Tiger Tattoos: Meanings, Descriptions, Styles, Examples

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What can a tiger tattoo mean? Why was this motif featured on so many emblems in the past? Why did people ink images of tigers into their skin? What is the meaning of this symbol today? Find out with theYou.

Meanings of Tiger Tattoos in Different Cultures

The tiger is a magnificent animal that is often present in the attire of Asian rulers, on knights’ shields and warriors’ bodies. Every culture attaches its own meanings to this symbol, but some are true for them all: this predator is perceived as a protector, a leader, a symbol of valor, decisiveness, and bravery.

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Noble families and even empires put the tiger on their emblems as a symbol of strength of their family or state.
In Japanese culture, the tiger was hailed as the symbol of fame, heroism, victory and was associated with heroic warriors.
In Indian mythology, this predator was associated with serenity and wisdom.
In China, tiger images were believed to protect from evil spirits, diseases, and misfortune. Pregnant women always had one on them to ensure protection for their future child.
In India, the tiger is the embodiment of wrath. Furious Shiva is often depicted either wearing a tiger skin or riding a tiger.
In some Asian countries, tigers were considered exotic animals and were kept in emperors’ palaces as pets. Rulers also often clad themselves in clothing with depictions of tigers to demonstrate wealth, power, and leadership.
Some Eastern peoples also believed that tigers were gods’ weapons and attacked only the worst sinners.

An interesting fact: The richest variety of tiger tattoos can be found in Tibet. Locals believe that they descend from a tribe of weretigers. For them, a tiger tattoo is an amulet of their family.

Modern Interpretations of Tiger Tattoos

Modern symbolism of tiger tattoos is based on their various interpretations in different cultures. Before getting a tiger tattoo, it’s recommended that you carefully study the meaning of the sketch. One seemingly minute detail can change the meaning of the design or add an unwanted implication.

In general, we can distinguish the following meanings of tiger tattoos:

power, authority, leadership
aggression, violence, wrath, ferocity, untamed nature
ambition and persistence
protection of something valuable against evil
bravery, fearless nature, decisiveness
sensuality and passion
serenity, wisdom, and harmony.

Let’s look closer at some designs and their meanings.

Tiger Head

This image symbolizes bravery, power, fearlessness, and readiness to fight. Some Eastern peoples used this imagery as an amulet.

Tiger Cub

A tattoo depicting a sleeping tiger’s cub is a common pick among girls. This motif is chosen predominantly by women and denotes innocence, serenity, warmth, and readiness to protect your loved ones.

Tiger Woman

Another popular design among women features a woman wearing a tiger skin, which stands for an inner spark, strength, gracefulness, and courage.

Snarling Tiger

A tiger with its teeth bared indicates that its wearer is an aggressive person capable of defending themselves and their family. They show no mercy toward their enemies. This design is also featured in prison tattoos and shows its wearer contempt for the authorities.

Crowned Tiger

This tattoo is a pick of people who dream of greatness and power and like being in the spotlight. The choice of such a tattoo might speak of a person’s haughtiness. A lion wearing a crown is a more common motif than a tiger.

Tiger Paw

A tattoo of a tiger paw means a leader's qualities, success, freedom, and openness to new things. Tiger footprints signify overcoming difficulties and moving forward.

White Tiger

Only one in 10,000 tigers is born with a genetic mutation that makes its fur white. This is why a white tiger tattoo is meant to say that its wearer is unique, special, and even above everyone else.

Tiger and Dragon

This design is all about the fight between good and evil, light and darkness, mind and body, female and male nature, yin and yang, in which the tiger stands for female nature.

Tiger Eyes

This is the sign of people who are keen to reach their goals, are smart and collected.

Tiger Claws

A paw with claws can speak of aggressiveness, readiness to fight and defend what you love. Claws are also seen as an amulet against evil, disease, and bad luck.

Weretiger

Speaks of a person’s duality. This tattoo might tell you something about the other side of a person.

Choosing a Placement for Your Tiger Tattoo

The main thing you should take into account when choosing a placement for this design is the size of the chosen sketch. The back and chest can fit a large scene, while mini tattoos will look better on wrists, ankles, or behind the ear. Women often get a tiger tattoo inked on the thigh, which looks stunning and sexy. Many men prefer sleeve and calf tattoos. A tiger tattoo on the shoulder is considered a classic.

Arm

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Chest

Leg

Back

Thigh

Shoulder blade

Neck

Sleeve

An interesting fact: Angelina Jolie has a Bengal tiger tattoo on her back and Justin Bieber sports a tiger head tattoo on his arm.

Tiger Tattoo Styles

The most popular styles that are chosen for tiger tattoos include:

Black&Gray

Realism

Japanese

Traditional

Neo traditional

A tiger tattoo can have numerous implications that can depend on the most minor details. Check out examples of tiger tattoos in the theYou gallery and choose the one for you!

Tiger Tattoo: Meanings and Design Ideas