Often, having decided to decorate their body with a tattoo, people prefer the image of two beings equal in strength and spirit: a tiger and a dragon. These animals have different characters and outwardly their confrontation is clearly visible, but at the same time their unity. And only the person who opted for such an image decides what unites them: the struggle or the achievement of a common goal.

What do they look like?

The tiger and the dragon, merged in a single battle, are a symbol of Yin-Yang. To indicate the infinity of the existence of nature, the outlines of animals are enclosed in a circle. Such tattoos are beautiful, quite voluminous and occupy a rather large area on the human body. Therefore, before applying, it is necessary not only to evaluate the external elegance of the selected image, but also to find out its symbolic meaning.

Yin-Yang tattoo is recommended to be applied to that part of the body where it will be possible to make it as large as possible. This is the back, chest, thigh or arm, if the lifestyle does not allow you to openly demonstrate the drawing. In the event that a person normally perceives the fact that the image cannot be hidden, it can be applied to an open area, for example, the neck area.

History of the tattoo

In Chinese culture, it is customary to identify these animals with two symbols: Yin and Yang.

The primary sources of the emergence of Yin-Yang symbolism go far into Chinese history. A simple natural phenomenon, the illumination of the mountain by the sun, first from one side, and then from the other, prompted people to think about the existence of a confrontation between the two elements and at the same time their unity. Based on these conclusions, the opposite incarnations have the following interpretation:

• Yin is represented by the Dragon, which personifies the feminine and correlates with such concepts as the moon, earth, death, darkness.
• Yang is the Tiger, embodying male power, which is based on the sun, warmth, life, light, sky.

Historical roots of symbolism

In the western regions of Europe, it was associated with evil, and in the East it was considered divine power. Most often, the symbol was depicted as a huge creature with claws, similar to a snake and exhaling fire. The meanings of the image of this mythical character among different peoples are different from each other. The following stories of its origin are hidden in the legends and tales of the peoples of Asia and Western Europe:

According to Western European legends, this animal destroyed human settlements and carried out the theft of their inhabitants.

• Chinese culture. Represents the Dragon as a divine creature that is able to control the elements of nature, including rain, lightning, etc. People believed that he reincarnates and carries wisdom, vitality and harmony.
• Japanese legends. Traces of the existence of the image lead to China. The legend says that a Koi carp (a symbol of wisdom) could turn into a Dragon. Therefore, he was associated with a deep mind, guardianship and strength. To have such a pattern on clothes or body was considered a sign of greatness.
• Western Europe. Unlike the culture of the East, the dragon is presented in a negative light. According to legend, he destroyed entire villages, took away people.

Snake (Hebi).
It is believed that snakes are endowed with supernatural abilities, such as: protection from troubles, diseases, protection from misfortune, and they can also, like dragons, cause rain. Snakes are able to transform into the appearance of a person, especially in the form of an envious, vindictive and dishonest woman. One of the stories about such a reincarnation is the tragedy of Kiyohime and the priest Anjin. But not all myths about snakes are bad, many shop owners have an image of a snake coiled around a hammer hanging at the entrance, it is believed that this image brings good luck and prosperity.

Tiger tattoo meaning

The tiger (Torah) in Chinese culture is considered the most important of the land animals, it symbolizes strength, courage and longevity. It is believed that tigers can drive away demons, diseases and prevent misfortune. In many ancient texts, one can see that the tiger fights the demons (Oni) on the side of "Shoki" (Zhong Kui - in China), the slayer of the demons. There is a belief that wearing a tiger skin on the back will help get rid of any pain and cure all diseases. The tiger is one of the four holy animals, a symbol of the north and autumn. Tigers also have control over the wind.

The meaning of tiger tattoos can be different, depending on which scene the tiger is performing in. A popular tattoo depicting a fighting dragon and a tiger symbolizes the duality of all things, where the dragon corresponds to the masculine yang, and the tiger to the feminine yin, which also symbolizes the underworld and the west. The dragon holds a flaming sphere in its paw. This is the Moon, which he periodically swallows and regurgitates. The fight does not bring victory to either the dragon or the tiger, and the legends say that this duel ends in friendship and harmony.
In the scenes with the characters, the tiger acts as an undoubted evil, which is invariably defeated. There are several characters in Suikoden who fought and defeated tigers. This is also a very popular subject for irezumi.

The hero of the novel "Suikoden" Gyoja Busho, Engraving and Engraving The hero of the novel "Suikoden" Ritetsu Gyu.

One of them is Gyoja Busho (aka Wu Song in the Chinese version), who, on Mount Keiyo, killed a man-eating tiger that killed 25 people. He managed to deal with him with his bare hands.
Another character in the same novel is Kokusempu Riki (called Ritetsu Gyu) (Xie Jen in the Chinese version), who killed three tigers with a sword.

Makatsuge

Makatsuge. Fragment of a tattoo.

Makatsuge (half-fish - half-dragon). The legend of the carp, which managed to make its way through the waterfall to the Dragon Gate and turn into a dragon, has become so popular that the carp has acquired a traditional meaning as a symbol of perseverance, struggle and a fish that brings good luck. One legend says that when a son was born to Confucius, the ruler sent him a huge carp, and since that time the carp has become a symbol of male power. The tattoo itself, depicting a carp with a dragon's head - makatsuge, denotes the desire for self-improvement, courage and perseverance, and perseverance in achieving goals, despite the difficulties. The makatsuge tattoo is traditionally done only on men, as it also symbolizes male sexual energy.

Shachihoko

Shachihoko. This mythological monster is depicted with the head of a tiger and the body of a fish, which is covered with poisonous spikes. On land, the shachihoho can transform into a tiger. It is believed that these creatures are in the sea near the whales, monitoring the implementation of the law of the sea, according to which “the whale cannot eat big fish”, and if the whale breaks it, they climb into its mouth and kill it with their poison. In the Middle Ages, shachihoko statues were placed as skates on the roofs of samurai castles. Shachihoko is not only a warning not to offend the person wearing this tattoo, but also serves as a symbol of justice and strict adherence to agreements.

Turtle tattoo meaning

The turtle is a common image in Eastern mythology, a symbol of wealth, wisdom and longevity, as it is believed that it is able to live forever if it is not killed. In China and Japan, the tortoise, overgrown with algae, which was called by the Japanese "Minogame" ("turtle in a cloak of grass"), enjoyed special respect. She is credited with supernatural abilities, the main of which is the ability to foresee and predict the future.

Bisi. Turtle is a dragon.

Turtle - dragon (also called dragon turtle or Bisi) - a mythological animal, a symbol of the harmony of the universe associated with the philosophy of feng shui. According to an ancient Chinese legend, a turtle (the embodiment of truth and wisdom) provided its body to the spirit of a dead dragon in order to strengthen the protective abilities so necessary for the emperor and the country. The resulting monster combined the courage and ambition of the dragon, and the wisdom of the turtle. It is believed that this mythological animal contributes to favorable changes in a person's career.

Yinglong. Winged dragon.

Yinglong, according to Chinese tradition, was a winged dragon, the lord of the rains, who knew how to collect and accumulate water. In some Chinese legends, he is the patron of the emperor, first drowning his enemies, and then saving the country from flooding. In Japan, it is known as Hai Riyo.

The meaning of the hawk tattoo

The hawk (Taka) symbolizes daring, courage, nobility, warlike spirit. There is an old proverb that says: "No Aru Taka Wa Tume Okakusu" - a smart hawk hides his talents. Therefore, the image of a hawk is used to describe a talented person who does not shout about his skills.

The Meaning of the Japanese Crane Tattoo

Crane. In the Far East, cranes have always enjoyed special honor. In China, cranes were considered the messengers of the gods, they were ridden by the immortal demigods xian, and the cranes also accompanied the dead to the heavenly lands. The crane was considered an attribute of the god of happiness Wu-fu, who bestows a long life, and therefore the bird itself has become a symbol of longevity, and the embodiment of the bright beginning of yang. Following the Chinese, the Japanese also considered the crane a sacred bird. The Japanese crane has become the hero of many legends and fairy tales. The Japanese believed that cranes were able to turn into people, and often taking the form of wandering monks, doing good deeds. As in China, the crane is a symbol of longevity and good intentions.

The Meaning of a Japanese Pheasant Tattoo

Pheasant. The bright and colorful bird pheasant, in the Far East, was associated with sunlight and dignity. In China, the pheasant symbolized knowledge, beauty, good luck, virtue and organizational skills, therefore it became the insignia of high-ranking officials. According to popular belief, the flapping of the wings of these birds was capable of causing a thunderstorm. In Japan, the pheasant was the symbol of the sun goddess Amaterasu and her messenger. In addition to prosperity, the Japanese pheasant symbolizes maternal love and protection from trouble.

The meaning of the Japanese toad tattoo

Japanese toad tattoo

Toad or frog. In Chinese and Japanese mythology and folklore, the toad was considered a magical creature with a special "toad magic". It was a symbol of good luck and wealth, and among the Japanese it also symbolized wanderings and travels. According to legend, toads were malicious and vengeful creatures, in which evil and greedy people were often reborn. However, the Buddha managed to guide the toads on the path of truth, and they began to help people, and, paying for the previous evil, often give good people gold coins that they spat out of their mouths. It was believed that toads taught those who achieved immortality flight and freedom of the spirit, and instructed those who devoted themselves to Buddhist service. They became indispensable companions of sages and healers. The meaning of the toad is the material and spiritual wealth of a person. The toad also helps in the safe return home after long wanderings.

Baku - creatures that devour bad dreams and nightmares.

Baku. In Japanese folklore, these are supernatural creatures that devour bad dreams and nightmares. Baku is depicted as a monster that has an elephant's trunk, rhino eyes and tiger paws. Baku is also protected from evil and disease. According to Japanese beliefs, when you have a nightmare, you should shout “Eat Baku!” three times so that the nightmare does not come true.

Maneki-neko

Maneki-neko beckoning cat tattoo

Maneki-neko, which translates from Japanese as “Alluring Cat” or “Calling Cat”, is a very popular symbol of good luck and prosperity in Japan. There are several versions about the origin of this good luck talisman, which talk about how the cat saved its owner, or brought him wealth. The most common is the legend according to which the cat saves a powerful daimyo from a lightning strike by beckoning him with his paw to the old, crumbling temple of Gotokuji. In gratitude for the salvation, the prince gave money to restore the temple, and since then the cat with its paw raised has been an object of veneration among believers. In the images, Maneki-neko is holding an ancient gold coin, which is related to another story about another virtuous cat. According to it, a grateful cat brought a sick poor man, who treated him with fish, two gold coins for treatment, which he stole from his rich owner. This and other stories eventually began to be attributed to maneki-neko. Also, maneki-neko is a popular subject in Old School tattoos.

Daruma

Daruma. Under this name, a doll is known in Japan - a roly-poly doll, the prototype of Russian vanka - stand up and nesting dolls. Daruma (Bodaidaruma) is the Japanese pronunciation of the name Bodhidharma, who founded the Buddhist teachings known as Zen Buddhism. It is believed that he founded the famous Shaolin Monastery in China, where he indulged in meditation for a long time, contemplating the wall. According to legend, his limbs atrophied, so the doll is made without arms and without legs. Both the doll itself and its image on the tattoo should bring good luck to the owners.

Kirin. Mythical beast - unicorn.

Kirin tattoo

Kirin. This Japanese mythical beast - the unicorn had a Chinese predecessor - the Qilin unicorn - the messenger of the gods, bringing good luck and prosperity, and able to provide a rich harvest and security. He descends from heaven to earth to foreshadow the birth of a great man. For example, he appeared to the mother of Confucius before his birth. Kirin also stands guard over the law and justice, who can personally punish the guilty and save the innocent in court. Therefore, in Buddhism, Kirin personifies divine justice and righteous judgment. But in Japanese folklore, Kirin may demand a sacrifice from a person seeking to gain power and strength from him.
The Kirin is usually depicted as a deer with a scaly body, a horn in its forehead, and a bushy mane and tail. His body is shrouded in flames, and from his mouth he can exhale fire.
The tattoo in the image of Kirin, as a rule, like a dragon, is protective in nature and keeps a person from bad deeds. However, it is also applied by people who want to dramatically change their lives, find new prospects for further development, and in this case, Kirin should help choose the right decisions to achieve success.

Three monkeys

Sambiki-saru or Sanzaru (Three monkeys). The monkey has been revered in Japan since ancient times, and in Shintoism and folk beliefs, the monkey was the guardian spirit of horses. Therefore, the Buddhist respect for the monkey was to the liking of the Japanese. It is they who own the visible embodiment of the Buddhist principle of renunciation of the untrue and non-evil, known as sambiki no sara (the image of three monkeys). The choice of monkeys was also due to a play on words. Monkey in Japanese is “zaru”, and the phrase “see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing” sounds like “mi-zaru, kika-zaru, iwa-zaru”. The meaning of this phrase is that the one who does not want to see evil, hear about it, and talk about evil, will be protected from it and will not do it himself. To complete this statement, sometimes they add the image of the fourth monkey - Se-dzaru ("I do no evil"), covering the stomach or perineum. Sambiki-saru symbolizes firm adherence to Buddhist principles, integrity and cleanliness in deeds and deeds.

Mythological Beast Hakutaku

Hakutaku or kutabe (in China - Baize) is a mythological beast with a human face and the body of a buffalo or lion with many eyes and horns. According to Chinese legend, this beast was met by the Chinese Emperor Huang Di. The magical and wise beast told the emperor that he alone is the greatest and wise ruler. This legend has become popular in Japan, where there are versions of encounters with this creature. So, for example, a hakutaku told the emperor about the existence of 11,520 demons - yokai, since only he had the full knowledge of them, and taught how to deal with evil spirits. In addition, this creature is able to predict unfavorable years for the harvest.

Namakubi

Namakubi (which literally means "fresh - severed head", "recently severed head"), which is directly related to the medieval samurai custom to offer their commanders the severed heads of defeated enemies. In ancient times, taking the head of an enemy as a trophy was a sign of respect for his personality, as well as an indication of the courage of his conqueror. In a tattoo, a severed head can have many meanings - it is respect for the enemy, and a warning, and an indication of courage. However, more often than not, it simply reflects overcoming the fear of the hardships of life. A popular explanation for such a tattoo is the willingness to meekly and honorably accept any fate.
However, images of severed heads are often striking in their brutality and realism, but this is not only done to shock the viewer, it is also seen as an integral element of life's twisting - accepting life as it is, without embellishing reality.
The display of severed heads in Japan's past was part of the festivities after victory, and the Japanese heroic epic contains descriptions of such a display of heads. Samurai could take the heads of the enemy warriors they killed and offer as a tribute to their leader. In major battles, a victorious army could muster hundreds of enemy heads. The heads of ordinary warriors were piled up and were pyramids of gloomy trophies. But the severed heads of honorable enemies were treated with respect and special care. For example, when Yoritomi ordered his half-brother to be killed as a traitor in 1189, his head was carefully washed and placed in a lacquered box filled with sake for better preservation. While the purpose of this head show was to identify slain enemy commanders, its main purpose was to demonstrate the military success of the leader and the loyalty of his vassals. The severed head of the enemy leader symbolized the highest devotion of the vassal to his master, as he took a mortal risk in order to acquire such a trophy. Samurai, presenting such "gifts" to his master, could count on his special gratitude. On the other hand, by accepting them, the victorious commander demonstrated his superiority over the leaders of the enemy, whose vassals were unable to ensure their victory or protect them in battle.
But other than that, beheading was a common form of punishment in Japan, sometimes for very minor offenses. Samurai were often allowed to behead their own soldiers who cowardly fled the battlefield. Decapitation (without seppuku) was considered a very severe and degrading form of punishment. One of the most brutal beheadings was carried out on Sugitani Zenjubo, who attempted to kill Oda Nobunaga, a famous daimyō, in 1570. After being captured, Zenjubo was buried in the ground with only his head exposed and sawed off with a bamboo saw for several days. Such punishments were abolished at the beginning of the Meiji period.

Decapitation is historically performed as the second step in seppuku (ritual suicide by opening the abdomen). After the suicide cut his own stomach, another warrior stabbed him with a katana on the back of the neck in order to hasten death and reduce suffering. Since the conduct of this rite required the observance of certain rules, only very skilled warriors were chosen for the role of an assistant in cutting off the head, giving them special honor. At the end of the Sengoku period, the rules were somewhat simplified, and decapitation could be performed as soon as the person doing hara-kiri inflicted a minor wound on himself in the stomach.

Severed head of a geisha. The following legend can be cited as an explanation for this tattoo. Geishas in the old days were forbidden to marry and cohabit with Buddhist monks. But one of them violated this prohibition when she fell in love with a monk and shared love with him, although she knew that the punishment for this would be death. When the secret was revealed, the geisha was beheaded. Based on this, a tattoo can be “read” as a willingness to make any sacrifices in the name of love.

In Eastern culture, it was the tiger, and not the lion, that was considered the king of animals. This is a tattoo of the strong in spirit and body, who know their own worth, absorbing the opposite characteristics of this animal: wisdom and rage, nobility and bloodthirstiness, savagery and humility.

Tiger on leg in color

Image history

A strong and powerful animal could not but take a prominent place in the history and mythologies of the world. Since ancient times, it combined the symbolism of life and death and enjoyed unconditional respect. The Chinese god Tsai Shen rides a ferocious feline, and five colorful tigers guard the cardinal points. Red guards the south, black guards the north, blue takes care of the east, and the west and the center of the world are under the guardianship of white.

There is a belief that these animals are the weapons of the gods and attack sinful people. Chinese culture still uses the tiger to protect against evil spirits, so pregnant women do not part with his image to protect themselves and their unborn child. In India, the image is considered an obligatory attribute of a warrior, and Shiva, in his dark incarnation, is dressed in a tiger skin and sits astride this wild cat. Tigers are also harnessed to the winged chariot of the god Dionysus. Buddhists consider the animal the personification of undisguised anger and rage.

Did you know? Most of the carriers of a dangerous cat on their body live in Tibet. This is due to the legend that these people allegedly descended from werewolf tigers. A wide variety of images of this animal, figurines and figurines are common in this region.

Black and white image of a tiger

King of beasts, white horse or kitten?

Such a pattern is chosen by those who are not afraid to show their physical and spiritual advantage. This is a strong and ruthless predator, who, however, stands on the defense of the weak, is a gentle family man and a devoted friend. A dangerous predator has become one of the favorite images on the human body, and therefore it is not surprising that there is a large variation in the image of this animal:

• The tiger's head is a symbol not only of strength, but also of passion and love.
• Tiger defeated or caged portrayed to show restrained passions and beliefs, the ability to self-control.
• The grin of the beast is classically referred to as prison tattoos. It denotes a person's ability to protect himself and his friends, as well as hatred of the authorities. However, this is not a mandatory attribute of convicts. The grin of a predator is chosen by people who are merciless to enemies, strong, passionate, purposeful.
• Tribal tiger, made with the help of geometric lines, is interesting because it creates the illusion of its mobility. Such a drawing carries the symbolism of elusiveness, and many girls combine it with the image of a zebra, it turns out very original.
• white beast is a very rare species in nature, so it is pricked by those people who want to declare their uniqueness and peculiarity. Such a picture also speaks of a certain vulnerability of the carrier.
• The Siberian tiger speaks of true power and strength, as it is the largest species of this animal.
• Drawing of a little tiger cub is popular with girls. Oddly enough, he personifies fragility and innocence, as well as a strong bond between a child and a mother.
• Sleeping animals speak of comfort, protection of the hearth, peace and peace of mind.
• Crouching big cat associated with hidden power, she combines grace with wisdom and is often the choice of girls.

Tiger in Japanese style on the shoulder

If you are interested in a tiger tattoo, photo sketches will help you with the final choice.

Symbolism of the image

This is interesting. There is a belief that if someone dreams of this feline, after that he will discover a huge hidden power in himself. This interpretation of sleep is often played up in films.

Tiger on the back of a Japanese

No matter how multifaceted a tiger tattoo is, its meaning for men and women can be reduced to the following aspects:

• Strength, aggression, cruelty, anger, ferocity;
• Speed, grace and beauty;
• Greatness, power;
• Purposefulness, perseverance;
• Resistance to evil, protection of what is dear;
• Sensuality, passion;
• Calmness, harmony, wisdom.

As a tattoo, I chose a tiger frozen in a jump. It seems to me that he embodies my attitude to the world around him.

Alexander, St. Petersburg

Guy sleeve with tiger

Image features

Remember that in order to maintain its power and greatness, the tiger must be large enough. If you decide to give him a back, hip or shoulder, it will look impressive, and a small drawing risks turning into a small harmless tiger cub.

Classically, an animal in a cage is depicted on its leg, the tiger's head is on the shoulder, and the back is given to him in full growth.

Also, often the drawing of this predator is supplemented with butterflies, flowers or dragons.

Tattoo artist inflicts a tiger on the shoulder

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Since it is in China that the animal has earned special honor and respect, its execution in the Chinese style has become the most common. The most popular plot is a fight between a tiger and a dragon, where the first symbolizes the feminine “Yin”, and the second symbolizes the masculine “Yang”. The dragon holds the moon in its paws, which it tries to swallow.

In these scenes, the striped predator acts as the personification of evil and aggression, and therefore classically loses to the dragon. The image in the tattoo of a dragon and a tiger on the same level speaks of balance and spiritual harmony in a person. Despite the great respect for this predator, the Chinese heroic epic often tells how famous heroes crack down on man-eating animals.

It took me a long time to choose a tattoo. Now a small tiger cub is sleeping peacefully on my shoulder blades. But if you hurt him, he will show his claws.

Maria, Lipetsk

Scary tiger look on hand in color

Color spectrum

Most often, the Chinese king of beasts is depicted in black and white or in a realistic color of this animal. But let's remember the four multi-colored tigers from Chinese mythology. What does a tiger tattoo mean:

• Blue. Spring, growth, vitality, plants.
• White . Autumn, force of nature, connection with metals.
• Red . Summer, heat, fire, sunlight.
• Black . Winter, water, snow, tranquility.
• Yellow combines all these interpretations and serves as an attribute of absolute power. Also popular black and gold and bright fiery execution of the drawing. It is curious that the combination of dark and light stripes in the image of this beast can also be symbolic: according to their ratio, we can conclude that it prevails in a person’s personality.

Video: the master impales a beautiful tiger

Tiger tattoo sketches

For Asian monks, it is a symbol of power. Images of a lion in European and Arabic cultures have similar meanings. The tiger in heraldry demonstrates the invincibility of the clan, city, empire.

Among the Indians, the tiger is one of the divine incarnations of Shiva (god). A tattoo with a tiger was applied to the body by Indian warriors.

In Japan, the tiger is a symbol of masculinity, tiger tattoos help to win and perform feats.

In China - painted images of a tiger protect from evil spirits, sculptural images (statues) are installed in front of the gates of courtyards and in front of the front doors to the house.

The Dark Side of the Tiger

The tiger tattoo is common in the prison environment. There, the Tiger with an open mouth symbolizes a person's ability to stand up for himself under any circumstances. Such a tattoo warns of superiority over cellmates, the cruelty of its owner. And also about the opposition of the wearer of the tattoo to the authorities.

Dark or low manifestations of power are:

• Bloodlust.
• Cruelty.
• Ruthlessness.
• Rage.
• Cunning.
• Power.

Light side of the force

What does a Tiger tattoo mean in civilian life? Tattoo pictures (not tattoos, but tattoo stickers) can carry a nobler meaning, express more sublime manifestations of power. Noble interpretations of the image of the tiger:

• Force.
• Independence.
• Masculinity.
• Honor.
• Heroism.
• Fearlessness.
• Will.
• Leadership skills.

Types and styles of tattoo

Types of tiger tattoos are shown in the photo:

Tiger Tattoo Styles:

Women's and men's tattoos

If the Tiger is a male symbol traditionally used to decorate the male body, then its paw is a traditional female tattoo (see examples in the photo). Pictures depicting the traces of the beast mean animal passion. They can be small and inconspicuous (on the arm, back of the wrist, ankle) or take up most of the back.