wonderfully with your fashion choices and give you great colors to coordinate with your outfits and accessories. This variety combined with the rich lore and history is without a doubt the reason that the Chinese dragon tattoo pattern has become one of the most popular forms of body art there is.