Getting A Dragon Tattoo
James Beckett
Chinese dragon tattoo designs are some of the most popular patterns as is easy to see by just visiting your local tattoo parlor. What is fascinating, however, is that with some digging we learn that these beautiful dragon designs that we see so often on tats actually are ancient symbols that come to us from the archives of Chinese culture.
In western lore, the dragon is most commonly associated with King Arthur's times and our popular media has made dragons fun, silly and childlike. But in Chinese culture, dragons bear very deep spiritual and cultural meanings and the diversity and authority of dragons is rich with history and tradition.
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.
In Chinese culture, dragons are not evil or dangerous like we think of them from our fairly tales. They are often protectors of the weak and they guard the family and fight off evil spiritual forces like angels do on our lore. In Chinese historical lore, the first emperor China, Huang Di turned into a dragon when he died and ascended into heaven in that form. So the dragon is a mystical and religious figure that is revered and loved by the people of China in many beautiful ways.
When you start shopping for a Chinese dragon tattoo, you are going to find a lot of different dragons to pick from. Within the culture of china, different dragons have different jobs. Fro example, horned dragons are symbols of great power. There is a dragon from heaven whose job it to protect you and your family but then there is a spiritual dragon who controls rain and other aspects of weather. The yellow dragon is a wonderful symbol of wisdom and learning and there are many more in Chinese culture to embody other great values we like to glorify in tattoos. So just about any ethic or moral from peace to love to diversity can probably be illustrated with a beautiful Chinese dragon tattoo.
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.
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.
These tattoo patterns are of such beauty and artistry that when you get a Chinese dragon tat, you may want to put it in a place on your body where it will get plenty of attention such as your back, chest, shoulder or arm. For men, powerful Chinese dragons in active combat communicate strength and manhood. For ladies though, there are wonderful Chinese dragon designs that are so artistic, they make great fashion statements. The huge variety of designs available combined with the rich colors Chinese dragons traditionally display make a dragon tattoo easy to include with your clothing and jewelry selections for your next night out on the town. Because the dragon tattoo is admired both for its loveliness and for the lore that goes with it, it's easy to see how it has become one of the most popular tattoo patterns that people select.
If you are looking for more information check out this comprehensive article on the
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Chinese-Dragon-Tattoo---What-Does-it-Mean?&id=1054714) Chinese dragon tattoo.
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