Skull Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism

The rise in popularity of tattoo in general and a deeper understanding of the symbolism behind skull tattoos have both lead to more and more people to getting a skull tattoo. It does not have to symbolize only a negative side of death but actually for many cutlures and people skulls represent a celebration of life. I know it sounds paradoxical and doesn't make sense but read on to learn more about the symbolism and imagery of skull tattoos.

Symbolism Behind Skull Tattoos-

As stated above skull tattoos don't just have to symbolism rebellion, anarchy and being a bad ass dude in general. There are actually many much deeper traditions and symbolic meaning behind skull tattoos.

Latin Symbolism

In Latin the saying of "Memento Mori" roughly translates as "remeber everyone must die" This is not to be morbid or sick and focus on death but it is actually meant to focus on life. It is very much like the old Samurai of Japan that would frequently state today is a good day to die. For the Japanese Samurai saying this means I need to live today to the fullest becuase life is passing and quickly gone so I should not live with regrets. A skull tattoo can have the same meaning and symbolism behind it.

Religious Symbolism And Meaning of Skull Tattoos

For many religions and cutlures skulls hold a very significant place also. Just think og the Hindu god Kali or even Shiva who adorn themselves in necklaces of human skulls. They are showing their strentgh and power over life and through destorying come rebrith and regenration. So for example the Goddess Kali is known as the great destoryer. However, she is seen as not only destorying in her destruction she is also paving the way for the new to come in and rebirth.

Many of us are also familiar with the bright skull and skeleton images that go along with Mexico's celebration of the Day of The Dead. In fact much of Latin, Central and South America celebrate the day of the dead. Yes at it's heart it is a day to rember loved ones but it is also a day to celebrate their time on eartch and more deeply apperciate your time on earth. So a skull or skeleton does not just simply mean death but it can also mean enjoy life to its fullest at the same time.

Skulls Of Protection

Skulls are also used throughout ancient art as a protective symbol. Often they would adorn the outside of tempels and buildings to ward off evil spirits. A skull tattoo can be worn to do the same and in fact many gambelers will have skull imagery to ward off bad luck.

Skulls A Symbol For Overcomming Death

Another closely related meaning of skull tattoos can be a victory over a life threatening disease. Say someone has sturggeled with some life threatening illness or had a near death experience. They might want to remeber this and really feel good about the triumph over the tragedy or event and therefore they might get a skull tattoo to show their power over the illeness or event.