Welsh Dragon Tattoo

[Chad Davis]

I'm thinking about having a Welsh Dragon tattooed on my arm. I've never had a tat before and this is one of those 'I'm turn 40 and I'm fighting it' type of things. Anyway, I want to put it on my right arm and the artist tells me that the dragon should be facing forward. This would require him to flip the image from the way it is usually displayed. My question is, by 'flipping' the dragon does this present any negative cultural implication? Having never visited Wales (yet) I don't want to do anything offensive to the Welsh people. I am also going to have 'Cymru' placed above the dragon as well. Any cultural input regarding Welsh or Dragon tattoos are appreciated. Thanks!

[Wedi Gadael y Rhwydwaith]

I'm curious as to why the dragon should be facing forward in your tattoo. The dragon on the flag, of course, should always face to the left (towards Ireland - or, in our cases, towards the Americas). That would mean that if it were on your left arm, it would be facing forward, and if on your right, backwards.

That said, I doubt you'd offend anybody whichever way it was facing, and if the discussion arose, you could always say that this one is a homesick American Welsh dragon!

[Chad Davis]

Good input Aled, thank you!

[Skeet Williams]

Hi,
Aled is right... the ddraig faces West.. so, absolutely head to the Left as you look on..

I have lived in Welsh Wales all of my life... I don't think it would particularly 'offend' anyone, but I guess your awesome tat may well lose it's kudos by having it back to front...Also, it's a bit of a personal peeve for me, though I have no real basis for this, apart from it's wrong...

so, as per the attached image, but 'flip' it cos he's facing the wrong way...

Also, just as a foot note... I have always seen Cymru underneath as opposed to above the dragon... Kinda Like the dragon is Standing on the word...

Anyway, Pob Lwc

Cymer Ofal

Skeet

[susanne mcguire schultz]

why the right arm anyway?
because space is taken up there already?
why not left arm & be done with it & its facing the left?
good luck.
Sue

[Hywel GWYN Davies]

i have two shoulder tattoos an eagle on my right facing left (at my back) and a dragon on my left facing left(at my chest).
so here is my answer.
a fellow Welshman's answer the draig goch is the draig goch no matter which way it faces.
a heraldic answer (so i've been told): facing to the left "segreant" the dragon is in defense protecting wales, facing to the right the dragon is in attack (and facing England-funny ??)
so why do i have both to the left? always chasing each other for dominance but both always have my back.

pob lwc
gwyn

[susanne mcguire schultz]

can have the tats on inner thighs so they can...rub each other wrong way!! Can you take the pain?