The Symbolism of Tiger Tattoos
Butterfly Tattoos
Skull Tattoos
Angel Tattoos
Ever since the book “The Da Vinci Code” came out, people have begun to show an increased interest in the different meanings and symbolisms behind images they see in their everyday lives.
It is no mystery that we humans love to use different images in order to convey hidden meanings to the world.
We love the use of imagery and designs in showing off our personalities and characteristics.
Evidence of this can be seen in tattoos.
In Asia, specially, tattoos hold significance other than aesthetic. Tattoos are said to be the link between the physical and spiritual bodies of a human being. Specific tattoos try to bring out the “inner characteristics” of a person.
The tiger tattoo holds a high place in Asian symbolism. Most often it is considered to show the aggressive force within each person. It holds equal status, in influence at least, to the dragon.
Whereas dragon tattoos represent the higher sense of self and the attainment of good, tiger tattoos represent the dark forces that can be found within each person.
The appearance of a dragon tattoo and tiger tattoo together can hold different meanings, depending on the position of the two symbols.
If the dragon and the tiger tattoos are at an equal level, this often symbolizes balance and harmony.
If the tiger tattoo is shown overpowering the dragon, this often means the triumph of self-interest and aggression. However, if the dragon tattoo is shown beating the tiger, this would signify a triumph against dark forces.
Tiger tattoos are rich in meaning and symbolism even on their own. Where African and western regions hold the lion as the king of the animals, the tiger occupies the throne in Asia.
This gives tiger tattoos the interpretation of power. After all, the tiger is a very powerful animal.
In light of this, some tiger tattoos represent punishment or vengeance. They show a very cruel and merciless type of revenge, for a tiger is not something to be messed with.
The sleekness of the cat’s movements is often depicted with admirable clarity in tiger tattoos. This same sleekness is the cause why the tiger represents sensuality.
A woman sporting a tiger tattoo may want to show to the world her “predatorial” characteristics. She shows her “huntress” side as a guide to her innate sensuality. And so, men do not really have a monopoly on tiger tattoos.
Tiger tattoos often serve as protection, specially when put in the back. Ever-vigilant and watchful, tiger tattoos are often said to protect a person.
Images of tigers are often put in walls in order to protect the occupants of a home.
Known for its ferocity, the tiger can also represent wrath and cruelty. Men sometimes get tiger tattoos in order to show off their own ferocity. They wear tiger tattoos in order to tell people to “back off!!”
Tiger tattoos are also renowned for their beauty. The artistry of tiger tattoos depends on the tattoo artist, of course. However, the many years of accumulated knowledge of depicting tigers make the seemingly complicated job easier.
The details that are put into tiger tattoos seem to make them more and more realistic as time goes by.
There are really many reasons why you should get a tiger tattoo… the rich symbolism just astounds people, and you can adapt any meaning to your own personality.
However, there is one simple reason why some people may like tiger tattoos: they may just like the fact that a tiger tattoo has stripes.
Hey, anything’s possible, right?
