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 in 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 gain 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. 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 worn 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 energy in the cosmos and prevent total chaos in the universe, these are:

• Black Tiger – Rules the aquatic elements of nature and rules during the winter season.
• Blue Tiger – Rules the earth elements of nature and rules during the spring season.
• Red Tiger – Rules the fire elements of nature and rules during the summer season.
• White Tiger – Rules the metallic elements of nature and rules during the fall season.
• Yellow Tiger – Rules over all previous 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 Japan’s Edo period where Japanese men were struggling to make a name for themselves. Since Japanese artists do not have exact sightings of tigers, their art can be very abstract and unique. In Japan, they represent dominance, aggression, or goal orientation.