Lion Tattoos

Lion is known as king of all the animals. A lion is an ancient symbol that is incorporated into the religion and mythology of numerous cultures and civilizations. Lion tattoos are popular for their representations of power and strength. Lions have been a symbol for power in nearly every world culture and designs inspired by these animals play upon this universal nature to create a timeless form of body art.

Unlike other forms of animal tattoos, lion tattoos have general symbolic meaning to them. The Lion is the great symbol of divine and solar power, royal authority, victory, fortitude, pride, nobility, cunning, strength, courage, justice and protection, fairness and just laws, and images of the Lion have long been used to protect sacred ground.

As lion is the symbol of Royalty, it was considered as the "King of Beasts" in many cultures. In Christianity, Jesus was often represented by a Lion, as he was seen to be the "King of Kings", and a Lion was the symbol of St. Mark. The effect of the power of the lion's symbolism can be seen in it's representation in both Chinese and Japanese art and mythology, both cultures beyond its range.

The lion or Leo is the one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac and represents the Sun. Also there is another most popular designs is that of the Zion Lion, as made popular by the music and philosophy of Bob Marley. Zion Lion tattoos are a good choice for those wanting to evoke the spiritual nature of Rastafarianism and an herbal lifestyle without such clichéd images as a pot leaf.

The Lion is mentioned many times in the Bible and the time when a Lion lays with a Lamb is seen as the dawning of a New Age. Stone lions can be found in temples and important architectural buildings encompassing the Mediterranean, from Assyria and Egypt, to Babylonia, from Greece to Rome.

In African cultures the Lion was a powerful symbol in many Creation Myths, as both Creator and Destructor, and in some cultures the Lion figured prominently in rites of passages to becoming a man and full-fledged warrior. In many African fables the Lion is often depicted as a vain, arrogant creature who is often out-witted by smaller more clever creatures.

Lion tattoos are usually the traditional image of the lion in its natural state, whether sitting or attacking, drawn realistically with its powerful body and wise-looking mane. Nearly every culture in the world has turned to the lion to evoke strength, wisdom, and power and lion tattoos continue this tradition.

Here you can find the collection of lion tattoo designs and pictures.

Developed by TDDI, the tattoo designs expert.