Japanese dragon tattoos are popular. The dragon is definitely hands down one of the most beautiful and powerful of all the mythic beasts. The sheer beauty and power of these mythical beasts alone warrant there attention as tattoo designs. Then being combined with a long and rich history of tattooing as an art form such as in the Japanese culture and you have a winning combination. If you are contemplating getting a Japanese dragon tattoo then you should spend a little time learning about the deep history and symbolism of the beautiful and mystical beast.
Great Ideas For Dragon Tattoo Designs
There are really an endless number of possibilities when considering getting a dragon tattoo design. The size, style and location of the dragon can greatly change and enhance the symbolism behind the design. For example a dragon with fiery red eyes wrapped around a large sword might represent strength and power. Yet on the opposite end of the spectrum one depicted flying high in the clouds above a lake or the mountains might be a symbol for peace and freedom. What your dragon will symbolize is really dependent on the design and style you choose to give the dragon.
Dragon History In Japan
Dragons play a central role throughout Japan. In Japanese they are called Ryu or Tatsu. They are large serpent like beasts that are covered with scales. They typically live near large bodies of water and throughout history have come to be respected as a powerful creature. It is such a powerful creature that it is believed the first emperor of Japan was descended from a dragon and therefore directly from a power god.
The dragon is not only popular in Japan but throughout all of Asia including China, Korea and numerous other Asian countries. You can find dragon designs throughout the sculpture, architecture and art in Japan even to this day the dragon is still a very popular design.
One can see the improtant role that dragons play in Japanese culture through their extensive sculptures. It is common to see statues of dragons at an alter, temple and other places of worship. For example at the Sonsoji Temple in Asakusa Japan the dragon statue is one of the most predominate features. An even more famous spot is at Miyajima also know as The Isles Of The Temple. This temple is a famous spot for travelers, tourist and religious. They all come here to pray to the dragon and ask for good fortune and good luck in the up and coming year.
Each spring the dragon is taken and paraded around the grounds of the Sensoji temple. During this festival thousands of people come from all over Japan to drop coins into a wooden box as a donation and gift to the temple and an offering to the dragon in hopes that the dragon will give them good luck. This festival is done each spring to commemorate the finding of the gold Kannon, an image of the goddess of mercy. It is believed that in 628 AD two brothers were fishing in the Sumida river at the time they discovered this beautiful statue of the Goddess of Mercy Kanon. At the time they discovered this legend states that gold dragons flew up out of the river and in to the sky to celebrate the discovery.
Followers of both the Taoist and Buddhist religions believe that the dragon can also represent some of the hardships that one must face in their journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
Dragons are also featured throughout Japanese literary works. One of the first appearances of a dragon like beast is the beast named Yamata-No-Orochi. Yamata No Orochi is a eight headed serpent like beast that devours young women. In the story a man named Susanoo tricks the beast and gets him drunk on Sake and then is able to slay him. In later literary works dragons are seen as much more benign creatures.
Japanese Dragon Tattoo Placement Since dragons are so prevalent through Japanese art, architecture, and literature there are many different even historically famous tattoo designs to choose from when contemplating getting a dragon tattoo. As far as location the most popular place is a very large full back piece. This allows for a lot of canvas space to truly depict the beauty and power of the mystical beast. You are not just locked into a large back piece however, as there are many different dragon tattoo designs to work with and you can get a tattoo anywhere on your body that you want. Typically calves, shoulders and sleeve tattoos also work well for dragon tattoos. The choice is up to you and what you want and what you are looking to express int he design.
Great Ideas For Dragon Tattoo Designs
There are really an endless number of possibilities when considering getting a dragon tattoo design. The size, style and location of the dragon can greatly change and enhance the symbolism behind the design. For example a dragon with fiery red eyes wrapped around a large sword might represent strength and power. Yet on the opposite end of the spectrum one depicted flying high in the clouds above a lake or the mountains might be a symbol for peace and freedom. What your dragon will symbolize is really dependent on the design and style you choose to give the dragon.
Dragon History In Japan
Dragons play a central role throughout Japan. In Japanese they are called Ryu or Tatsu. They are large serpent like beasts that are covered with scales. They typically live near large bodies of water and throughout history have come to be respected as a powerful creature. It is such a powerful creature that it is believed the first emperor of Japan was descended from a dragon and therefore directly from a power god.
The dragon is not only popular in Japan but throughout all of Asia including China, Korea and numerous other Asian countries. You can find dragon designs throughout the sculpture, architecture and art in Japan even to this day the dragon is still a very popular design.
One can see the improtant role that dragons play in Japanese culture through their extensive sculptures. It is common to see statues of dragons at an alter, temple and other places of worship. For example at the Sonsoji Temple in Asakusa Japan the dragon statue is one of the most predominate features. An even more famous spot is at Miyajima also know as The Isles Of The Temple. This temple is a famous spot for travelers, tourist and religious. They all come here to pray to the dragon and ask for good fortune and good luck in the up and coming year.
Each spring the dragon is taken and paraded around the grounds of the Sensoji temple. During this festival thousands of people come from all over Japan to drop coins into a wooden box as a donation and gift to the temple and an offering to the dragon in hopes that the dragon will give them good luck. This festival is done each spring to commemorate the finding of the gold Kannon, an image of the goddess of mercy. It is believed that in 628 AD two brothers were fishing in the Sumida river at the time they discovered this beautiful statue of the Goddess of Mercy Kanon. At the time they discovered this legend states that gold dragons flew up out of the river and in to the sky to celebrate the discovery.
Followers of both the Taoist and Buddhist religions believe that the dragon can also represent some of the hardships that one must face in their journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
Dragons are also featured throughout Japanese literary works. One of the first appearances of a dragon like beast is the beast named Yamata-No-Orochi. Yamata No Orochi is a eight headed serpent like beast that devours young women. In the story a man named Susanoo tricks the beast and gets him drunk on Sake and then is able to slay him. In later literary works dragons are seen as much more benign creatures.
Japanese Dragon Tattoo Placement Since dragons are so prevalent through Japanese art, architecture, and literature there are many different even historically famous tattoo designs to choose from when contemplating getting a dragon tattoo. As far as location the most popular place is a very large full back piece. This allows for a lot of canvas space to truly depict the beauty and power of the mystical beast. You are not just locked into a large back piece however, as there are many different dragon tattoo designs to work with and you can get a tattoo anywhere on your body that you want. Typically calves, shoulders and sleeve tattoos also work well for dragon tattoos. The choice is up to you and what you want and what you are looking to express int he design.
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