| Dragon tattoos are one of the most popular | | | | Mesopotamian dragons symbolize knowledge and |
| choices for those considering body art. Dragons | | | | were depicted as guardians of great treasure. |
| are part of myths in most cultures and are | | | | Sumerian dragons were cunning and devious. It |
| typically a symbol of power and danger. Dragons | | | | was believed that Babylonian's dragons helped |
| are a good choice for a tattoo because they are | | | | create the world. The Chinese believe that their |
| sinuous and fluid. They do not have sharp edges | | | | dragons are the true dragons and they are |
| or corners and, therefore, can be drawn to | | | | depicted with five claws. They have a rich history |
| contour to any part of the body. | | | | in Chinese culture and are a symbol of imperial |
| Tattoos are not the only way that people have | | | | strength and power. Japanese dragons have four |
| captured the image of the dragon. Vikings carved | | | | claws instead of five. One of the most famous of |
| dragons onto the prow of their ships. They | | | | the Japanese dragons is depicted as a caring |
| believed that dragons could grant them cunning | | | | husband and father. |
| and supernatural sight. Chinese emperors believed | | | | In England, dragons were seen as destructive and |
| that dragons existed and that they were the | | | | dangerous and were often slain by heroes and |
| sons of gods. The chair of the emperor was | | | | knights in legends. Russian dragons are depicted |
| referred to as the dragon seat and his robes | | | | with three heads and seven tails. African dragons |
| were called dragon robes. | | | | are the rainbow-colored companion of the god, |
| Dragon tattoos are popular mainly because | | | | Nana-Buluku. This dragon is often depicted forming |
| dragons have always been an object of curiosity | | | | a circle around the earth with its tail in its mouth. |
| and fascination. Another reason for the popularity | | | | The internet is the perfect resource for finding a |
| of dragon tattoos lies in the success of movies | | | | design for dragon tattoos. It is no longer |
| and books like the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Eragon' | | | | necessary to visit a tattoo shop in order to |
| and games such as 'Dungeons and Dragons.' | | | | choose your design. For the most part, there are |
| They can also symbolize many different ideas and | | | | three types of websites that offer images for |
| emotions from luck and freedom to rage and | | | | tattoos. There are sites that offer free designs to |
| destruction. Just as there are many types of | | | | look through, there are sites with subscription |
| dragons, there are also many types of dragon | | | | fees, and there are sites that charge for |
| tattoos. These include, but are not limited to, | | | | downloading a single design. It may be tempting to |
| medieval dragons, Celtic dragons, Asian-inspired | | | | limit the search to the free sites but the quality of |
| dragons, and tribal dragons. | | | | the designs and images can be substandard. |
| Just like dragons themselves, dragon tattoos can | | | | Subscription sites often accept donated designs |
| symbolize many different things. A dragon tattoo | | | | and may not be the best choice for high quality |
| on a man usually symbolizes power or protection. | | | | images. The third type of site, the type where |
| Historically, men are considered the guardians of | | | | you pay for each design, are typically the best |
| society and the family and dragons are often | | | | way to find high quality images online. These sites |
| used to symbolize guardianship and wisdom. | | | | will usually show the designs as a thumbnail image |
| Dragon tattoos on women often signify women | | | | that can be browsed through for free. When the |
| as the beginning of life. These tattoos also | | | | perfect design is found, a high quality image can |
| represent grace and reserved strength. | | | | be downloaded or printed for a fee. |
| The popularity of these designs may seem recent | | | | Dragon tattoos are likely to remain one of the |
| but they have always been a popular subject for | | | | most popular designs in body art. The many |
| artists. When considering a depiction, there are | | | | types of dragons and the unique meaning of each |
| many types of dragons to choose from. It is | | | | make them appealing for many people for |
| important to take the time to research the | | | | numerous reasons. They can be personalized and |
| history and meaning of different types of dragons | | | | customized based upon color and style and can |
| in order to make an informed choice. | | | | be made to contour to any part of the body. |