Dragonfly Tattoos

Dragonflies have long been an animal that ancient cultures and modern people alike hold in high esteem. This beautiful creature has captivated many people over the ages and as a result there are many beliefs and stories about the role of the dragonfly.

Dragonfly General Information

Dragonflies typically range between a few inches long up to 7 inches long. The longest species of dragonflies in the world live in Hawaii and can get up to 7 and a ½ inches in length. Dragonflies have two large semi translucent wings that help them fly. They often live anywhere from 6 months all the way up to 7 years which is very old for the insect world.

Japanese Myths

The Japanese has a long history and many tales and myths in their lore about he dragonfly. Probably the most common is a story about a time when the Emperor of Japan was bite by a horsefly. It was said that right after being bit by a horsefly the dragonfly came and ate the horsefly up. The emperor was so pleased that he named the entire country of Japan "Akitsushima" meaning "Isles of the Dragonfly". The dragonfly typically symbolizes success, happiness and victory.

The Zuni Beliefs

The native American tribe called the Zuni also have a significant amount of lore about dragonflies. There is one particularly popular story in which a small boy and his sister get left by the tribe after a very poor year of corn crops. It was believed that the boy created a lay dragonfly to entertain his sister. The dragonfly magically became real and this pleased the "Corn Maidens" who control the growth and crops of corn. They were so pleased that they allowed the next years corn crop to be abundant for all.

Early Americans

The early settlers to America believed that the dragonfly was the "Devils darning needle". Thus the dragonfly would sew the lips of cursing men and lying children shut.

Dragonfly Tattoo Styles

Of course you can get your own dragonfly tattoo in any style that you want. It pays to do some research and carefully choose your tattoo design carefully. Most commonly these tattoos are either done as an abstract series of black lines creating a tribal looking dragonfly which has become very popular for lower back tattoos. There are also those that go for a more realistic and often colorful design.

Whatever tattoo or tattoo design you choose make sure you are happy with the design and it is something you will be proud to wear for the rest of your life. Spend some time looking at other dragonfly tattoo pictures and resources to gather ideas for your own design.