Japanese Dragon Tattoos One Of the Best Of Japanese Tattooing

Truly one of the most majestic and magical of all the mythical beasts the dragon demands the attention it constantly receives in the world of tattoo designs. Dragon are prevalent design and symbolic elements throughout Asia including Chine and especially Japan. This has lead to a great deal of Japanese and Chinese artwork to use this mythical beasts as a central theme in their tattoo design work.

Japanese Dragon Tattoo Possibilities

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.

The History Of The Dragon In Japan

Dragons are one of the most important of all the mythological beats in Japanese culture. The Japanese of course have their own word for the dragon, they call them "Ryu" or "Tatsu". They are typically depicted as very long, skinny and full of scales very similar to a serpent. They also frequently are believed to live around large bodies of water. These creatures are so powerful that they are a god and to be revered. In fact the Japanese believed that their first emporer had descended from a dragon and therefore is partially a god and infallible.

Throughout Asian the dragon is a very significant animal that is part and parcel f the culture. In Japan like many other countries that Dragon is a sacred animal that has always inhabited the earth. There are numerous stories, myths, and legends as well as extensive art and design work.

Sculptures of dragons can be seen today throughout Japan typically in alters, temples and other places of worship. One of the most famous of these temples is at Miyajima also known as The Isle Of The Temple. This has become a famous spot for pilgrims, travelers and tourists to come and pray to the dragons for good luck and good fortune. Dragons are also revered at the Sonsoji Temple in Asakusa Japan.

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.

The dragon can also be foudn throughout Japans great literary works and is a prevalent image. For example there is the famous tale of Yamata-No-Orochi (an eight headed serpent) and Susanoo (the man). Yamata-No-Orochi is an eveil beast that devours young women whole. Until Susanoo is able to trick the serpent. He gets the serpent drunk and then is able to successfully kill him.

It is pretty easy to see that dragons are prevalent throughout Japanese culture. You can see statues, architecture and temples all dedicated to the dragon. Tattoo designs are no different and there are thousands of wonderful looking dragon tattoo designs. In terms of location one of the most common places is to get a dragon tattoo on your back. The back makes a great place for a very large tattoo with a lot detail. However if you are not ready or willing to get such a large and detailed tattoo then there are also options for you. Many people today get dragon designs on their shoulder, calf area and a sleeve tattoo design.

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Before you go out and get a Japanese Dragon Tattoo Design then you will want to check out this hot information site full of information. You might also like this site on Free Star Tattoo Designs

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