Chinese Dragon Tattoos For 2012
2012-The Chinese Year Of The Dragon
This will be a year in which the popularity of Chinese Dragon Tattoos is sure to go breakout. According to Chinese Astrology and tradition, the year 2012 is the year of the Dragon. There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, so every 12th year is the year of the dragon, which the Chinese consider the most auspicious year to be born in.
In 2012, the Chinese New Year begins on January 23, but the year of the dragon doesn’t actually begin until February 4, 2012, which is a new moon day and the first day of the first Chinese lunar month. According to the Chinese five-element theory, there are five different types of dragon years (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth) and the year 2012 is a black dragon or water dragon year. See All The Latest and Greatest In Chinese Dragon Tattoos Here
Chinese Dragon Tattoos
Dragon Legend and Mythology
Chinese Dragons are legendary creatures that come from the sky, which means heaven in China, and therefore the Chinese dragon is the symbol of power from heaven. The traditional image of a Chinese Dragon is misty, mystic, blurred, occulted, untouchable and noble. After about 581 AD, Chinese emperors began to wear imperial robes with Dragon symbols, as the Chinese Emperor was considered the son of heaven. By the time of the Ching Dynasty, (1644-1911 AD) the Chinese Dragon symbol was seen everywhere, on roofs, doors, pillars, bridges and even on utensils in the Forbidden City. The most powerful Dragon is the five-clawed Dragon which appeared only on the yellow imperial robes.
In Western countries the mythological Dragon is considered to be a fearsome and evil beast that needs to be hunted down and slain. A Western Dragon is scary and will kill people by emitting fire from its mouth. But Asian countries have a completely opposite take on the Dragon and they look up to Dragons as creatures that are beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, and convey a message of spirituality and faith. In China, Dragons are considered so powerful that they can even control the weather and are associated with rain. Chinese Dragon tattoos therefore portray qualities such as harmony, luck, health, benevolence, strength and intelligence. See All The Latest And Greatest Chinese Dragon Tattoos Here
Chinese Dragon Tattoos
Asian And Chinese Dragon Tattoos
Chinese Dragon Tattoos are differentiated from other Asian Dragon tattoos by the flaming pearl under their chins; they also have a strong resemblance to snakes and long scales all over their bodies. Authentic Chinese Dragon Tattoos will also have four legs, with five claws on each leg.
Asian dragon tattoos which are done in the Japanese style, show dragons without wings, which have tiger-like paws, eagle-like claws, camel-like heads, long whiskers, and they may also have some kind of jewel just below their chin.
Chinese Dragon Tattoos Symbolism
- Horned Dragon: Symbolizes that the wearer chooses to be mighty in words and actions.
- Earth Dragon: Symbolizes the ruler of Earth and represents a connection with the Earth and/or land. This is a tattoo for people who love nature and feel a strong connection to the earth.
- Yellow Dragon: Symbolizes scholarly knowledge. This is a good tattoo design for students and people who pursue and value education and knowledge.
- Celestial Dragon: Symbolizes protection of the Gods. One would wear these Chinese Dragon tattoos to signify strong spiritual beliefs, or to confirm their spiritual path in life.
In 2012 Chinese Dragon Tattoos can either be done in the traditional style or you can choose a more contemporary design. They can range from tribal and terrifying to being realistic, charming, comical, or just plain sweet. See All The Latest And Greatest Chinese Dragon Tattoos Here
Chinese Dragon Tattoos
Chinese Dragon Tattoos in the Tribal Style
Chinese Dragon Tattoos can easily be done in the tribal style. The characteristics of tribal style are that they are either surrounded by, or composed of, curving lines, therefore they are slightly simplified. Tribal Style Chinese Dragon Tattoos can still be very large and fierce looking and easily deliver a very strong visual impact. The meaning may vary depending upon which tribal tattoo art the Chinese Dragon Tattoos are done in.
Placement and colors of Chinese Dragon Tattoos
The placement of Chinese Dragon Tattoos varies a lot and will certainly be influenced by the overall size and style of your new tattoo. The placement of Chinese Dragon Tattoos for women is mostly supported on the arms or the lower back, whereas men tend to prefer them on the chest. Sometimes men will have their entire upper bodies covered by a Chinese Dragon Tattoo or even on their bald heads.
Except for Chinese Dragon Tattoos done in the Tribal style, Chinese Dragon Tattoos can be done in colors such as red, purple, green, violet, or yellow, etc. See All The Latest And Greatest Chinese Dragon Tattoos Here
Updated January 13, 2012