If you like to go into tattoo parlors just to browse the patterns like I do, it's impossible not to notice the prevalence of tattoo designs that involve a Chinese dragon. It's easy to think it's just because they are pretty. But if you looked deeper you would learn that these images date into ancient history in China and its culture and that the dragon is a powerful image to that ancient world.



To us in western cultures, we see dragons as what King Arthur and his knights fought and there are lots of popular dragons like Puff the Magic Dragon that are happy and silly creatures from childhood stories. Dragons have a much more serious and mystical role to play in Chinese culture, however, and we can learn a lot about the rich cultural interpretations of dragons and about how dragons have been regarded as figures of authority in the many traditions of the Chinese people's long history.

The fascination with Chinese imagery in tattoos may come from the fact that western countries deny the myth in their own history. And that explains why we all seem to enjoy taking part in the fun and the mysticism that are symbolized in the dragon figure from Chinese traditions. So by getting a Chinese dragon tattoo, in a way you are participating in that tradition. And another benefit of getting this particular tattoo design is that it gives you a lot of history and myth that you can share with people who want to know more about that fascinating dragon tattoo you have.

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.

Like the "gods" of a lot of ancient religions, Chinese dragons bring blessings or deny them to people through their control over the weather or the forces of nature. Water has always been a mystical symbol in a lot of cultures so in Chinese legend, dragons are often credited with controlling the behavior of the oceans and seas and the smaller rivers and streams as well. There is a dragon controlling most waterfalls as Chinese lore tells us and water spouts are often said to be caused by dragons when they come out of their rest to go out and create their magic for mankind.

Because these artistic and colorful dragon images are so fascinating, they make great conversation starters when people get curious about your dragon tattoo. Take some time and shop well for the dragon image that fits your mood because you can find dragons in flight, in battle, in repose or even protecting or blessing little children. So because there are so many dragon tattoo designs out there, the odds are that when you pick yours, it will be unique to you and not often repeated.

Because the dragon tattoo is so artistic, expressive and classy, many people love to make this tattoo the one to have a place of honor such as the upper chest, across the back or the arm. A large Chinese dragon tattoo can quietly communicate power and strength which is why it is a very popular tattoo for men. But you can also find beautiful dragon tattoos for the ladies that even become delightful fashion statements because they incorporate so well with clothing and jewelry. The many kinds of designs, the wonderful colors and the many deeper meanings that dragons bring with them is one of the reasons that the Chinese dragon is one of the most popular tattoo designs available.