The meaning of the tiger tattoo: sketches and photos on all parts of the body

Tattoo Tiger

Tattoo Tiger

Tattoo of the tiger Refers to one of the popular images in body art. Tattoos with the application of animals for many decades are in great demand and are among the most popular. There is nothing strange in this, because people from ancient times treated them with special respect. They often acted as a totem, and in addition, they imitated in the hope to get their strength.

Tattoo of a tiger in the woods

Tattoo of a tiger in the woods

Tiger grin tattoo - photo

Tattoo of a tiger grinning - photo

Tattoo of a tiger on the wrist

Tattoo of a tiger on the hand

Tattoo of a tiger with blue eyes on a girl's shoulder

Tattoo of a tiger with blue eyes on the shoulder of a girl

Tattoo of a tiger grinning on your shoulder

Tattoo of a tiger grinning on the shoulder

Tattoo of a tiger on his back

Tiger tattoo on the back

The drawing in the form of a tiger just belongs to this category. It is so popular that even many showbiz stars have chosen this tattoo. The most striking examples are Adam Levine (lead singer of Maroon 5) and everyone's favorite Angelina Jolie.

The overall meaning of the tiger tattoo:

- power and strength - masculinity - rage - bloodthirstiness - majesty and power

The tiger is an animal strong, willful, independent, but brave and in the right situations fierce, even too cruel. Therefore, the meaning of tattoos with his image is very diverse. Such drawings can carry the following semantic load - modesty, dignity, power, strength, beauty, etc. It all depends directly on the particular culture and mythology.

Who is suitable tattoo with a tiger?

tattoo of a tiger

Due to the richness of variants of semantic load, powerful energy and attractive appearance tattoos with tiger are chosen by many people. Thanks to a huge variety of sketches developed in many directions of art of body painting, almost every person can choose such a variant, which will be in harmony with his views on himself and the world around him.

But it is necessary to choose the sketch with maximum responsibility. Remember that tattoos are made for many years, and it is much more difficult to remove the image that stopped liking it than to do it.

Reasons for the popularity of the plot among men

tiger grin tattoo

This regal predator, which combines aggressiveness and nobility, strength and calmness, is a carrier of many qualities that have long been valued in men. Therefore, the tattoo "Tiger" willingly apply as young guys and older men.

Most "male" sketches have a number of common features:

  • A large area of the drawing. By placing such a tattoo on his broad back or strong shoulder, the man emphasizes his own strength.
  • Often there is an emphasis on details that convey aggression. Mangled fangs, open mouth in a snarl, released claws, crouched before the jump saber-toothed beast - these are drawings that reflect the inner aggressiveness of the bearer.

This is interesting! Sometimes brutal and aggressive images are chosen by people who only want to appear dangerous.

  • Dense filling of the drawing. Men's tattoos often contain many elements that clarify the meaning of the main image. Such parts merge into a whole, forming, for example, a sleeve or covering the shoulders.

In terms of style choices for men's tattoos, Oldschool, Tribal, Geometric, Blackwork, and Thrash Polka styles are excellent.

Do women get tattoos with tigers?

tattoo of a tiger on the arm

Although most of the "Tiger" tattoo sketches are focused on men, the fair sex also uses images of this beast to decorate their own bodies. But the pictures on the skin of girls have their own specifics:

  • Often the image is smaller in size. Such a picture can be placed on the hip, neck, hand, behind the ear or on the calf. Also women's tattoos are often more concise, with fewer elements. Dense background fillings are less common.
  • Instead of expressing overt or covert aggression, other motifs often dominate the composition. For example, the tigress protecting the tiger cub serves as a symbol of maternal care and readiness to protect her offspring. The image of the little playful tiger cub evokes tenderness, although it should not be forgotten that it is "not an ordinary kitty. Also, women more often choose cartoon characters.

Tattoo tiger sketches in different styles

Symbolic meanings of the tiger


Tattoo tiger


Tattoo tiger


Tattoo tiger


Tattoo tiger


Tattoo tiger


Tattoo Tiger

This is interesting: Tattoos for men: sketches on the arm, wrist, shoulder, leg, forearm, neck, chest + 200 PHOTO

If you want to decorate yourself with a beautiful drawing of a tiger, then:

  • It is important to know what message such a tattoo carries;
  • On what part of the body is better to make a drawing;
  • Choose a beautiful picture;
  • Is the color of the body design important?
  • What do you need to know before getting your first tattoo?

We have prepared for you an overview of the symbolism of the tiger, many options for sketches and photos of this animal to apply to the body.

The tiger as energetic, strong animal occupies a large place in various cultures, mythologies, religions. The symbolism of the tiger in different parts of the world varies, but it is always important and meaningful. The word is of Iranian origin; it is a derivative of "tiger" - sharp, prickly. The tiger is one of the fastest and most powerful land predators, the largest of the felines,

The Tiger in Chinese Culture

In China, the tiger occupies a similar place to the lion in Western culture. In the land of the Celestial Empire, the tiger is the king of beasts and represents the masculine principle in nature, he is the absolute dominant. In Chinese culture the tiger is the king of beasts and represents the masculine principle in nature, the absolute dominance. In Chinese art there are four most important and most intelligent animals - the tiger, the dragon, the phoenix and the tortoise.

Great importance is given to the striped beast in Chinese military sagas. The "warrior tiger" is called the brave soldier. In folklore, such wild cats protect good men and kill bad ones. Drawings of the toothy beast decorate the walls of houses and temples to keep evil spirits out. The Chinese believe that the tiger's claw is a powerful amulet that gives its wearer the courage of the beast.

Tattoo with a tiger's grin on the shoulder

In the 12-year zodiac horoscope. tiger is the third animal. Those born in the year of the tiger (1950,1962,1974,1986,1998, 2010) have a strong and decisive character, are endowed with excitement and courage, ready for risk. These people are obvious leaders, they know how to be in the center of attention, endowed with a natural attraction and charisma.

There are 5 types of tiger:

  • 1950, 2010 and 2070 - metallic;
  • 1902, 1962, 2022 - water tiger;
  • 1914, 1974, 2034 - wooden;
  • 1926, 1986, 2046 - fire;
  • 1938, 1998, 2058 - earthy.

Famous people who were born in the year of this predator - Ivan the Terrible, Marco Polo, Karl Marx, Mary Stuart, Charles De Gaulle, Ludwig van Beethoven, Agatha Christie.

The tiger in religions.

There were no tigers in Slavic lands, so they only heard about him and folded legends and called him a babr. In paganism, there are no gods that represent this animal, but the babr was called the "fierce beast", which caused consternation and fear.

In Hinduism, striped carnivores denoted the warrior caste. The wife of the god Shiva, Durda was often depicted riding a tiger.

In Buddhism, wild cats are believed to drive out demons. Statues of tigers can be found near burial sites and painted over temple doors. It is believed that only the gods can saddle the four-legged one.

Mascot or totem

As a talisman, the tiger is a very powerful amulet of energy. The image of the ferocious predator demands respect, it is both feared and revered, it is aggressive and noble. As a symbol of protection, it protects against disease and dark forces, gives good luck in risky deeds and big undertakings.

Tattoo with tiger symbols

A wild predator is considered the strongest totem And not everyone can withstand his exposure, he does not like lies and hypocrisy. People who are willing to adorn themselves with such a symbol need to accept the energy of a fast and powerful beast, learn to understand and manage their inner strength and keep self-control.

A striped cat mentally takes under its patronage the person concerned, helps him on the road of life and energizes him. This sign can give determination to indecisive people. Men will help strengthen their authority at home, at work, will strengthen his strength of character.

Many tribes in Southeast Asia chose the tiger as their totem animal. People believed that after death they become tigers, and those mustachioed predators that live now - this is their deceased relatives.

Tattoos with tiger symbolism

The tiger in feng shui

The ancient science of energy flows around us believes that the striped animal is the strongest symbol capable of neutralizing negative waves from the outside. In any place with destructive energy, a statue or picture of a predator will attenuate the negative impact. The tiger helps to keep a balance between logic and reality. Feng shui says that the head of the tiger protects the home and brings good luck.

The tiger in heraldry

On family coats of arms, the image of the striped beast signified fury and strength. The tigress symbolizes a formidable mother who is ready to defend her cubs to the last. Tigers are in the coat of arms of Malaysia, Singapore, Vladivostok and Primorsky Krai. This image is used on the emblems of fight and soccer clubs.

The meaning of the tiger tattoo from Asian culture

Perhaps it is the Asians who can be considered the most worshipped race of the tiger. In particular, on this continent he is considered the King of Beasts, which is associated with his valor. By the way, the latter was the reason why the tiger was chosen to decorate the emblem of the Indian army.

Chinese mythology will delight you with the story of five animals, each of which is responsible for the protection of a particular part of the country:

  • The black tiger is called upon to protect the north;
  • red is responsible for the southern part of the country;
  • The blue one protects the eastern borders;
  • white - responsible for the western borders as well as the central regions of the country.

Remarkably, in many Chinese regions it is believed that these animals can attack only real sinners, while pious, honest people are bypassed. According to myths, this is due to the fact that in this way the tigers carry out the orders of the gods punishing sinners.

Interestingly, the Chinese use the image of the tiger as a talisman against evil spirits, for example, pregnant women always carry a picture of the animal with them to ensure full protection for the unborn child.

Koreans, on the other hand, believe that the tiger is none other than the king of beasts. But Hindus say that the enraged god Shiva not only throws a tiger skin on himself, but also necessarily saddles this animal!

What can the tattoo mean?

As we have already indicated, the tiger as a symbol is very popular in Asian countries. There it is given a number of unusual meanings, in the eyes of a European.

First, in Asian culture it is a symbol of the night and the moon. This may be due to its coloring.

Secondly, it symbolizes the animal brute force, instinctiveness, dark desires, primordial power.

Third, a tattoo depicting a predator will suit gamblers, just desperate and risky people and people who believe in the power of money. The fact that he has an interesting function in Eastern mythology - he is a riding animal of the Chinese god of wealth. The god of wealth sits on the tiger exactly to demonstrate the fearlessness and excitement necessary in the field of making big money.


The eyes of the tiger. Tattoo on the forearm of a girl

In Indian culture, the representative of the cat has a fundamentally different meaning. There, the tiger is a symbol of a warrior and, accordingly, a tattoo with him can mean good luck in battle, strength, power, aggression, protection from the enemy, predator instincts.

In European culture, which has almost equaled the symbolic meaning of the tiger with the lion, such a tattoo would be interpreted as royalty, majesty, superiority in physical and spiritual strength, aggression and savagery.

Tattoo of the tiger on the shoulder

Color Meaning

Most often, the tattoo with a striped predator performed in black and white tones, but connoisseurs of colored tattoos choose a realistic color scheme of the animal. The monochrome animal looks flattering, but with bright colored eyes.

There are five colors of tigers that symbolize the Chinese zodiac, we mentioned them earlier. Each of them carries its own meaning:

1White The metallic predator is very persistent and vain. Its color represents autumn and the power of nature. There is also a connection with metals;

2Black the Chinese water king of beasts is witty and kind, has an urge for new discoveries and experiments. His season is winter, in the symbolism of color embedded calm, the power of water;

3Fiery red The tiger carries the energy of strife. Depicting the image of the animal in red will make it aggressive, cruel. A man with such a tattoo will emphasize his explosive character and determination to act. Symbolizes summer and fire;

4Green Wooden beast - the favorite of the public, it has a lot of vitality. The color symbolizes spring, growth and birth of strength;

5Yellow earthy representative of the felines combines all the above interpretations, it is an attribute of absolute power. The earth tiger is very lucky, fortune is always on his side.

Tattoo of a tiger on the hand

5 things you should know before you go to a tattoo parlor

Process of tattooing

1Decide not spontaneously. If this is your first tattoo, consider the act. You'll be stuck with the artwork for life. It may make sense to get a temporary tattoo and then get a permanent one.

2Select a safe salon. The salon must comply with all sanitary and hygienic norms. Only new needles and disposable gloves. Gather recommendations and read reviews about the artist and the salon.

3Tattooing is painful. There are more painful areas of skin and less. Everyone has a different pain flaw, so don't set your sights on someone else, your experience may be completely different. Large jobs can be done in multiple sessions with breaks for healing. There may be side effects after tattooing - bruising, swelling, fever.

4Alcohol will not be anesthetic. Alcohol consumption thin the blood and there will be more bleeding on the skin.

5Tattoo removal is expensive and time-consuming.

VIDEO: Tiger Tattoo

The process of tattooing a tiger on your body

Process of tattooing a tiger on your body

Other symbolism

There are other symbolic meanings of this animal applied to the body. Thus, among criminals, the image of the tiger indicates that its bearer will stand up not only for himself, his honor, but also for the people close to him.

Also among prisoners, the tiger symbolizes the highest measure of hatred towards the authorities.

The tiger is also used in combination - for example, with the dragon, which already turns the sign of Yin and Yang, extremely important and revered in Asia. In it, the tiger refers to the Yin, that is, the female part of the sign.

What does the tattoo "Tiger's Mascara" mean?

If the tattoo in the calm state in terms of meaning has a light aspect, a certain divine beginning, then the grinning tiger is unequivocally all animal manifestations. This is the power of the dark side of man - his subconscious. It is in the subconscious that animal instinctive feelings - anger, rage, aggression, a desire for domination - are born.

But the dark, "lunar", feminine energy (and therefore negative according to the Eastern teachings) includes the need to protect the offspring, increased sexuality, and the ability to protect one's territory from invasions and conquests. And these are, at least in the consciousness of a European man, positive and necessary qualities.

In India, and in this case, the interpretation of such a tattoo will be somewhat different. There, the striped beast is a symbol of a warrior, and the tutu with a grin will mean protection from all external aggressive manifestations of this world.

In a sense, a person who wears the image of the tiger's grin is under the patronage of the warrior-tiger, under his protection.

Tattoo of a tiger on the chest

Varieties of sketches

Drawing of the tiger mostly people prefer in a realistic version, graphic or photographic. Less often there is a cartoon solution or schematic, as it is not very impressive.

Color plays a role if one wants to highlight the beauty of the animal's hide, to set off its well-known black stripes with yellow coloring. Sometimes the bloodshot eyes, white elements of the head are emphasized.

If the tattoo of the tiger has additional elements (leaves, grasses, forest, mountains), it is more often a colored composition. An interesting solution is in the style of Japanese prints, here often copying the works of famous Japanese artists, Hiroshige and others.

Drawing is applied mainly on the shoulder, back or ribs. A popular option - a tiger on the leg or hip. A miniature running tiger often appears on a girl's ankle, and guys prefer to have the head of the beast on the sternum or shoulder blade.

You can choose the best option by photo in the gallery on the website.

Tattoo of a tiger on the back

Prison value

The head of the tiger in the criminal world has its own meaning. Wearing such a tattoo is considered "evil on power". It is also hostile to persons who have ceased criminal activity .. The tattoo "tiger" symbolizes that the person is embittered and fierce. Also, criminals with such a tattoo are considered "bulls" - ready to commit physical violence at the command of the ringleader. The tiger can be painted on the back, chest, shoulder, hip or hand. The main colors are: black, gold and yellow.

Choosing a tattoo, it is worth remembering that it remains for life. The symbolism of the image should be taken into account, and the decision to apply it should be a conscious one.

White tiger tattoos

How to choose a tattoo sketch in relation to the place on the body?

The size of the tattoo directly affects the choice of body site, as proportionality is important in such a case. Take heed of the following tips for selecting a location:

  • Back, chest, sleeves, legs - here you can stuff the tiger whole, complement the composition with details or other characters, bring bright colors;
  • Shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades, hips, neck - medium size drawings of moderate color without much detail will look harmonious in these places;
  • Fingers, hands and wrists - small tattoo are allowed in this area, it could be paws, eyes or just a head of the tiger, because it would be difficult to consider the whole animal on such a small scale.

Tip! Be sure to think about whether you need in some circumstances to hide the tattoo, in what places it will be possible.

To summarize.

All meanings of the tattoo, which depicts a tiger, in one way or another, speak directly about the qualities of the animal. Attracting the attention, arousing the respect of others with its fury, but also with its nobility, majesty, but also grace, the tiger remains one of the most revered animals on the planet.

It harmoniously combines in an amazing way the opposite traits - wisdom and aggressiveness, unbridled wildness and meekness. That is, he represents both life and death! He brings both good and evil to those around him, but he does it justly - everyone gets what he deserves! This is why he is loved, valued and respected by humans and other animals.

Popular Tiger Tattoo Plots

White Tiger Tattoo

The white tiger is commonly referred to as a female tattoo. It is not associated with fire, but with the moon. White tigers are very rare in nature, so they have a special magic of attractive beauty. They embody calm energy, grace.

Tattoo tiger - white tiger tattoo - white tiger tattoo

Tattoo Tiger and Flowers

As we have already noted, tigers are often depicted on the background of plant motifs, such as flowers. This helps to make the composition more intense in terms of elements and colors.

Tattoo tiger - tattoo tiger and flowers - tattoo tiger and flowers

Tattoo of a Tiger with a Growling Tiger

The tattoo of the snarling tiger means the readiness to defend oneself, inner strength, a strong-willed character. The tiger is often portrayed exactly with a grin, because it once again emphasizes his predatory disposition, rage.

Tattoo of the tiger - Tiger tattoo - Meaning of the tiger tattoo

Nature

For women

For men