In some Asian cultures, a red dragon tattoo is a powerful symbol of strength and individual toughness.
Chinese culture strongly associates the color red with good fortune, fertility and childbirth.
Feng shui tradition associates red with fire and the positive, vital force of yang. A Chinese-style depiction of a red dragon may be thought of as a symbol of good fortune and protection of one’s home.
To symbolize yin and yang together in balance, a tiger would be added to the dragon symbol.
Japanese culture associates dragons with the Japanese Imperial family, who were once thought to be descended from a dragon. Dragons in Japanese culture represent power and protection but also longevity.
Celtic cultures consider red to be a protective color that would help them ward off evil, coloring their weapons with red for protection in battle.
A red dragon tattoo in Celtic style might signify that the wearer wants to be protected and kept away from evil things. Symbolically, it might represent someone in recovery from an addiction who announces their intention to avoid things that trigger their addiction.
In ancient Egypt, red was the color associated with the vengeful god Set. A red dragon in the ancient Egyptian style of art represents association with the dark side of life.
European cultures also tend to associate red with danger and dragons with a symbol of evil, or at least chaos and fear.
Dragons are widespread in the popular culture of many parts of the world. They may have a special meaning to each person who wears them, whether they are a Harry Potter fan, a fan of Disney movies who enjoys Mushu the dragon in Mulan or a committed player of Dungeons and Dragons.