Introduction
Imagine finding yourself between these two creatures, each painted on a wide folding screen standing five feet tall.
On your right, a dragon shoots into view from a swirling cloud. His motion whips the water below into wild waves. The dragon opens his mouth to roar, as tufts of hair and whiskers fly in all directions.
On your left, a tiger crouches low to the rocky ground. Steady and strong in the wind that bends the bamboo behind her, she silently eyes the dragon in the heavens. Not even her whiskers twitch.
Standing between these screens in a room might give you a sense of being in the middle of something big. For Japanese in the 16th century, they might have suggested the powers of the cosmos.
Doan (Yamada Yorikiyo), Japanese
Tiger and Dragon, ink on paper, around 1560
The Minneapolis Institute of Art
The tiger and dragon are ancient symbols of yin and yang, forces that combine to make up the universe.
Ancient Chinese Taoist philosophy explains the world in terms of two forces yin (from the ancient Chinese word for shady) and yang (from the word for bright). Yang elements include light, fire, rain, and the heavens. Yin elements include darkness, water, wind, and the earth. Male traits are yang, and female traits are yin. Yang qualities are active, while yin qualities are passive. Everything in the universe results from the interaction of yin and yang.
The dragon and tiger have long been symbols of these two forces. The dragon, a mythical animal thought to reign over the heavens, stands for yang. The tiger, respected in ancient China as mightiest of the wild beasts, stands for yin. The screens illustrate why these two animals, both of them powerful and strong, are fitting symbols for yin and yang.
The tiger crouches low to the rocky ground, a sign that the yin earth is the tiger’s territory. Plants bend in the force of the wind, said to be created by the tiger’s mighty roar. But the tiger’s strength is a quiet power, held in her taut muscles. The dragon, on the other hand, is full of active energy. His head rises out of the yang heavens. His energy causes rain clouds to swirl and waves to form. But the tiger and dragon seem evenly matched. One will not dominate the other, just as the forces of yin and yang balance each other in the universe.
FAQs
Battle of the Heavens, the Dragon Vs the Tiger. In asian culture the Dragon has always been seen as a symbol of heaven while the Tiger a symbol of earth, both strong and fierce but opposites, a refelection of the philosophy of yin and yang.
Where is the dragon and tiger placement? ›
The Tiger and Dragon in Feng Shui
So you may see the dragon on the left or west of the circle, facing east, and the tiger in the east or right side, facing west. The celestial animals retain every bit of their fierceness, no matter which school employs them symbolically.
What does the Tora tattoo mean in Japanese? ›
Tiger (Tora)
Tigers represent the values strength, courage and virility. Tattoos of tigers may represent these qualities along with warding off bad luck and evil spirits. They are the kings of the land realm, and so may be paired with peonies - the king of flowers.
What does the dragon and tiger symbolize? ›
The dragon and tiger have long been symbols of these two forces. The dragon, a mythical animal thought to reign over the heavens, stands for yang. The tiger, respected in ancient China as mightiest of the wild beasts, stands for yin.
What does a Japanese dragon tattoo mean on a woman? ›
The colorful Japanese dragon, part of their cultural mythology for hundreds of years, represents balance, freedom, and good luck. It also is known to have supernatural powers and wisdom. Many people choose a dragon to represent balance in their life.
Should I get a tiger tattoo? ›
If you resonate with the qualities of strength, courage, power, and independence, or if you're drawn to the majestic beauty of the tiger, then a tiger tattoo could be the perfect choice for you.
What does a tiger tattoo mean on a woman? ›
Tiger tattoo meaning can vary, but at its core the tiger is all about strength. Tiger tattoos can symbolize power, pride, independence, sexual prowess, nature, freedom, ferocity, sternness, courage, trust in one's own instincts, beauty and danger, poise under pressure and unconditional confidence.
What is the Yakuza tattoo called? ›
Due to their association with the Yakuza and criminality, tattoos are seen as intimidating and are often hidden in order to keep the gang member anonymous. These factors have led to the Yakuza's distinct design of irezumi, known as Horimono. With this design, the tattoo covers the arms, chest, back, and upper legs.
What does the color of the Japanese tiger tattoo mean? ›
Orange and black are most common, but gold, white, and blue tigers can also be found, each color adding a different layer of meaning. For example, a white tiger symbolizes rarity and uniqueness, while a blue tiger can represent the immortality and calmness of the creature.
What is the philosophy of the dragon and tiger? ›
The Philosophy of Dragon Tiger: More Than Just Myths
The Dragon, representing yang, is a symbol of active energy, often depicted in art as reigning over the heavens. On the other hand, the Tiger, representing yin, is a symbol of quiet strength and is often associated with the earth.
Dragons believe in themselves a lot and inspire others. Working hard and staying enthusiastic, Dragons reach their goals and never give up, making them really powerful. The Tiger is another strong sign in the Chinese zodiac. If you're born in the Year of the Tiger, you're seen as brave and charming.
What is the story of the tiger and the dragon? ›
With the development of cosmological theories on the order of the universe, dragon and tiger became associated with the active principle of yang and the passive principle of yin, respectively, and dragons were further related to spring and its life-giving rains, while tigers were connected with autumn and death.
What does the dragon and tiger fight mean? ›
The tiger vs dragon energies are a symbol of the struggle between positive and negative chi energies. In feng shui, the dragon vs tiger power struggle has one ultimate goal, the balancing of these two opposing powers. The dragon and tiger meanings of yin (female) and yang (male) demonstrate the need for balance.
What does the tiger and dragon tattoo mean Yakuza? ›
The yakuza select them based on their meaning: the carp represents courage, the dragon symbolises wisdom, the tiger embodies strength, the snake is a symbol of healing… The members of a clan often have the same tattoos, with a strict requirement: that they are not visible in everyday life.
What is dragon and tiger in Japanese? ›
Ryūko 龍虎 dragon and tiger. This phrase is used in the context of talking about great rivals, two powerful fighters or matched combatants.
What does the Japanese dragon symbolize? ›
All in all, Japanese dragons are revered as the benefactors and protectors of mankind; powerful and wise guardians that shield us from universal dangers, and impart their wisdom. A symbol of good fortune and wealth, they bring us happiness, offering us strength and courage at each important turning point in our lives.
