There’s no denying it, the lion is a ferociously vital symbol, conveying courage, strength, pride, and royalty among many other traits. Read on for different cultural perspectives on lion meaning and symbolism as you contemplate wicked cool tattoo ideas.
In Egypt, two lions showed together (back to back) symbolize East meets West; sunrise and sunset. It’s a cyclical theme that reminds us of the waxing and waning nature of all life.
Also in Egypt as well as Babylonia, Assyria, China, and Japan grand statues of lions were erected in front of temples and sacred places. This is an attribute of the lion’s protective qualities. In expressive art of all kinds, including lion tattoo symbolism there is a theme of guardianship.