The meaning of a dragon and tiger tattoo

Shaolin Monk tattoo design of Tiger and Dragon

In oriental culture, as well as the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is a female sign that represents the defender and the Tiger is a male sign signifying the aggressor. The Dragon and the Tiger are interpreted in the same way as Yin and Yang. They signify the duality and balance attained through opposing forces. The placement of these two powerful Chinese zodiac symbols in a Chinese tattoo design has huge significance.

If the Tiger appears beneath the Dragon, this represents the triumph over dark forces. If the Tiger is wrestling down the Dragon, then this represents aggression and disregard for others and their property.

In ancient China the Tiger and Dragon were the symbols for the Shaolin monks, who practised Kung Fu. The monks had five main temples, one of which was the Henan Temple in Honan. It was this temple that provided the location for the 70s TV series Kung Fu, which starred David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine.

A Shaolin Monk who had completed his studies would have a Dragon tattooed on his left forearm and a Tiger on his right forearm. The Dragon represented the mind and the Tiger the body.

Emii's Chinese Tiger and Dragon tattoo

Because they can symbolise protection, the back is regarded as a good placement for a Tiger and Dragon tattoo. It is believed the combination of Dragon and Tiger help protect from enemies and bad spirits creeping up behind the wearer.

Rising new talent Emii has a tiger and dragon tattoo on her right arm. Although it is possible to interpret the significance of the placement of the tiger and dragon on the tattoo, as yet I have been unable to find a translation of the Chinese symbols.

However, once her debut single “Magic” is released, I am sure we will be reading a lot more about Emii’s tattoos.

Emmi’s tattoo would appear to be based on and adapted from the Shaolin Monk Dragon and Tiger Tattoo design. The Dragon and the Tiger are facing each other, which is a good representation of Ying and Yang – opposing forces in equal balance.

And as Emmi says in an interview with The Rock It On Blog on YouTube, her tattoo is all about creating balance.

You can see more images of Emii’s tattoo in the video below. Emii’s debut single Magic will be released on 06 April 2010 and followed by her first album a few months later.

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