This creature has appeared in many cultural myths around the globe from East to West. Thus a huge variety of dragonflies can be found in many different styles of body art.

In Japan the animal symbolizes happiness, victory and success and a legend talks of how a dragonfly ate the horsefly that bit the Emperor who was so happy that he gave Japan its early name ‘Aikitsushima’ meaning ‘Island of the Dragonflies’. China on the other hand regards the creature as a symbol of uncertainty. In the US colonies, many asserted that dragonflies were the ‘Devil’s Dining Needle’ because they suffocated people while they slept by sewing their mouths shut. Zuni tribals had a myth about a boy child building a dragonfly doll to amuse his sister during the failure of their village’s corn crop. The animal somehow came to life which pleased the corn gods who then rewarded the boy and his fellow villagers with a good harvest. Many books and films have been based upon this classic myth.

It is no wonder then that dragonfly tattoos are so popular around the world when they have this rich mythical history to draw upon. Some bearers prefer to be splashed with color vis a vis their dragonfly tattoos while others like the simplistic, line drawing-starkness of black imagery. Ordinarily, these designs will be depicted from the top down so that the whole body of the insect can be displayed. There is also a relationship with fairies and mythical creatures here, with hybrid designs incorporating these elements. It is no accident that once upon a time dragonflies were thought to be incarnations of fairies in certain cultures around the world.

There are some good web resources to obtain more information on the topic such as ‘TattooFinder’ which provides various sample images and ideas for tattoos and ‘The Dragonfly Website’ featuring realist drawings and photographs of various species so that accuracy can be obtained by the potential tattoo-bearer.

For anyone who wishes to show their fascination or love for these insects, tattoos are the perfect means for achieving this. Dragonflies are indeed a magical and special creature that have wowed the populace of the globe for thousands of years.