| A dragon tattoo is a symbol of power courage | | | | and destroys so does the dragon. And just as nature |
| strength and strong will. Dragons were valued for their | | | | encompasses all the four directions so does the |
| warlike qualities and were often believed to be | | | | power of the dragon. Therefore dragon tattoos are |
| protectors of valuable treasure. In medieval times it | | | | seen as indicative of special strength and abilities. |
| was said that kings used dragons to protect sacred | | | | In Japanese and Chinese cultures the highest gift |
| treasures in caves. No one could take the treasure | | | | anyone could receive was to be transformed into a |
| without slaying the dragon first. This included the king | | | | dragon. The power and magical abilities of the dragon |
| also. So dutiful and valiant was the dragon. Both | | | | could only be received after an incredibly long quest |
| Chinese and Japanese folklore is full of stories of how | | | | filled with dangers and perils. Certain dragons were |
| different creatures were transformed into dragons at | | | | supposed to possess large amounts of wisdom and it |
| the end of their different quests involving journeys of | | | | was said that one could only pass by them if one |
| immense perseverance and struggles. It is no wonder | | | | correctly answered its riddles. The dragon tattoo |
| that the dragon tattoo is such a popular symbol. | | | | therefore became a symbol of this much coveted raw |
| As in all things there is a big difference in the way the | | | | power and immense intelligence |
| people of the east and the west view dragons. In the | | | | The designs on dragon tattoos show the growing |
| east the dragon has been viewed as a symbol of | | | | influence that eastern cultures have had on the west |
| benevolent power that protected people, dispensed life | | | | and vice versa. |
| giving water and heralded fertility and good fortune. In | | | | Today the dragon tattoo is seen the world over as |
| contrast western cultures viewed the dragon as | | | | fashionable and a representation of being free and |
| something to be feared and hated since it destroyed | | | | fearless. The most common form of design in a |
| villages to loot and hoard treasure. So a dragon tattoo | | | | dragon tattoo is still the eastern and oriental |
| is used to symbolize a mean stubborn and tough | | | | representation. Dragon tattoos are normally drawn in |
| image in the west. In the east however the dragon | | | | black and highlighted with colorful flames and fire. |
| tattoo is a representation of might power and divine | | | | There is a superstition that the eyes of the dragon |
| grace because the dragon is seen as a bearer of | | | | must not be colored or it will cause the dragon to |
| profound blessings. In fact the Chinese people are | | | | come to life! So some traditional eastern people put ink |
| fondly referred to as the descendents of the dragon. | | | | in the eyes of the dragon tattoo after the person dies |
| In the Far East the dragon represents the four natural | | | | in order to set the dragon free. Men usually place their |
| elements earth wind fire and water and also | | | | dragon tattoos on their back, arms, shoulders and legs |
| represents the four directions north south east and | | | | while women place their dragon tattoos on shoulder, |
| west. Just as nature has the capacity to both nurture | | | | nape, side, ankle and foot. |