Tiger symbolism can be found all over the world with the animal being native to South and Southeast Asia, China, and Eastern Russia. The tiger can be found in the ancient folklore and mythology of many cultures. In fact, in some cultures, the tiger is highly revered.
What Does a Tiger Symbolize?
- Confidence
- Independence
- Strength
- Majesty
- Immortality
- Protection
- Cunning
Confidence
The tiger symbolizes confidence. The animal exudes confidence in their habitat since they have no rivals. Tigers can remind us that even if you aren’t feeling the most confident in a situation, act as if you are confident. You can fake it till you make it.
Independence
Because tigers are solitary animals, they symbolize independence. They only come together when it is time to mate or when a female tiger is raising her young. Once a tiger kitten reaches about two old, they venture off to live their own life independently.
Strength
The tiger is an apex predator, and therefore, it is a symbol of strength. They are known as one of the “big cats” in the animal kingdom, along with lions, jaguars, leopards, and panthers, and they have no rivals in their natural habitats.
A tiger can weigh nearly 1,000 pounds. Additionally, they also have one of the strongest bites. Because of their strength, the tiger can be a helpful totem when you find yourself in situations where you need to feel stronger.
Majesty
Tigers are symbolic of majesty. Because the tiger is an apex predator, they are considered to be the king of all animals.
They are thought to bow to no one. The tiger reminds us to respect our own self-worth, as well as others.
In China and Japan, the alphabetical symbol for ‘king’ is thought to be reminiscent of a tiger’s stripe, particularly the marking found on a tiger’s forehead.
Immortality
Even though the tiger is associated with death as an apex predator, it’s also associated with immortality. In some ancient Asian cultures, the tiger was viewed as having the power to transform from human to animal and spirit.
They were also believed to transition between the physical world and the supernatural world. In fact, many cultures believe that if you are killed and then eaten by a tiger, your soul would live on through the tiger.
Protection
The tiger is a symbol of protection because they are ferocious while defending their territory. They are known to stand their ground.
In addition, the tiger doesn’t tolerate those who don’t respect its boundaries and what belongs to them. In many Asian cultures, they are symbols of protection.
Cunning
The tiger symbolizes cunning and shrewdness. Not only are tigers stealthy hunters, but they are primarily nocturnal, and they hunt and live on their own. Therefore, a tiger has to be able to think for themselves. Since the tiger lives on its own, it is also extremely independent.
The tiger reminds us of the importance of street smarts as it is the key to success and survival. Following the crowd will only get you so far in the long run. The tiger reminds us to always have our next plan prepared and to stay ahead.
Tiger Totem Animal
The tiger totem animal is a helpful symbol for manifesting independence, confidence, and strength. They are fiercely persistent in attaining their goals, and they are strong-willed. The totem can be helpful in commanding the respect of others while demonstrating your right to be who you want to be.
People with the tiger totem animal enjoy being on their own. It’s important for them to have a quiet place they can return to when things become chaotic or stressful. These people also have a natural charisma that draws others to them. They can also blend into social situations quite easily.
You can call upon your tiger totem when you are in need of strength, courage, or confidence while acting on your own.
Tiger Spirit Animal
If you feel a deep connection to a particular tiger sighting, it could be a sign that the tiger is your spirit animal.
Pros of a Tiger Spirit Animal
- You yearn for adventure.
- You know the things that could trigger you if you are faced with it.
- There is little standing in your way when you want something.
Cons of a Tiger Spirit Animal
- You can sometimes be selfish.
- Things can sometimes move so quickly that you may have a hard time when trying to figure out the best course of action.
- Your emotions or feelings can have an unpredictable nature.
Are Tigers a Good Omen?
Tigers are considered a good omen. In some cultures, the tiger is a symbol of luck and positive energy.
Dead Tiger Symbolism
If you dream of a dead tiger, it can be a sign of harm or danger. You might soon encounter a threat. If a tiger dies in a battle or you kill the tiger in your dream, it’s a sign that the changes you are facing will be over soon.
Tiger Tattoo Meaning
A tiger tattoo has a number of meanings as tattoos are often deeply personal to the one who has it. Because the tiger is a powerful animal, a tiger tattoo can send a powerful message. But how the tattoo artist presents the tiger is important.
A tattoo of a snarling tiger sends a message that you are independent, defensive of your boundaries, and protective of those you hold dear. On the other hand, a tattoo of a relaxed tiger can demonstrate that you have reached a level of mastery.
This could be mastery of your career, your emotions, yourself, or a different area of your life. On a spiritual level, a tiger tattoo may demonstrate that one is seeking harmony or balance.
What Does a Tiger Symbolize in the Bible?
Tigers are not mentioned in the bible. With that said, some of the biblical meanings include arrogance, cruelty, power, and wisdom. It’s also thought they symbolize being mindful and having courage.
What Does Seeing A Tiger in Your Dreams Mean?
Seeing a tiger in your dream means that it’s important to analyze the emotions you felt during the dream. This is necessary to figure out what the dream may be trying to tell you.
Ultimately, dream meanings and interpretations are personal. Therefore, dreams are unique to every individual. But when you experience negative emotions in a dream, it serves as a powerful reminder that you need to take action in a particular area of your life.
Dreams About a Tiger Attacking
If you dream of a tiger attacking you, it might be a sign that you need to “kill off” or transform a part of your life. If you are feeling powerless, you should strive to gain the experience, knowledge, and confidence that’s necessary to take that power back.
A tiger attacking you in your dream may also be a sign that you have repressed some of your emotions. You should confront these emotions if you have been afraid to do so.
A dream involving a tiger attacking might serve as a warning that there are enemies in your vicinity. Someone around you may wish you harm or dislike you. So, you should keep an eye out for toxic behaviors around you. Then distance yourself from certain people.
Roaring Tiger Symbolism in Your Dream
If a tiger roars in your dream, it should be taken as a sign that you need to take action. Make sure that you are fulfilling your obligations and responsibilities. Block out any negativity and focus on your goals.
Friendly Dream of a Tiger
If you have a pleasant dream involving a tiger, take it as a sign that you have achieved mastery. If you haven’t achieved mastery just yet, the dream is a sign that you will achieve it soon.
A dream of a friendly tiger is a good omen. Thus, it is a sign that you are aware of your worth and your value. In addition, you embrace your talents and flaws. You are comfortable with yourself which is a sign of inner strength.
Dream About a Tiger in a House
If you dream about a tiger entering your house, this is a sign of good changes coming your way. You might be getting a job promotion soon or something will happen that leads you to become an enlightened version of yourself.
Escaping a Tiger Symbolism in a Dream
If you dream of escaping a tiger, you should think about any unresolved emotions you are experiencing. If there is something bothering you, relax and try to sort it out.
Baby Tigers in a Dream
If you see tiger cubs in your dream, they are depicting growth and development. The dream is likely a sign to work on improving yourself and focusing on gaining strength.
How to Interpret a Tiger Encounter
Stay vigilant and steady
If you encounter a tiger, the sighting may be a sign to stay attentive and persistent.
What Should You Do When You See a Tiger?
If you see a tiger, you should take a minute to consider what the sighting may mean. Additionally, you can think about what a tiger symbolizes to figure out the significance of the sighting.
Different Kinds of Tiger Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings
Tiger Symbolism in China
There are many stories and legends regarding tigers in China as tigers were highly revered. Chinese culture views the tiger as one of four superintelligent creatures. In Chinese folklore, the tiger was viewed as a pillar of justice.
In ancient China, the tiger was symbolic of the protection of goodness, as well as the destruction of evil. Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism, was depicted as riding a tiger. The tiger helped Daoling destroy demons so that he would be able to ascend to the heavens.
Similarly, Tsai Shen Yeh, the god of wealth in China, was also depicted riding a black tiger, which had a golden yuan bao. The golden yuan bao is a type of currency in ancient China.
The Tiger and Seasons
The Chinese believe that an animal spirit rules each direction found on a compass. There are Chinese myths that tell the story of five tigers that are able to balance the energies of the cosmos.
The white, blue, black, and red tigers represent the four elemental energies, as well as the four seasons. For example, the White Tiger rules the western part of the world and represents the direction “west” on a compass. The yellow tiger is thought to be the supreme ruler of the tigers.
In autumn or fall, it is believed that a tiger comes down to bless villages and cities as the tiger presides over the autumn season in China. The tiger is also personified by the Orion constellation, which you can easily see from the country during the season.
The Year of the Tiger
The Year of the Tiger is considered a time for change, adventure, and possibly taking a risk or two in Eastern Astrology. Those who are born in the Year of the Tiger are thought to be ambitious, competitive, and naturally courageous. They are also generous and loving as they want the best for people. The Year of the Tiger takes place every 12 years.
Tiger Symbolism in Hindu Mythology
In India, the tiger is revered and the country is partially known for its tiger worship. Some of the ancient Indian cultures believed that they were the descendants of the animal. For many in India, the tiger is thought to symbolize strength and regeneration. The tiger holds significant positions of power within the Hindu tradition.
Hindu Deities and the Tiger
The Hindu deity Durga, the goddess of strength, war, and protection, is known to ride a tiger. Vaghadeva, another Hindu deity, is a tiger god and the guardian of the forest.
Naga Tiger Legend
The Naga People have a tiger legend that tells the story of three brothers. The three brothers were born from the union of the Earth and the Sky. One brother was a human, the second was a spirit, and the third brother was a tiger. Once the man and the tiger began to fight, the spirit brother remained neutral.
If the man was able to outwit his brother, the tiger was forced to retreat to the forest, which made the spirit brother upset. In the end, the man lost his connection to the tiger brother and to his spirit brother.
Tiger Symbolism in Russia
Eastern Russia and the Indigenous Peoples of Siberia consider the tiger to be a protective spirit. They call the tiger the guardian of the forest as he keeps nature in balance while keeping the forest healthy.
Korean Mythology and Tiger Symbolism
According to a Korean legend, a tiger and a bear once desired to become human beings. The bear succeeded, whereas the tiger didn’t as he wasn’t able to achieve his goals.
The Joseon Dynasty left behind about 635 records of tigers. One record was a Sansindo painting that depicts the guardian of a mountain riding a tiger or leaning on one. The tiger was considered a messenger, as well as an errand runner for the mountain’s guardian.
Tigers Symbols in Japan Mythology
The myth of Gokotai-Yoshimitsu is one of the most prominent Japanese myths relating to the tiger. Gokotai-Yoshimitsu was a tanto dagger that was wielded by a Japanese envoy.
The man was sent to Ming, China where he alongside his found themselves surrounded by five tigers. The envoy drew Gokotai-Yoshimitsu, which made the tigers back off.
Tiger Symbolism in Vietnam
You can find temples in Vietnam that have been dedicated to the tiger. The Vietnamese also adorn their temples with tiger statues in order to keep evil spirits out of sacred places.
It is thought that Vietnam’s tiger worship might have begun out of fear. There are records that show how tigers sometimes raided Vietnamese settlements which led to people fearing and respecting the animal. The fear grew into the reverence the Vietnamese have for the lion today.