Lion Tattoos

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.

Lion tattoos, unlike other forms of animal tattoos, seem to have one general symbolic meaning to them. Lions have always been representations of strength, power, and courage, and lion tattoo designs are no different with their depictions of this dominant animal of the African Savanna. Rulers, royalty, and religious figures have used the image of the lion to conjure up the feeling of power and a divine right to rule--not bad for a tattoo design.

Lion tattoos are not usually portrayed abstractly, although there can be exceptions. They usually have the traditional image of the lion in its natural state, whether sitting or attacking, drawn realistically with its powerful body and wise-looking mane. Exceptions to this include the rampant lion tattoo and the red lion associated with the Christian knights of France during the crusades, which is often used to symbolize either a family crest or a Christian soldier. Another such exception would be the sword and lion tattoo that is a symbol of power of Islam and one of the most popular examples of Persian tattoo flash.

One of the 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.

These lion tats are as sturdy as lions themselves. Nearly every culture in the world has turned to the lion to evoke strength, wisdom, and power and lion tattoos continue this tradition. You could do a lot worse when it comes to body art than choosing one of them.