Tiger Tattoo

What could be more powerful, colorful, and vibrant as a well-done tiger tattoo? The tiger is one of the more recognizable and respected beasts on the planet; the orange and black markings are feared and respected worldwide.

Oddly enough, the orange and black is actually a form of camouflage – in the jungle the tiger looks like sun and shadows. Second in size only to the lion, this “King Cat” has been stalking countries such as India since at least 3000 B.C.

In fact, in the Far East, it is the tiger and not the lion that is considered the “King of Beasts.” In China, the tiger is assumed to have superhuman powers. It is a symbol of royalty, courage, and strength (and sometimes, ironically, used as a symbol of the West). In Taoist legend, the god of wealth – who is honored by gamblers – is said to ride on the back of a tiger.

Robs Left Arm Tiger Tattoo.

The Chinese tiger WHOO is the 3rd sign of the zodiac (March). Every twelve years is the year of the tiger; the next will be in the year 2010. Those associated with this sign are said to have a strong and stealthy exterior, yet a gentle soul. On the positive side, tigers are imbued with natural leadership, agility, beauty, and a fearless willingness to embrace life’s challenges. On the downside, tiger types can be arrogant and bossy. Chinese legend also states that, if a man is eaten by a tiger, the tiger gets his soul – and then preys on others.

Similar legends are told in the Hmong community, where it is believed tigers could take on the spirits of the dead. For three days, it is believed, the soul is unprotected. It could be dragged into the jungle by evil spirits and, if captured by a tiger, the animal then becomes a man-eater. So real are these beliefs that, historically, the communities did not have jails. Prisoners were simply sent into the forest to face the tigers. Tigers make for beautiful tattoos, either on their own or coupled with related imagery. In real-life tigers use bamboo to shield themselves from elephants. A tiger-bamboo artwork is definitely one to consider. For those interested in Eastern philosophies and the martial arts, the tiger is often coupled with a dragon. Together, they represent the purest and rawest forms of power.

Robs Right Arm Tiger Tattoo

For more information on Tiger and Animal tattoos, see the resources listed on our Reference Page.

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