Let’s go through a few common lion tattoo designs, what they represent, and how they may be interpreted by an onlooker. In addition to the main meanings behind lion tattoos, there are often supplementary traits entwined in these tattoos. Maybe you want a tattoo to represent your family and a lion’s pride resonates with you and your offspring.

When you start to look at inspiration for your lion tattoo, think about why you’re drawn to this particular animal.ĭo you admire their hunting prowess, or is it more about the regality of a male lion bathing in the sun? Lion tattoos can be interpreted in many different ways depending on their look and feel.

It symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice and courage.īut before Jesus- the lion was the symbol of Judah, the ancient Israelite tribe. The tattoo meaning of the lion is a powerful religious symbol for Christians all over the world. Who better for the lion to symbolize than Christ himself? The lion is not a traditional Aztec tattoo, however, if there were lions in Mesoamerica, the tattoo would have likely symbolized the strength of a warrior. Chinese Lion Tattoo MeaningĬhinese lion tattoos, also called Foo Dogs, have long manes that appear to be blowing in the wind along with massive fangs. The lion tattoo is a symbol of courage, royalty, leadership, strength, and ferocity. In cultures across the world, the mighty lion is known for its courage and roar, and by getting inked with a lion, you’re honoring your own personal power. You might not be able to think of yourself as a brave, fearsome warrior, but you can definitely get a lion tattoo that symbolizes your strength.īeing the leader of the animal kingdom, the lion represents bravery and leadership.

Ferocity: Have you overcome something in your life that many others couldn’t face? Hone in on your dominance and fierceness with a lion tattoo that demands strength.

If you want to emphasize this, a lion tattoo asserts being one with nature while ruling the land.

Royalty: The lion is the king of his domain.

If you have a lion tattoo, you will not back down from danger. The lion stands up for himself and defines what is means to be courageous.

Courage: A lion tattoo can be meaningful to someone who feels like they don’t have a voice.

The lion in Buddhism symbolized the battle between good and evil as well as the balance between them.

Protection: Especially when talking about the lioness, the lion is a protector of its pride.

Let’s find out by exploring the tattoo meanings behind lion tattoos and what they mean to the people who wear them. It’s a tattoo designed to depict the bearer as an alpha male, someone bold and unapologetic. The most obvious of the meanings behind a lion tattoo would surely be that of power and masculinity. Lions have a very clear and precise meaning when depicted as tattoos pride, power, strength, protection, and courage all jump to mind, but below we delve deeper into what these mean in the tattoo community. Some people like to get creative with lion tattoos, giving them a more abstract artistic look. That said, some hints of color can give your tattoo piece an individual touch. Many people choose to get their lion tattoo in black & grey or with a golden, sepia tone. They are typically drawn in a portrait tattoo style to capture all of the beautiful details. One of the more common tattoos done by artists, lion tattoos have strong meanings like ferocity and protection.

Golden gorilla tattoo