Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Tattoo designs - F >> Fire Dragons

Fire Dragon Tattoos - Of all the mythical creatures, the dragon is the most universal and is prominently featured in hundreds of cultures. Perhaps for that reason, its meaning as a symbol is not always consistent.

In the East the dragon is generally considered to be beneficent creature, where as in the West it’s more often a primordial enemy with whom combat is considered the ultimate supreme test. Only he who conquers the dragon becomes a hero, according to myth and legend. In conjuring up this most horrific symbol, we have gone back a long way to the dinosaur prototype, and often imagine it breathing fire.

But as a symbol or as a tattoo design, is that a positive or negative attribute? The Gnostics looked on the bright side: “Our Chaos or Spirit is the fiery dragon that conquers all things.” To the Chinese, the fire-spitting dragon was principally associated with lightning, and by extension to thunder and rainmaking, which made it a symbol of fertility. All this celestial activity was how Earth and Water elements were united. (See also ‘Water Dragon’.) Ancient Emperors couldn’t do better than to adopt the dragon as a symbol of the rhythm of existence that ensured order and prosperity. So did Celtic kings. And one Hebrew writer wrote of the Celestial Dragon as a king seated upon his throne.

In traditional Japanese tattooing, powerful dragons are often balanced with other tattoo designs that symbolize aspects of yin and yang.

See also Water Dragons.

Check out a huge selection of different dragon tattoo design ideas by some of the world's top tattoo artists and illustrators.

Tattoo designs - F >> Fire Dragons

Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z