Serpent Dragon
Dragon Tattoos - Styles and Meaning
Without a doubt, dragon tattoo patterns are some of the most popular styles out there. Don't take our word for it-just go to any local beach and ...
Serpent Dragon
Dragon Tattoos - Styles and Meaning
Without a doubt, dragon tattoo patterns are some of the most popular styles out there. Don't take our word for it-just go to any local beach and check out the array laid out before you. What is it about these mythical creatures that drive people into tattoo studios in droves? The following is an explanation of the phenomenon of the dragon tattoo, and why it's become so popular in the past decade.
First, it's important to look at the beast behind the design. Amazingly, dragons are embedded in cultures throughout the world. In studying ancient civilizations, one comes across the dragon in one form or another in European, Oriental, and Iranian tradition. The dragon certainly has some grounding in real life. Look no further than monitor lizards or other scaly serpents and you'll find real world examples. How the dragon became so ubiquitous in cultures across the globe may be a mystery, but it is certainly a testament to how powerful and appealing these mythical creatures are. No matter who you are or where your ancestors came from, a dragon can fit into the way you define yourself.
Dragons are generally depicted as reptilian creatures. While their appearance varies across cultures, dragons usually share the same characteristics regardless of what culture you're studying. In virtually every case, this mythical beast is capable of rapid flight, as well as the ability to spit fire, sending enemies reeling. The combination of these two factors make the dragon one of the most fearful creatures roaming the earth, so watch out!
Your dragon tattoo represents something different to everyone who views it. Apart from just being an intricate, beautiful design, the tattoo holds symbolic value as a way to express the things that are important to you. On a man, the dragon might represent power, or wisdom. Many people see dragons on women as a sign of cunning and deviousness.
It's important to remember that dragons can both help and hurt human beings. Mythical dragons often served as the wizard's steed, providing transport into and out of battle. At the same time, evil dragons were dangerous creatures capable of destruction without so much as a second's notice. Their hot fire could instantly melt the bravest of warriors. Perhaps that's part of the dragon's appeal; contemplating this beast makes people run the gamut of emotions. Without more information, there's no way of knowing whether the dragon you see is helpful or harmful. In a sense, you're almost forced to inquire further details. That's one of the benefits of an interesting, provocative dragon tattoo: it's an instant conversation starter. After all, isn't that one of the reasons people get tattoos in the first place?
If you've been thinking about getting another tattoo (or your first!), you should strongly consider a dragon as your chosen style. These powerful creatures evoke the powerful emotions from tattoo artists, and you're sure to come out of the studio with a design that will astonish everyone lucky enough to see it.
About the Author
Picking a tattoo design to put on your body is no easy task. The challenge of picking and finding a design you think you will love forever is half the fun. The second half of the fun is wearing a tattoo you love. Find your tattoo at
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The Wrath of Dragons in Vietnamese Art
The influence of symbolism in Vietnamese art has been in vogue since prehistoric times. One of the most supernatural of all creatures, dragons and fairies, symbolized various instances of Vietnamese art. From the Dong Son civilization to the modern Nyugen Dynasty, the dragon motif has been used in various forms and shapes in sculptures, paintings, palaces, and different religious or architectural structures. The evolution of the dragon symbol portrayed the changing beliefs and culture of the people from time to time.
The Dong Son civilization (400BC to 200AD) saw the reptile version of the dragon, also known as the "Giao Long" dragon. This symbol was found etched on a number of bronze urns and weapon hatches. The following period (Dai La) witnessed Vietnam under Chinese colonization from the first to the tenth century. This period had a profound impact on Vietnamese art. This is clearly evident from the decorative tiles found at Co Loa, where the Dai La dragon shows remarkable resemblance with its Chinese counterpart.
Vietnam breathed the air of independence with the dawn of the Ly Dynasty. This period can also be termed the 'golden period' for Vietnamese art as it reached the peak of excellence. Water dragons symbolizing the God of Rain found way into Vietnamese art during this period. Some of the distinguishing features of this dragon in contrast to the Chinese creature were: thin and long body; undulated body contours of a serpent; small head with long whisker and mane and fine legs with small claws. The Chuong Son tower now showcases an extraordinary example of the Ly dragon carved on stone.
The heritage of the Ly Dynasty was transferred to the later Tran Dynasty (13-14th century). The fire-gurgling creature during this period still appeared with a small head and body; an instance of which can be found in the Pho Minh temple.
The influence of Chinese culture and heritage rose profoundly in the later Ly Dynasty, with Chinese emperors adopting Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. As a consequence, the dragon symbol came to be associated with the emperor and his authoritative powers. The dragon motif then began to be extensively used in tombs, and religious temples. Dragons of the later Ly Dynasty also owes greatly to the Chinese influence. Large head, gigantic body, thick scales, long sharp claws, thick mane, and a beastly glance summarize the appearance of the Ly dragon.
The modern Nyugen Dynasty hails from the "Tu Linh"- the four mythical Chinese creatures namely the phoenix, the dragon, the lion, and the tortoise. These creatures were collectively portrayed in numerous paintings, sculptures, royal palaces, and tombs in Hue.
These fiery dragon motifs have attracted the attention of connoisseurs all over the world. Art gallery in Vietnam showcases these mythical creatures in their changing moods. Imbibing the Chinese motif, Vietnamese art have become even more alluring.
About the Author
Suzanne Macguire is an expert writer with keen interest in contemporary art.
You can also find this article here: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=959440
Tags: art, dragon, dragons, history, mythology, sea serpent dragon, serpent dragon, serpent dragon tattoo, serpent dragon yugioh
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