» Tattoo meanings » The meaning of a skull tattoo

The meaning of a skull tattoo

The image of the skull has a fairly universal meaning, therefore it is suitable for both girls and men.

Depending on the color scheme and additional elements, the picture can be frightening, alarming, or have a positive tinge. With any variation, the tattoo has the philosophical meaning of death and life.

In the article, we will tell you how to successfully choose photos and sketches for a skull tattoo, and on which part of the body to apply the image.

Skull tattoo designates chaos, danger and transience of our lives... Players perceive the symbol as despair, and bikers, metalheads and rockers associate it with risk and believe in its defensive abilities. They attach special importance to death, try to scare away, to show that they are stronger than her.

With the help of a body pattern, young men identify courage and decisive action. They make it clear to others that they will not be afraid of life changes.
In the criminal world, the meaning of a skull tattoo is also ambiguous: a person belongs to a thieves' environment or strives for power. A skull pierced by a blade is revenge on your blood enemy, most often intended for law enforcement agencies.

The meaning of the skull tattoo came to us from historical facts, legends of ancient tribes and religion. In Christianity, the image means forgiveness and truthfulness. According to belief, Jesus Christ washed the bones of Adam with his blood and thereby atoned for the sins of mankind. Adam's head is a popular sign among the military and various special forces.

The ancient Celts believed that the human soul was in the skull, therefore they kept the heads of their ancestors and courageous warriors. They believed that their wisdom, courage and courage would go to its owner.

In the Mayan tribes, priests frightened their fellow tribesmen with a jewelry bowl in the shape of a skull, as if only they could control evil. The shamans were sure that she was endowed with magical properties.

The Mexican skull has an interesting connotation, which means rebirth, resilience, new life. In honor of the holiday of the Day of the Dead was invented sugar skull or "Calavera". According to legend, on this day, the souls of dead children and adults descend from heaven to earth. Mexicans greet them with dancing, unrestrained fun and sweets. Calavera, the goddess of death, is depicted as a girl with a graceful body, but instead of a head she has a skull. Flowers bloom in her eyes, and her eyelashes are like rose petals. The sugar skull is stuffed on the arms, thighs, shoulders or chest, often making the same pattern on both sides. Sometimes half of the skull is depicted with skin, which denotes a continuous cycle of life.

The meaning of a skull tattoo with a rose and other elements

The frightening flower symbol also has different interpretations, depending on where the plant is located. A skull with a rose tattoo is a unity of opposites: love, the flowering of life and death, the end of all living things.

If the plant wraps around bones or lies below, then a loved one has died of its owner. If the flower is in the teeth, then it is a symbol of carelessness, the desire to live for your own pleasure, in courage and drive. Sometimes such a composition is complemented by wings or a halo. In the criminal world, a body painting of a rose means that a person met his 16 years in prison. A tattoo of a skull with a crown, pinned on the chest, is a desire for power, but the Mexicans interpret it differently: in the next life you will be more lucky.

If a snake crawls out of the eye socket of the skull, then this is a symbol of wisdom and immortality. Life is short and should not be wasted, but the experience gained will remain on earth.

The goat skull means courage, abundance of vitality, goodness and peace.
The skull with bones, which was applied to the pirates' flag, symbolizes destruction, but together with fire - courage and hatred. A pirate sign for the strong half is freedom and resistance to various turns of fate, a sense of invincibility.

The crow tattoo on the skull represents destruction and death, but the meaning of the bird is also ambiguous. If she is depicted near the nest or in light plumage, this is a sign of wisdom, longevity and family happiness.

The meaning of the skull depends on its attractiveness: with a good-natured outline - happiness and success, with a gloomy and evil - hatred and death.

Before getting a tattoo, clearly define its meaning and what meaning it should carry. Consult with the master in which version it is more suitable for your lifestyle. Remember: an identical image in women and men can be interpreted in different ways.

Where to get a skull tattoo?

The meaning of the skull does not change from its location on the body, such as the crown. However, it is worthwhile to think carefully: whether you need to hide the tattoo from prying eyes or bring it out to everyone. You should take into account the activities and attitudes of your environment, because in the business sphere, the skull on the hand or neck is alarming and frightening.

Mostly, a skull tattoo is done on the shoulder, but for large compositions with animals, flowers or various symbols, the back is best. It is very convenient to apply dense patterns on it. An oblong skull with curly flowers and plants, more suitable for girls. Popular places for such a picture are the foot, lower leg or arm.

The ribs, abdomen, face, the area behind the ears, and some parts of the back are considered a male area for underwear. Girls stuff skull tattoos on the leg or shoulder blade, back, in the chest area, on any part of the arm. Multicolored compositions with intricate patterns on the thigh or lower leg look spectacular. Pink and pearl shades give the girl femininity, uniqueness and softness. Black and red colors imply passion and sadness.

If a girl wears clothes with a revealing neckline, then a skull with symmetrical flowers or wings will look very attractive and create a mysterious image. Skull tattoos on the arm and thigh with bright colors, ornaments and vines will look more impressive than on the back or nape.

After choosing a drawing, it is better to apply a temporary composition to the body. So you will make sure: does it spoil your image, how impressive it looks and how it looks during movement.

Photo of a tattoo with skulls on the head

Photo of a tattoo with skulls on the body

Photo of a tattoo with skulls on the arm

Photo of a tattoo with skulls on the leg