Tiger (Tora)

Tiger Tattoo design by Marco

Meaning: Strength, Courage, Protector against bad luck, evil spirits and disease

Attribute: Wind, West, Autumn

The Japanese tiger tattoo carries with it the same traits we attribute to the real animal such as strength and courage but also long life. The tiger is also used to ward off evil spirits and bad luck as well as disease. The tiger is a symbol for both the west and autumn. They are said to control the wind and they are one of the four sacred beasts.

The tiger was also associated with the military and samurai because of it’s power. It is a masculine symbol but can be worn by both men and women. Tigers are often seen paired with dragons. In this circumstance, the tiger typically symbolizes the negative attributes such as sickness and misfortune and the dragon symbolizes the positive such as good health, luck and prosperity.

The tiger is most often seen in tattoos on rocks, surrounded by bamboo with wind and clouds. It can also be paired with other flora to expand the meaning of the design.

You can see a video of me in the process of painting a tiger Here