what does a 4 toed dragon tattoo mean

Richard Hale is a tattoo enthusiast who studies and researches tattoo symbolism, meanings, and history.

Dragon Tattoo Ideas (Chinese and Japanese Designs)

Brian Tomlinson via Flickr Commons

The Dragon Tattoo

The dragon is a popular and powerful design worn by both women and men, and although it tin exist designed in various sizes, the detailing and shading involved in nearly depictions often make this tattoo a larger-sized projection. Some of the attributes and traits associated with the dragon are strength, courage, and independence.

In this commodity, we will discuss designs and review the meanings of the dragon tattoo, and you will have the opportunity to view a wide diverseness of photographs. We hope that y'all are able to find ideas and inspiration for your next tattoo.

Dragon Tattoos in History

Dragons are one of the most legendary creatures in the history of mythology and folklore. Dragons are a part of the historic culture of Mainland china, Nippon, Vietnam, and many other countries. According to nigh Eastern civilizations, dragons were noble creatures with distinct honors and powers, while in the mythologies of European civilizations, they were usually considered evil and dark.

The symbolism of dragon tattoos covers a wide range of meanings. One civilization may consider dragons a symbol of strength and wisdom, while another may consider them to be greedy and a bad omen. The Chinese (representing wisdom, expert luck, and goodwill), Japanese (representing balance), and Celtic dragon styles (ofttimes shown with crowns and thrones depicting power and strength) are amongst the most popular.

The Eastern dragon is seen as a noble animate being that offers wisdom and protection while in aboriginal Western culture, information technology represents a much darker and more than threatening creature. However, both are unremarkably depicted as very intelligent creatures free to roam wherever they wish. Thus, the dragon tattoo can also depict the freedom of your soul or life.

The dragon symbolizes protection, power, and wisdom. Its fearsome and warlike qualities brand information technology a wonderful ally or a fierce enemy. Most people take heard stories nigh the knight slaying the dragon and winning the love of the princess. Among many ancient cultures, slaying the dragon is one of the highest honors a person can attain. Call back of the stories of St. George or Beowulf, although in both, the dragon might also represent pre-Christian thought.

1 of the great features near the dragon is that it tin can be washed in a variety of different styles, realistic or abstract, cartoonish or dramatic. Many are done in solid ink and follow the tribal style of tattooing. Even so, we are seeing more and more colored tribal tattoos today. Whether you choose solid black ink or color, the dragon tattoo gives a wide range of options to consider when designing your dragon tattoo.

The dragon'south shape tin can be manipulated to fit in a wide variety of dissimilar locations on the body, although its most pop placement is on or near the shoulder. Among the Chinese, it is not unusual to see total-body tattoos that incorporate other symbols. At one fourth dimension in history, members of the Chinese mafia wore these full-body tattoos which became synonymous with criminal deport and were looked downward upon as well as illegal. Nowadays, this criminal association is no longer common.

The number nine is traditionally a very special number for Chinese people. It is the largest unmarried digit and associated with the dragon. A "nine dragon wall" is a barrier that is often plant effectually imperial Chinese palaces and gardens. Only the nigh senior officials are allowed to vesture the ix dragons on their robes, while other lower-ranking officers vesture eight or fewer.

Chinese and Japanese Dragon Types and Meanings

The Asian dragon is one of the most popular mythological creatures picked for tattoo designs. In that location is a wide variety of unlike styles to choose from—winged or wingless, with realistic snake-similar features (such as scales) or cartoonish versions, with or without whiskers or horns. The dragon is believed to have the ability to multiply anything that information technology touches. They are associated with the heavens and the sea. Japanese dragons are usually slender and wingless and have merely 3 claws, while the Chinese or "celestial kingdom" types have v claws and beards of flames.

The Asian dragon represents remainder. For the Chinese, the dragon represents one half of the yin and yang; the phoenix represents the other half. The Chinese believe in finding a perfect remainder of yin and yang, and dragons might also symbolize the perfect mixture of good and evil. The colorful Japanese dragon, function of their cultural mythology for hundreds of years, represents residual, liberty, and skilful luck. Information technology also is known to have supernatural powers and wisdom.

Many people cull a dragon to represent residual in their life. It is thought that balance is crucial for success.

• Chinese Dragons symbolize power, strength, and fear.
• Horned Dragons are known as the top dragons, strongest of all.
• Celestial Dragons are protectors of the Gods and heavens.
• Earth Dragons, too constitute in Chinese astrology, are the kind that dominion the earth.
• Xanthous Dragons are hornless and known for their cognition.
• Treasure Dragons are the protectors of precious gems and other valuable earthly elements.
• Spiritual Dragons are in total control of the air current and pelting.
• Coiling Dragons are the ones that live in the oceans.

Curl to Go on

Read More from Tatring

There are 6 dragons in Japanese culture. Here are their names and meanings:

• Han-Riu, with stripes all over its body, is ane of the biggest dragons with lengths upwardly to twoscore feet.
• Kai-Riu, a cute red-colored dragon, is commonly smaller than the others.
• Sue-Riu, the male monarch of all dragons, is in control of rain.
• Ri-Riu is known to be a very rare brood and hard to find. Lilliputian is known about it, but it does have amazing eyesight.
• Hai-Riyo, known equally a dragon bird, is i of the near avant-garde forms of dragons. Information technology evolved out of Chinese mythology.
• Fuku Riu is the most favored dragon of all, known for skillful luck.

You may or may non have known, but the colors of the dragon also have meanings. Sure colors represent certain attributes.

• Black means that the parents are former and wise.
• Dark-green is usually associated with smaller dragons. Information technology also represents life and earth.
• Blue is associated with those from the West and represents laziness, compassion, and forgiveness.
• Yellow is associated with those from the East and those who are self-centered and helpful.
• Gold has great attributes, such as wisdom, kindness, and helpfulness.

Although certain colors and dragons have certain symbolic meanings, many are called just for their design. Either way, the Asian dragon makes a slap-up tattoo for anyone and can be mixed with other styles, such every bit Celtic art and tribal designs.

Before You Tattoo

• Make certain you take the fourth dimension to decide advisedly on a tattoo and style. Call back that yous will likely have this tattoo for the residue of your life. Many tattoos cannot be erased with a laser or other means, so you want to make sure yous're completely sure before you become a tattoo. Never get a tattoo on an impulse!
• Y'all as well want to research your tattoo creative person too. If they are legit, they will have no trouble showing you their past work and current designs. Ask other customers about their work and do online research if possible.
• Remember, you'll take this tattoo for the balance of your life. The location of your tattoo is besides important. If you work with people, yous may want to choose an area that can exist covered if need be.
• The most important affair is to become one that you really, really desire. Be sure to check out the other articles in the links beneath.

© 2011 Richard Ricky Hale

Vishal Bannoo on July 23, 2019:

Cheers for the meanings and ideas. Already got a dragon and a foo canis familiaris tat. Just need the koi now!!! thanks for the advice

harry jones on March 18, 2019:

a am birth of the year in china is golden dragon

Duane on Apr 01, 2018:

what does the circumvolve of 3 dragons mean, each head in unlike direction and there bodies and tails all run into in the middle and there all black with white eyes ?

Che che on February 13, 2018:

I was born on the year of dragon and and so i decided to tattoed it on my leg..it is cute but now that i know the meaning..in so glad to had that dragon on my leg.

Justin on August 04, 2017:

I have both wolf and dragon tattoo on my left arm half sleeve

Katrina Ariel from The Highlands of British Columbia, Canada on Jan 12, 2016:

I dear dragons, and I have to say that some of the virtually interesting tattoos I've seen are of this mythical creature. Peachy hub.

Rossy on February 17, 2015:

Very interesting. Thank you.I'm yet thinking. Simply now I have the meanings.

jakimaye on September 09, 2014:

I am getting a Chinese dragon tattoo on my forearm. I chased that mainland china white dragon in the sixties, he caught me forty years afterward. After 54 weeks of interferon and ribavirin, I slayed that same dragon. I need a reliable source for the Chinese symbol for dragon warrior. I take institute my dragon, only am scared of getting a symbol that eventually turns out to mean Chinese take-out. I found your article helpful for coloring and hope you may take some direction for me.

Jennifer Stone from the Riverbank, England on September 05, 2012:

I love these, and I'm really glad you have written how important it is to inquiry the tattoo you desire and the tattoo creative person! I got my dragon 20 years agone and I still love it! I take also spent the last xx years pondering on getting another, but take never found anything I really wanted... maybe your hubs could assist me! :-) All the all-time, Jen

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on June 28, 2012:

Peter, thanks for taking the time to read this commodity. I am glad you plant information technology useful and informative. The famous blackness dragon:) Thank you again and take intendance.

Peter Geekie from Sittingbourne on June 22, 2012:

Love thelyricwriter,

Thank you for a very well researched and informative article. I have a black dragon tattoo on my shoulder from my Imperial Navy days and I never did know what information technology symbolised.

Kind regards Peter

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on May 28, 2012:

Jeannie, it depends what you mean by reprint. If it is to print for personal use, I meet no issue. That is using for didactics or tattoo ideas. Being published somewhere else or copied for personal proceeds, strickly prohibited. This article and all articles of "thelyricwriter" are the property of Hubpages.

Jeannie in MD on May 27, 2012:

Is this article available for reprint?

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on May 23, 2012:

Angie, thanks for taking the fourth dimension to read this commodity. Glad y'all liked it. Cheers for your fourth dimension and annotate. Have intendance.

angie ashbourne on May 18, 2012:

Hi! Interesting hub, awesome pics. Angie

Richard Ricky Hale (writer) from West Virginia on February 06, 2012:

Kelley, thanks for coming by. Information technology would be my pleasure. Your visit is always appreciated. Take care.

kelleyward on February 04, 2012:

Very interesting hub. My son loves dragons I'm gonna shoe him all the amazing pics you accept here! Thank you for sharing.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on December twenty, 2011:

Beijing commuter, thank you for stopping by to read the article. Feel free to comeback anytime. Take intendance.

Xin Ping from Beijing, China on December 16, 2011:

Boggling Chinese Dragon

Dragon,the dragon is the symbol of the Chinese people

Richard Ricky Unhurt (author) from West Virginia on Dec 15, 2011:

Sueswan, thank you for coming by and for your fourth dimension, comment, and votes. I am glad you were able to accept something abroad from information technology. Bask your day every bit well:)

Richard Ricky Hale (writer) from Westward Virginia on December 15, 2011:

Tina, thanks for taking the time to come by and read this commodity. I am glad you idea highly of it. I capeesh you noticing the difficult work. Best wishes and take care. Run into you around.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from Westward Virginia on December xv, 2011:

Homesteadbound, thank you for coming by and for your comment and vote as well. I besides like these dragons tattoos. I never knew they had such symbolic meanings as they do. I promise all is well and your enjoying the holidays. Best wishes and take intendance.

Sueswan on December 15, 2011:

Hello lyricwriter

It was very interesting to learn most the various dragons and their significance.

Voted up and awesome.

Enjoy your twenty-four hour period.

Christina Lornemark from Sweden on December xiv, 2011:

I dearest the fantastic design in these tattoos, information technology is great fine art! The history and data near different dragons make this hub complete and so useful for everyone who want to become a dragon tattoo. Voted upwards,

Tina

Cindy Murdoch from Texas on December thirteen, 2011:

Some of these tattoos were totally outstanding. I actually practise like dragons. The colors were actually nicely done also. Only I did like the simplisticness of the Celtic tattoo too. Voting up!

Richard Ricky Hale (writer) from West Virginia on December 13, 2011:

Mary, thanks for taking the time to comment and vote. I really appreciate it dear. Take care and see you lot soon.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from Due west Virginia on December thirteen, 2011:

MM, thanks for coming by to cheque information technology out. I actually similar these designs and many people don't realize the pregnant behind them. I find that interesting. Seems like near things in life have purpose. I appreciate your time, comment, and votes. See you soon.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from Westward Virginia on Dec thirteen, 2011:

Blaise, give thanks you so much for taking the time to overlook and read this commodity. I capeesh your comment very much. Skilful point as well. I volition have to add information technology.

Mary Hyatt from Florida on December 13, 2011:

What cute designs. I voted this Upwards,etc.

Movie Main from Great britain on December xiii, 2011:

Hi Ricky, you accept written some fabulous hubs on tattoos, simply these dragons have to be my favourite!

I promise all is well with y'all, voting up my friend and have intendance MM

Fehl Dungo from close to y'all... on December 12, 2011:

Those are violent tattoos. Might want to accept henna.. :)

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from Westward Virginia on December 12, 2011:

Ladyhowto4u, thanks for dropping in to cheque information technology out and I am glad you find them interesting. Many people don't realize the pregnant behind them and the artistic perspective they give. In one case I began studying them, I found a whole new level of respect for them and tattoo artist that stay true to their symbolic roots. Glad you enjoyed them. Best wishes.

Courtlney Davis on December 12, 2011:

Tatoos are an interesting topic. If they were easily removed, I think I may consider getting one -- merely it would have to be a tiny i. Thanks for sharing this data on tatoos.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from W Virginia on December 12, 2011:

AE, cheers for your comment and fourth dimension my friend. Some of these tattoos are very colorful and cover much of the body. It is remarkable work done by the tattoo artists that perform these tattoos. I am glad yous enjoyed the history part of information technology. All-time wishes.

Richard Ricky Hale (writer) from W Virginia on December 12, 2011:

Prasetio, thanks for coming by and for adding a comment. I am glad yous enjoyed it my friend. Thanks for the votes as well. The dragon has many different meanings and I find it interesting how information technology is looked at by all these different cultures and in the tattoo globe.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on Dec 12, 2011:

I take no desire for a tattoo now, at one time i wanted a tiny rose on the ankle, but never had the courage to exercise information technology, but they are beautiful, such vivid colors. Thank you. Very interesting the history of tattooing..

prasetio30 from malang-republic of indonesia on December 12, 2011:

Wow....this was beautiful fine art for me. Thank you very much for share with us. We need a tattoo expert to make beautiful dragon motion-picture show like this ane. Rated up!

Prasetio

Richard Ricky Hale (writer) from West Virginia on December 12, 2011:

Eddy, thanks for coming by to read this article and good morn. I recollect you saying that. I believe, if you really desire it, go for it. Hopefully you will detect that motivation to get one. I know life tin can keep a person busy year round. One time again thank you and best wishes.

Eiddwen from Wales on December 12, 2011:

Hello thelyricwriter,

Cheers so much for sharing this one, I love it.

For the past two years or so I have been meaning to get a tattoo but just oasis't got round to information technology.

Maybe this bully hub will motivate me.

Thank you and then much for sharing.

Take intendance and I wish you a wonderful solar day.

Boil.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on Dec 12, 2011:

Gypsy, cheers for coming by to check it out. I surely do capeesh your time and comment:) Take a adept one.

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Embankment, Florida on December xi, 2011:

Love those crazy tattoos. Especially the various colors and those dragons are great. Super interesting hub.

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