Chinese Tiger “Tora” Tattoos

Considered to be the supreme of all land animals by the Chinese, representing strength, courage and long life. Tigers are also said to be able to ward off bad luck, disease and Demons. In many old prints you will see a tiger fighting demons [Oni] at the side of “SHOKI” The demon queller. Tigers are one of the 4 sacred animals, symbols of the North and represent the season of Autumn and control of the winds.

The Meaning of Snake Tattoos

It is no overstatement to say that the snake is very likely the most symbolically loaded animal that exists — by far and away. They are said to have supernatural abilities, such as protection against illness, disaster, bad fortune and like the dragon can bring rain. Snakes have the ability to transform themselves into human forms, usually that of a vengeful, jealous or wronged woman. One of the best stories of this transformation is in the tragic story of Kiyoshime and the priest Anchin. Not all Snake myths are bad, many shop owners have the image, of a snake, coiled around a mallet hanging near the entrance, this is to bring good fortune and prosperity. Throughout time and throughout virtually all places on the earth where snakes are native, they have become symbols of some of humanity’s greatest hopes and fears.

In ancient Chinese folklore, snakes sometimes rewarded humans with gifts of pearls. In Asia, in general, snakes often appeared as guardians of shrines and treasure and their saliva was thought to create precious jewels underground. The legendary Chinese ruler Fu Xi (responsible for creating the trigrams of the I Ching) had the body of a snake. As a venerated ancestor (such as Fu Xi), the snake was linked with wisdom and prophecy. House snakes are even welcomed as good luck and the embodiment of the spirits of the ancestors as protectors.

In the Chinese zodiac, people who are born in the Year of the Snake may be enigmatic but they are also the wisest. Characterized as thinkers and philosophers, they are seen as fond of conversation and intelligent discussion. They do, however, tire quickly of repetitiveness and are not particularly inclined to take advice, although they will listen to it. Although Snake people will examine a situation from many angles, they can also act with speed and determination.

The snake is an excellent example, used in many different types of tattoo … to withdraw into it for protection has also been associated with strength. One of the reasons that reptiles and amphibians can find their way into so many different types of tattoos is that their symbolism is one centered on change, much like the forms that they take during their lives. There is a distinct cyclical nature to the snake shedding its skin; a snake represents the ground and the water, or the earth and life-giving waters.

Chinese Lettering Tattoo Pictures

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Chinese Flower Tattoo Gallery Pictures

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Chinese Dragon Tattoo Pictures

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Chinese Letter Tattoos

Chinese Letters Tattoos
Tattoo making is an ancient art; born out of the quest for body beautification. This art had been popular with both the men and women of ancient times, and this has carried into the modern world as well. In different parts of the world men and women alike are getting tattoos done on their bodies. The inherent need is both beautification and also to express themselves and their ideas. A tattoo makes you stand out and sometimes become a part of your identification.

Chinese Letters Tattoos
If you are reading this, you are most probably going to get a tattoo or are thinking about getting one. It is a good thing to research properly and thoroughly before deciding on a tattoo in order to ensure lifetime satisfaction. There is a wide range of tattoos to select from. They contain images, phrases, lyrics, letters, characters, symbols and just your own name as well.

But the tattoo designs that have been gaining rapid popularity these days are the Chinese letters tattoos. So many people are getting one or more Chinese letters tattoos on their body. Mostly it is due to the beauty of the Chinese letters. The Chinese hieroglyphs are both mysterious and exquisite.

Chinese Letters Tattoos
The Chinese letters tattoos can say a lot more than the same number of letters can in any other alphabet.

The tattoos are made using needles to get the colored pigmentation under the skin. The result is permanent. Getting a tattoo is a painful process and the level of pain is directly related to how close to the bone it is. The closer to the bone the needle goes, the more painful it will be. A lot of care should be taken after getting a tattoo. The fresh tattoo should never be allowed to dry. It should be kept moist, otherwise some of the ink comes out and the design gets spoiled.

If you want to get Chinese letters tattoos, you should first take your time and research well. It's not a good idea to just get a tattoo because it looks good, you should also know what the tattoo means and if it is going with your personality. If you do not think carefully before getting a tattoo, chances are that you might later discover that you can no longer keep the tattoo as it is totally opposed to your personality and ideals. Instead of getting a tattoo and then getting it removed after a few years, it's better to spend sometime looking for the perfect one for you. Removing a tattoo is a far more painful process than putting it on. And the cost it incurs is very high as well.

Chinese Tattoos Design

Lotus flower tattoo that was done in Hangzhou, China. This one did not heal very well and the artist had a really odd style. As Chinese people tend to be almost hairless, he did not shave off my arm hair. Consequently it kept getting tangled in his machine.

Japanese tattoo of a geisha (or dancing girl) done by Madoka of Cat Claw Tattoo in Kyoto, Japan

Peony flowers from China.

Peony flower tattoo done in Hangzhou, China. This was the most unclean piece that I have ever gotten, and I suffered many side effects from it. When getting tattooed, you are in control! Do not let respect for a tattoo artist impeded you from protecting yourself.

Chinese Dragon Tattoos

Chinese characters tattoos are not the only type of Chinese tattoo that is popular today. Chinese dragon tattoos are very popular as well.

The Chinese dragon is a long snake-like creature, usually with 5 claws and without wings.

As opposed to Western beliefs, the dragon in Chinese culture is a benevolent creature that wards of evil spirits. It symbolizes good luck, fertility, happiness and immortality.

In Chinese culture there is the belief that wearing the image of a dragon on you is considered very unlucky. The Chinese symbol for dragon on the other hand is considered lucky.

Sometimes you see a person with a tattoo of a dragon combined with the Chinese dragon character. This always reminds me of these picture books that are used to teach children how to read. Imagine a tattoo of an eagle with the English word 'Eagle' below it, kind of silly, not?