China is a vogue nation when it comes to tattoo designs. And these tattoo designs are popular for the very fact, that they have deep symbolic meanings attached to them. Chinese tattoo designs are exotic and unfathomable. In China getting letters and words, or phrases inked is not a trend. Rather Chinese prefer something very symbolic and meaningful tattooed on their body. There are several Chinese symbol tattoos to choose from. Here are some of the fascinating ones in case you are planning to get inked any sooner!
#1 The Dragon Tattoo
The Chinese dragon tattoo is a very popular one. As we all know, dragons by far are highly cherished in the Asian culture. Dragons form an important part of Asian myths and legends. Chinese tattoo designs with dragons have a deep meaning and often are used as attributes of one’s personality. It is symbolic of pansophy, talent, competence, good luck, independence and horse sense. Chinese dragons particularly symbolize strength, power and fear. Horned dragons are the most powerful in terms of the message conveyed. Celestial dragons mark association with Gods and heavenly creatures. Yellow dragon stands for knowledge, while earth dragons are related to life and prosperity. It is available in Black silhouette and vibrant colors as well. Colors to the dragon also have meanings, like blue symbolizes compassion, black is for wisdom, Gold is for kindness, etc. They may range from tiny winged dragons, dragon outlines or dragons breathing fire.
#2 Calligraphy and Letter Tattoo
Chinese calligraphy is quite popular and it is much liked worldwide. Chinese calligraphy is a fine specimen of writing. Words and phrases inked in Chinese calligraphy look more appealing and catch more interest than the usual font styles. Chinese tattoos that are pure calligraphy focus on stroke order. Well the Chinese don’t use letters, they use symbols called characters. David Beckham carries one of the calligraphy styled Chinese tattoo designs. While different letters define different values and qualities, some of the most inked ones are- the letters symbolizing, peace, unity, love, friendship, agony, truth, vigour, wisdom, etc.
#3 Chinese Lady Tattoo
One of the very trending Chinese tattoo designs, is of a Chinese lady with a hand fan. It is worn by men who are deeply in love or as a remembrance for someone you once truly loved. This is one of the most common Chinese tattoos. While might also get it inked solely for its attractiveness, it can be used to portray an individual’s emotions as well. On the contrary, if a woman gets it inked, it would stand as a symbol of her self-trust or self-belief. Some of the meanings of the “Chinese Lady Tattoo” could be- skill, desire, grace, elegance, mystery, art, beauty, refinement, passion, sexuality, dreams and imagination.
#4 Chinese Koi Fish Tattoo
For the Chinese people, Koi Fish tattoos hold immense significance. This tattoo is often seen as a Chinese symbol for strength and resilience. Koi fish tattoo symbol is a cultural indicator for overcoming adversities. If it is a Koi pond, that means several Koi fishes together, the tattoo would symbolize love and friendship. A Koi fish tattoo means- the individual has to overcome many adversities through determination and willpower. It is seen as a pathway to goal-achievement. The Koi fish can be depicted in the Tattoo wither swimming upstream or downstream. An Upstream representation means that the person has already conquered tough times and is progressing in life, while the downstream version stands for the turbulences that individual is constantly going through. People usually get this inked when- they have overcome an obstacle and have reached a goal, they might have undergone a transformation in life, prosperity or good luck is following them or they have a worldly aspiration. It also stands as a symbol of masculinity, passionate love for something, power and independence.
#5 A Yin-Yang Tattoo
The Yin-Yang is a very important symbol for the Chinese. Chinese Tattoo designs of yin-yang symbols are quite popular. It holds a deep seat in the Chinese religion and philosophy. The yin, the dark swirl, is associated with shadows in terms of protection and femininity, while the lighter swirl, or the yang- represents brightness, positive hope and growth in life. People have also made it a practise of getting the named of their loved ones, inked inside the yin-yang. It is the perfect example of what life actually is- an amalgam of the good and the bad or, a balance between the two complimentary opposites- the light and the dark!
#6 Chinese Phoenix Tattoo
Call it a FENGHUANG or a phoenix, this one of the Chines Tattoo designs- classifies as one of the best Chinese symbol tattoos. Getting a Chinese Phoenix inked is a resemblance of flame, rebirth, immortality and new beginnings in life. A mystical bird, phoenix- is a fiery creature associated with immortality, grace and virtue. This tattoo can be worn both by men and women. But in Chinese mythology, the phoenix is particularly associated with feminine virtues. It is also believed that each part of the body of a phoenix, stands to represent different things. While the wings are a symbol of prosperity, the head stands for reliability and the body depicts the message of kindness. The Chinese phoenix is shown in green, blue, white, red and yellow colours- corresponding to the five primary elements.
#7 Chinese Snake Tattoo
This is a widely inked tattoo among the people of China. Throughout Chinese history, snakes have been viewed as a symbol of both good as well as evil. Representing fertility and death. Getting this tattoo inked might carry auspicious, honourable and evil meanings. Snakes, in china are viewed as ancient totems, protector of kings, omen of good fortune and health and a symbol of wisdom. So the connotation in case of Chinese tattoo designs of Snakes, depend more on the individual’s interpretation of the tattoo and what importance it holds for him/her.
Also Read: Native American Tattoos and Their Significance
