What does a Tiger Tattoo mean?

What does a Tiger Tattoo mean?

Getting a tiger tattoo is a symbolic act full of all kinds of meanings. The Tiger is a strong figure in tattooing because it embodies the link between the human world and the animal kingdom. People who choose to tattoo the big cat often share a similar philosophy of life.

There are many different ideas associated with tiger tattoos. They can be symbolic of bravery and strength, or they can represent the power of the tiger’s prey. Some people choose to get a tiger tattoo as a way to commemorate a personal event, while others choose it as an expression of their independence and strength. The tiger tattoo meaning will vary depending on the person who gets it, but there are some general themes that tend to crop up.

With a tiger tattoo, you will want to honor its power, strength and perseverance of course, so that these qualities inspire you day after day, but also its beauty, also celebrated in Chinese astrology, where the tiger symbolizes seduction and an indomitable character. You can check which years belong to the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac.

Tiger tattoo designs are rich and varied as they depend on the cultures with which they are associated. Overall, the meaning we give a tiger tattoo stays very strong, whatever its design. Whether it is temporary or permanent, it is above all a deep and personal will that explains the presence of a tattoo.

But by talking to many tattooed people, Tiger-Universe realized that many of them didn't know the real meaning of their tattoos. We wrote this article to explain the meaning behind these gorgeous tattoos. The Tiger is full of all kinds of mysteries, and the sections below explain the main ones, style by style, for anyone who wants to learn more about the wildest of animals.

What do japanese tiger tattoos mean?

 It is no secret that the Tiger is revered in Southeast Asia. Tigers are not native to Japan, but they have long been a popular subject in Japanese art.

The tiger is also considered a real deity in Japanese culture. That's why many Japanese tattoos show the tiger in all its splendor, in large and colorful designs. It embodies the forces of courage and wisdom that monks and old sages possess.

But a Tiger tattoo can also hide a much darker side. Indeed, the Japanese mafia, known as "Yakuza," has appropriated the image of the striped beast. So much so that today, its members are often recognized by their tiger or Japanese dragon tattoos. The Yakuza seem to have been seduced by the wild and bloodthirsty side of the big cat in which they are reflected.

Generally speaking, Japanese society is very wary of tattoos, because in Japan they are associated with crime and violence. Abroad, however, the Tiger tattoo has a much more honorable image and meaning. So if you are a lover of the big cat, you can adopt this symbol of purity without the risk of being mistaken for a gangster.

What does a white tiger tattoo symbolize?

 On the opposite side of the Japanese Tiger's fury, we find the White Tiger tattoo. It is a symbol of wisdom par excellence, present in many Asian myths. In Chinese legend, for example, it is said that a Tiger turns White when it reaches 500 years of age. This style of tiger tattoo represents femininity in all its splendor. Not by chance, it is said to be reserved for the most virtuous people of this world.

The White Tiger representations tend to be made for the female gender, although some men can adopt them. That's why they are located on "feminine" parts of the body, such as the neck, the wrist, or the ankle.

Tiger Claw Tattoo Meaning

The Tiger's Claws reflect all the savagery and power of the animal world. It is therefore appropriate that such wild tattoos hide a strong determination. This type of tiger tattoo is loved by people who have lived through a traumatic ordeal. Rather than giving in to their fate, they decided to redouble their efforts. This tiger tattoo is proof that we have to make sacrifices to reach our goals in life.

This representation is a mark that testifies to a warrior's mind. Its origin is unclear, but it seems that this kind of tattoo is directly inspired by the wounds caused by a Tiger Attack. They embody all the bestiality that the Tiger is endowed with, which is why strong and virile men so adore them. However, some women with a Tigress mindset can wear it with style.

By the way, if you want a temporary tiger tattoo, we offer a large collection of Tiger Tattoos right here ⤵️

What does a baby tiger tattoo symbolize?

The perfection embodied by the Tiger cub allows tattoo artists to make unique creations. The most beautiful tattoos of the Tiger cub perfectly convey the cute and innocent aura of the young feline. Such a tattoo design shows the opposite of the usual ferocity of Tigers. That's why many people love it when the cub is accompanied by another cute animal, like a butterfly, for example.

In mythology, the Tiger cub is a 100% Yang animal, which means that it is a being of light that aspires to happiness. That's why many people ask for this little Asian animal as a first tattoo. This style of tattoo is also discreet and colorful.

The Realistic Tiger Tattoos

 Few things are as impressive as a lifelike Tiger on your skin. The desire to go back to nature has made many people want to try the realistic style. A realistic tiger tattoo means wearing one of the most beautiful things nature offers, because the beauty of the big cat never looks more perfect than with authentic colors and design.

The symbolism behind a traditional tattoo like this is fascinating. As you may know, Tigers are very present in tattoo parlors. So much so that each tattoo artist offers his version of the symbolism behind a realistic tattoo. But if there is one thing everyone agrees on, it symbolizes predatory instinct par excellence. Such a tiger tattoo shows a revival of our primal instincts in a society that tends to make us forget them. If you love the lifelike look but are not ready for the needle, a tiger canvas with photographic scenes puts the same realistic tiger on your wall.

Vintage Tiger Tattoo

 As we have already discussed, there is an actual desire to return to the roots in the world of tattooing. That return shows how lasting the old patterns are, as the long history of the tiger in art also shows. Whether it is on the arm, the forearm, or even on the entire torso, an old-school tiger tattoo always makes an impression.

The tattoo art world describes these Tiger designs as timeless. They combine bold black outlines with a few bright colors and symbolize the longevity of the largest of the cats. Because despite all the massacres and killings, the tiger has never lost its ferocious character that we know so well. This tiger tattoo style is for true warriors who are not afraid of tiny needles.

Geometric Tiger Tattoos

 Even if the old representations of the Tiger are beautiful, some modern styles are very appreciable. This is the case of geometric tattoos, which have become so popular that you won't find a single tattoo parlor where they are absent. On a woman, a design in this style brings out a sexy and seductive side.

As far as the meaning is concerned, we are far from the deities and the traditional Japanese style. Here, the beauty of the motif interests people more than the symbolism. We could still grant these tattoos the will to promote an innovative and original style. Fortunately, some artists try to invent new representations for the Tiger. Without them, we would start to get tired of our good old tattoos.

The Tribal Tiger Tattoos

 The Tribal tiger tattoo is the classic by definition; leaving it out would have upset every Tiger fan. It is often associated with raw and ruthless force.

People who have had such a design tattooed will tell you that the spiritual force of the Tiger seems to accompany them in every action they undertake, like a real totem. Contrary to what you may hear among young people, tribal tattoos are far from being old-fashioned or outdated; in Maori culture, for example, the traditional moko, with its spiral designs, shows a person's status.

To summarize

 The meaning of a tiger tattoo varies greatly depending on its style and the person who adopts it. For example, some people will reflect on the duality of a tiger and dragon tattoo, while others will prefer the sweetness of a cute tiny tattoo. Either way, images of big cats always make striking tattoos, as Lion tattoos show too.

Besides that, the Tiger remains a special animal thanks to its mysterious past maintained by the various Asian legends. This makes tiger tattoos unique because of the depth and history behind their designs. Even the most futuristic designs have managed to keep this natural touch inseparable from the big cat.

Finally, if you already have tattoos, you will have no trouble getting a new one. On the other hand, if you are not very comfortable with it, you might want to consider a temporary tiger tattoo before taking the plunge. It is a useful way to find out whether the Big Tiger suits you.

Do you love the badass style? Then take a look at our TIGER SKULL TEMPORARY TATTOO.⤵️