Known as a symbol of death, cross tattoos are used as a reminder of human mortality, or in Latin, a memento mori. Though some people might think, that skull may somewhat signify an end to a human life, others view this as a emblem for great changes in life. This can still be linked to the idea of death itself, which can be deemed as the greatest change of all.
In history too, skulls were a symbol of triumph over a battle. Some people still believe that now and they use skulls to represent a success in life. Other meaning of skulls for other people is different. Normally, people who use skulls as their tattoos want to represent power and want to somehow people to perceive them as tough. It is somehow a sign 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 gamblers will have skull imagery to ward off bad luck.
photo credit: Tattooist APRO
The skull tattoo is a design that has different meaning to different people and cultures. Let’s take a look at what many consider to be the ultimate symbol of human mortality. While once only considered only a sign of rebellion, the symbolism behind the skull tattoo is often more positive than negative.
Skull symbolism is instinctive in human nature. The human mind is primed to recognize faces, and so eager to find them that it can see faces in a few dots and lines or punctuation marks; the face that looks back from a human skull cannot avoid recognition as having been once human.
The skull and crossbones is a common type of skull tattoo. While the skull and crossbones design has often been used to symbolize poison and death, especially when used on a pirate flag, many people no longer have the same negative reaction to seeing it, especially with the resurgence of pirate imagery. With the current romantic notion of pirates, the skull and crossbones tattoo is becoming more popular and less “frightening”.
Not all skulls have to be masculine, demonic, or of the average skull tattoo design. You may be interested in a more feminine design. Many women may, even, prefer it to the more demonic skull. The skull can signify many different things; these can signify death, truth, or even the phrase “beneath the skin” because no matter how much you change on the outside, on the inside of your body, like the skulls, they will always be the same.
photo credit: kellybelly
Skull Tattoo could represent death or simply humanity. It can also be associated with power, strength, and protection. It may resemble negativity at first but a skull tattoo has positive outlook defending on its bearer. Skulls can be drawn as cutsey doodles, demonic spirits, celebrations, etc. Different people with these kind of tattoo has their own meaning for it.
You may give your Skull Tattoo a top hat. Or you may let it stare out at your amid searing flames. You may also tangle your skull design tattoo tangled with barbed wire or create a Death’s Head moth.
photo credit: Cedric Collins
Most popular Skull Tattoo designs are the human skull or the skulls of creatures such as bulls, cows, deer, and the magical dragon. This tattoo can be paired with rose and a cross design. Then sharpen the skull’s canines and you’ll have a vampire skull design tattoo.
