Tigers represent various characteristics: virility, strength, power, arrogance, pride, passion, and royalty, among others. Tigers symbolize various things in all cultures. But mainly, tigers have an important role to play in Indian, Chinese and Japanese cultures. Since tigers are such majestic animals, they are one of the best animals that people want to get tattooed with.
Tigers in Indian culture
They are found on the Indian subcontinent and are now an endangered species. The Indians believe that some of their gods used the tiger to travel from one place to another. It is a revered animal and is even considered the national animal of India. People who choose to get tiger tattoos in India hope to get some of its majesty and ferocity in themselves.
Tigers in the culture of Vietnam
They were greatly feared in Vietnam and many towns had temples for tigers as they were considered sacred there. The tigers raided the villages and the Vietnamese believe that by worshiping the creature they could save their village from its wrath. Tiger tattoos in Vietnam are used to ward off evil spirits and represent strength of character.
Tigers in Chinese culture
The Chinese believe that the tiger is the king of all animals, not the lion. He represents the yang side of things and is associated with powerful energy. They also believe that he is the protector of the dead and tigers are often tattooed on tombstones as well as a symbol that his soul will rest in peace now. Tiger tattoos in Chinese culture represent prosperity, reverence, power, energy, protection, generosity, and enlightenment. Chinese myths say that there are five types of tigers that balance the energy in the cosmos and prevent total chaos in the universe, these are:
- Black Tiger – Rule the aquatic elements of nature and rules during the winter season.
- Blue Tiger – Governs the earth elements of nature and rules during the spring season.
- Red Tiger – Governs the fiery elements of nature and rules during the summer season.
- White Tiger – Governs the metallic elements of nature and rules over the fall season.
- Yellow Tiger – Governs all the above tigers and is a symbol of the sun.
Tigers in Japanese culture
Although they are rarely found in Japan, they play a very important role in Japanese arts. Tiger tattoos represent different things in different eras of Japanese culture. They gained dominance in the Edo period of Japan, where Japanese men were struggling to make a name for themselves. Since Japanese artists don’t have exact sightings of tigers, their art can be very abstract and unique. In Japan, they represent dominance, aggression, or goal orientation.