Tattoo - a fairly common type of decor of the human body. If you decide to do a skull tattoo meaning, which should play the most important role in the choice, because the sign is unusual and unusual, it has a strong energy and does not suit everyone. There is in such a tattoo something otherworldly, mystical and frightening. It is already a peculiar culture, which for many years does not lose relevance and popularity.
Each tattoo has its own hidden meaning, its own significance, so before you put on your body any picture, find out what it means. Many people today do not understand why to wear such symbols, but maybe it's all from ignorance? Some people consider tattoos to be art and paint their entire body without leaving even a small area untouched. Most limit themselves to a small, neat tattoo somewhere on the shoulder, leg or wrist.
(Watch the video about the meaning of the skull tattoo 3 minutes)
A little history
Every year, tattoos depicting skulls are becoming more and more in demand and popular, despite their gloominess. Although they are known for a very long time - even ancient shamans, priests and sorcerers put them on their bodies, thus showing their specialness, holiness and courage in the face of death.
The image of the skull was used by many peoples and subcultures not only as a tattoo. The Slavs considered it good luck to place the skull of an enemy or a looted animal in the house. Fixed on the gate the skull could protect the house and household from the dark forces. The skull was also used in construction, laying the foundation, they were used by the Mayans and Freemasons. At all times, the skull is a symbol of the transience of life and the fact that nothing is eternal.
The first tattoos appeared more than four thousand years ago in Ancient Egypt, as evidenced by the notes of scientists exploring the tombs and pyramids, where from time to time found mummies with well-preserved drawings on the skin. But there is evidence that the most primitive tattoos were created as early as the Paleolithic 60,000 years ago. Tattoo is a primitive, original art of decorating your body, familiar to people of primitive communal system.
Are there any recommendations for applying a tattoo with a "skull" in different combinations?
Before you go to the master in a salon to score a tattoo with a skull, decide on a few important points:
- The purpose - Think about what you need a tattoo on your body for;
- place on the body - Match the desired sketch and the area on the body so that they are in harmony;
- emotional message - Decide whether it will be a good-natured or intimidating picture;
- additional elements - The skull alone may be low-informative, so supplement it with appropriate characters, symbols, details;
- style - Choose the method of execution of the skull tattoo, choose a color scheme;
- image - Evaluate to some extent corresponds to your image, way of life, sphere of activity.
Do you think the skull is too aggressive a tattoo?
YesNo
The meaning of the skull tattoo and the symbolism of the drawing
The skull is a part of the human body, the skeleton. Usually such an image inspires fear, depresses and frightens people. But in many countries, such as Mexico, to the skull are treated very differently. It is a symbol of rebirth, reincarnation and says that you have to take everything from life, today and now. Gloomy tattoos indicate death, sadness, loss and loss, brighter, embellished - on the contrary can be a symbol of carefree, love, wisdom.
Bikers consider the skull a sign that protects against death, so this image can be seen not only in the form of a tattoo, but also on clothing or the bike itself. A skull with crossed bones under it is a pirate sign. It is often applied by people who have served time for theft or cheating. Previously, it was the hallmark of people associated with banditry, debauchery and robbery.
Representatives of many subcultures stuff skulls as a sign of worship of death and everything associated with it. In girls can be found skulls decorated with flowers, ornaments, etc. It symbolizes the eternal youth, the preservation of beauty.
It is believed that the meaning of the tattoo skull can symbolize self-sacrifice and forgiveness. This is what Christianity says, after the crucifixion of Jesus, his blood washed Adam's grave. Often on icons and church crosses you can see the image of a skull with crossed bones. But the tattoos themselves are not recognized by Christianity and treat them extremely negatively, although there are no canons prohibiting them.
Several Buddhist movements use skulls as amulets to remind us of the sacredness of life. Celtic tribes believed that after death, the soul is preserved in the skull, so they always carried the skull of their famous relatives, warriors, etc. Possessing such a skull meant possessing the strength and dignity of the deceased, it was treated with respect and caution. The Indians put the skull on their bodies, believing that death will pass them by, as if the person is already dead.
What does a skull tattoo give a man?
The skull is an ancient symbol that comes from religion, ancient peoples and their legends. There is an opinion that Jesus Christ washed Adam's dead head with his blood, thereby atoning for the sins of mankind. Since then, it has become a protective symbol of warriors, various military and special units.
The Celts in ancient times believed that the skull keeps the soul of man, because of this they kept the heads of the dead strong men, warriors, relatives, wishing to learn wisdom and strength from them. In the Mayan tribes the object was a terrifying symbol in front of their tribesmen, demonstrating the mastery of evil and time.
In Mexico, it signifies fortitude and rebirth, new life and resilience. That in honor of the feast of the Day of the Dead, the sugar skull of the calavera was created as a companion for the dead souls. It is believed that all dead people come down to earth on this day, and they are welcomed with sweets, dances and songs.
Where should I get a tattoo of a skull?
Of great importance is not only the tattoo itself, but also in what place and how it is applied. Men most often stuff the skull on the back, forearm, sometimes even on the head or neck. Girls place such tattoos on the waist, hips, shoulders. It is also worth saying that the skull is quite a common military symbolism. For example, they were depicted on the emblems, caps, uniforms of many units in Russia, Europe and America in the XVIII century.
Styles and colors that are popular for a tattoo with "skulls"
Perform such work the master can in completely different styles and options. For example:
frightening realism;
classic old school;
mottled watercolor;
laconic minimalism;
brutal blackwork.
The basic color scheme for tattoos with skulls is black and white shades. Also often masters use yellowish and beige shades in order to plausibly portray bones. If there are other details and elements on the tattoo, any contrasting colors are appropriate.
Interesting facts about tattoos
The geography of tattoos is quite wide - it is practically all continents where people live. It is interesting that the following fact is clearly traced - light people put on the body a variety of signs, ornaments and floral images, dark-skinned people prefer scarification - the process of creating a drawing is made after incisions on the skin, which are then scarred and remain in the form of scars.
The Indians were among the first to apply tattoos to women and children, believing that in this way they would be protected by guardian spirits. It was the Indians who began to depict the skull on their bodies as protection from death and evil forces. However, the first such tattoos were extremely painful and often lethal. Wounds were first made on the skin, and then a mixture of charcoal and soot was rubbed into it. Many tribes and nations used tattoos to mark a warrior's rank or achievement. It was believed that the more such marks on a man, the stronger, more experienced, he was respected and worshipped.
Today the process of creating tattoos is much more perfect: to create them use special paints and machines. Each tattoo requires special care and preparation, then it will please you for a long time and you will not encounter unpleasant consequences.
(watch the video about the skull tattoo: 2 minutes)
How to choose the sketch of the tattoo in relation to the place on the body?
It is very important to create harmony between the selected sketch for the tattoo and the place on the body where it will be located in the future. What a man needs to consider:
- The scale - The larger and more complex the composition, the more space on the body it requires;
- the possibility of concealment - If under certain circumstances you will need to hide the body art, choose places that can be covered with clothing;
- anatomical features - If the selected area on the body is mobile and often exposed to mechanical stress, choose simple and small sketches;
- pain threshold - large and complex ideas are better performed where sensitivity is moderate and tolerable, on painful areas it is better to draw small and simple designs;
- proportionality - do not apply small simple sketches on large parts of the body, so they do not seem blurry and fuzzy, do not do complex detailed tattoos on small areas on the body, so they do not look clumsy and do not require frequent adjustments.
Important! In the art of body painting masters allocate female and male sections for tattoos with a skull. Men are recommended to do such tattoos on the ribs, face, abdomen, the area behind the ears and on the back of the head, as well as on parts of the back.
Tattoo skull meaning with roses, snake, wings or crown
The listed tattoos can be different: large and small, colored, frightening and somewhat amusing. It is important what is depicted along with the skull:
- The meaning of the tattoo skull with roses is the following - carefree, immortality of feelings. People, applying to themselves such a tattoo, are not afraid of death, live one day in a constant courage. The meaning of the "Skull with Roses" tattoo can be more romantic, it speaks of immortal love, and that's why many guys pad them for their soulmates, as a confirmation of the seriousness of intentions. But if a rose is braided around a skull, it's a sign of losing a loved one.
- A skull and a snake is a sign of wisdom.
- A winged skull is a sign of freedom, carelessness, liberation from everyday life.
- A crown with a skull symbolizes its owner as a man rushing to power.
- If it is depicted not a human skull, but, say, any horned animal - it is a symbol of vitality.
- If you decide to depict a skull with a raven, be careful, such a tattoo will bring nothing but destruction and disappointment. It is indeed a symbol of death and danger.
- A skull penetrated by a dagger is considered a sign of death, and if you've chosen such a tattoo, it means you are a brave man.
Skull tattoo for men. The most popular options
Considering the different sketches of male tattoo with skulls, we can come to a general conclusion - the skull symbolizes the transience of life, chaos and danger. For some men the skull is a symbol of despair, for others it is a link with risk, as well as a talisman and protector from danger. In either case, the meaning will directly depend on the chosen sketch.
In 2018-2019, the following ideas are the most popular:
With dice. - A symbol of a dangerous gambler, in front of you a real favorite of Fortune.
With roses. - a popular idea denoting that love can only be broken by death.
Sugar skull or calavera - In front of you is a passionate nature who loves life, taking advantage of all its possibilities and benefits.
In the fire - Indicator of an unyielding and strong masculine character, having a firm stance and confidence in your own abilities.
With a clock - Indicator that the man is aware of the transience of life, appreciates every minute, does not waste time.
With the snake - Symbol of connection and transition between worlds, as this creature can shed its skin, being reborn.
With the helmet. - Symbol of bikers and also an indicator that the man is aware of the dangers of his hobbies and protects himself.
With a crown. - Means power over death, complete mastery of his life and destiny, no fear of death.
Goat skull. - Goodness and peace, as well as an abundance of vitality and strength, in addition, it is purely masculine and brutal tattoo.
Raven on the skull - destruction, destruction. But if the bird is in light plumage or near the nest, it is a sign of longevity, family and wisdom.
Expert Opinion.
Viola Madison
Master tattooist, 8 years experience
Extremely sensibly and responsibly approach the choice or drafting of a sketch for a tattoo with a skull. The meaning of tattoo depends on its visual representation: with a good outline is a symbol of success, protection and happiness, with an evil - darkness, otherworldly forces and death.
Tattoo skull with wings
Symbols with which a tattoo with a "skull" can be combined
Today it is rare to see a tattoo with a skull, where there are no accompanying characters and elements. More often than not, the following symbols are added to it:
dagger - means security;
rose - the meaning goes to the sphere of love;
crown - power;
cards or dice - gambling, risks;
flame - passion;
snake, raven - connection with the other world.
Tattoo of a skull on the hand
Where is the best place to get a tattoo?
Such a naked sketch should be stuffed only with an experienced and qualified master. They work in tattoo salons with a license, and addressing at home and to unproven private individuals threatens:
- injuries;
- infections;
- poor quality results;
- no guarantees;
- The need to correct the work.
The experience of the master can be clearly assessed by a man, if you look at the catalog with his previous works, as well as reviews from previous clients.
Tattoo skull on the chest
Skull of a ram
On the body indicates a very rare character trait of the human personality. It is, as you might have guessed, persistence and boundless resilience. The desire to achieve their goals, by all means, people with such a tattoo are higher than others.
Skull tattoo on the leg
Skull of a goat
Many interpreted as a symbol of unclean powers and occult groups. But in fact, it's not all that gloomy. This image reads as a representation of peace, energy and vitality. The skull of this animal was often sacrificed to the gods to give the priests and pilgrims eternal strength and health.
Tattoo of the skull on his back
Skull of a deer
This is another ancient wisdom that has found its embodiment in modern realities. The deer has always and at all times symbolized the triumph of good over evil, the victory of the state of mind over material difficulties.
Tattoo of the skull on the hip
Skull framed by flowers
The desire to live and enjoy life. Flowers add sensual tenderness to such a dark and mystical object as the human skull. The tattoo is most common among women.
Tattoo skull with flowers
Skull, pierced with a dagger
The most daring and intimidating work. The owners of such tattoos symbolically want to emphasize their own rage and aggressively directed personality traits. This image is common in the criminal world and means blood feud against the enemy. But even earlier such motifs were applied to the body of brave pirates who were not afraid to face death.
Tattoo of a skull on a shoulder
A skull wrapped in a snake
It's an indication of a person's intellectual potential. The snake is a metaphor for knowledge and experience gained throughout life. And the snake with the skull - knowledge that will live even after the death of the owner and forever symbolize the immortality and wisdom.
Sugar skull tattoo
Design options.
Skulls are usually seen as scary and threatening symbols, but the fact is that they can be adapted to any person and depict different meanings. For example, a design done in black or gray can symbolize power and death. On the other hand, a skull done in delicate colors with eyes depicted as hearts can look cute and attractive. Consider the most popular tattoo designs for guys and girls.
Skull and Bones
This image was first used by pirates between the 18th and 19th centuries. They were the first group to use the symbol on their flags and sometimes combined it with crossed bones. In this way, the pirates intimidated their victims into surrendering without much resistance, otherwise death awaited them.
Sugar skull tattoo (calavera)
This symbol is an important part of the traditional Mexican holiday called "Day of the Dead," which is held on November 2 every year. On this day, a gathering of family and friends is held in memory of loved ones, at which edible sugar cookies in the form of skulls decorated with flowers and decorative patterns are made.
Also, this element is used as a token of honor for a deceased loved one. These elements are part of Mexican culture and are often used today as a motif for tattoos. The tattoo mourns a departed soul and at the same time celebrates the life that continues after his passing.
Skull and Roses
This is an original design that combines positive and negative feelings: the motif reminds all mankind of beauty and death.
Skull in Flowers
The floral skull looks more attractive, so it is often chosen to be applied to your body girls. The motif denotes beauty, the balance of good and evil.
Skull with wings
This picture is a symbol of freedom, independence, faith. The image is suitable for people who value their own opinion above all others.
Skull with a hood
A hooded skull with a scythe, which has a gloomy appearance, informs others of the cyclical nature of life and death. The scythe can be replaced with a more amusing object, such as a guitar, to add a sense of humor to the design.
Skull in a crown.
This image is chosen by people aspiring to a high position in society or to wield power. For this reason, the tattoo of a skull with a crown is quite popular in the criminal world.
The Girl and the Skull (Santa Muerto)
Recently, this motif has become popular not only in Mexico, the country in which it originated, but also around the world. Such a drawing symbolizes the death of a loved one or betrayal, but in some cases can serve as a talisman.
Realistic design
A drawing made in the style of realism represents the confidence and strength of its owner. Also, this type of tattoo can symbolize or represent a person who has overcome death, such as surviving a car accident or defeating a fatal disease.
Some tattoo image options may contain other objects such as flames, birds (e.g. phoenix, hummingbird), butterflies, feathers, anchors, dream catcher, dagger, angels, wings and stars: the choice depends only on the person's own preferences.
Skull tattoo on the neck
Guidelines for placement
Generally, men prefer to apply the skull tattoo on the arm (on the shoulder), on the chest, on the hand or on the neck. These places are open, so the drawing is difficult to hide from prying eyes. If you decide to apply the symbol to this area, consider whether it will interfere with professional activities.
The meaning of the skull as a talisman
The animal or human skull symbolizes the transience of life, inexorable aging, fading, and death, because often witches use the bony part of the head to contact the world of the dead and otherworldly entities. In Christianity, the symbol was depicted next to the saints, to show renunciation of earthly life and meaningless experiences. For divination, to find the answer, practitioners used to place the skull at the head of the bed and ask for help in dreams.
The skull of a totem animal that the practitioner chose would best increase strength and protect the home. And also such amulet will help to establish contact with a magical animal.
Modern esotericists use the ancient magical symbol for the following purposes:
Such an attribute is often used by black magicians for certain rituals.
- Getting in contact with dead people to perform black-magic rituals;
- revealing liars in dreams;
- enhancing black magic rituals;
- improvement of mental abilities and concentration;
- protection with the skull of a totem animal.
According to beliefs of European, Slavic and Eastern nations in the skull is also the prisoner of all human life force, because the spirit after death remains there. Through the material receptacle establishes a connection with the deceased, to whom you can ask for help and learn sacred knowledge. The spirit enclosed in the skull is also able to protect and safeguard the living, that is why people were embedded in the stonework of buildings in the Middle Ages. The bones acted as a guarantor that the dark forces would not damage the building, and the magical object would act as an eternal guardian.
The history of the symbol
В Christianity is an important symbol. In some movements, for example in Orthodoxy, the skull is depicted on the crucifix at the feet of Christ. This is due to tradition, according to which Christ was crucified on the cross and his blood flowed on Adam's skull, thereby atoning for the sins of mankind.
В Buddhism is used in amulets and amulets as a symbol that reminds us of the sacredness of human existence.
Among the inhabitants of the of the Mayan tribes.only shamans had the power to control evil. This was confirmed by the ritual bowl made of the skull. It was believed that only a shaman could hold it in his hands.
The ancient Celts believed it was the skull that housed the human soul. The skulls of their deceased ancestors and distinguished warriors were carefully preserved. It was believed among these people that together with the skull, the possessor of the skull was given courage and other important qualities of the deceased.
В Latin America tattoos are often accompanied by the phrase "do not forget that you have to die. The meaning of such a phrase is that you should enjoy every moment and live to the maximum. because the end is the same for everyone. There is an annual celebration of death in this country. Here it is really a celebration, i.e., a very fun event.
Places and style of tattooing
The skull with the crown is the absolute leader. This is the most common sketch for such a tattoo. On the one hand - this is bad, because everyone wants to be the owner of an individual drawing. But, look at the collage below. Is it possible to call such work the same? In comparison, skulls in hats that look like gangsters. And the skull in the beret, the symbol of the military.
For men.
The designs for men's tattoos are usually brutal. It can be a stylized black and white image, which reeks of the theme of death.
Tattoos on the hands are just gaining in popularity. Before picking up a sketch for such a work, there are a couple of nuances to consider. First: the place is always in plain sight. Second: you need to think carefully about how to position the sketch. During a meal or during an important tense conversation, people tend to gesticulate a lot.
Most often the skull tattoo is placed on the hands. The tattoo is placed on the wrists, forearms and shoulders. Sometimes even on the hands.
Skull on the face - Is a common search term. But, it is by no means connected with the popularity of this place for the tattoo. That's how people try to find the name of a Canadian tattoo model.
Rick Genest (born August 7, 1985, Chateaugue, Canada) is a Canadian model from Montreal, better known as Zombie Boy. Zombie Boy) because of the tattoos depicting a human skeleton. Options for tattoos of a skull in a crown. Wiki
The image in which the skull is topped with a crown is found more often than others among the sketches of such tattoos. Also, popular can be called a sketch: the skull of a goat, bull, ram, Indian, skull with wings, in a beret.
In world cultures.
The drawing of the skeleton head symbolizes truth, destroying and mortifying everything else. In addition, such a sketch can symbolize forgiveness, sacrifice. This semantic message originated at the time of the spread of the Christian religion.
In one of the legends says that after the martyrdom of Jesus Christ, his blood flowed down into the soil and touched the remains of Adam - the 1st man. Consequently, Jesus atoned for the sin of Adam and Eve with his own blood. In view of this, crucifixion icons depict the head of a skeleton with crossed bones.
Certain associations of Buddhists use skeletal heads as a talisman that reminds them of the sacredness of being. The Celtic people who roamed European territory believed that the skull was the repository of the eternal human soul. For this reason, the Celts kept the skulls of their own ancestors and brave fighters and treated them with reverence. The Celts believed that the owner of someone else's skull is strong, has an indomitable character.
The general semantic message of the skeleton head is mortality, decay. However, the meaning of such a tattoo can also be a reminder of a short life. For bikers, as well as for Indian tribes, the head of the skeleton is considered a talisman, protecting against accidental death.
Such tattoos are considered quite popular in the Mexican state. Mexicans celebrate the holiday of death every year. For them, it is absolutely not a sad holiday. At this festival, Mexicans seek to get as much enjoyment out of their lives as possible. For them, the skeleton head is considered a symbol of new life, rebirth, reincarnation.
Anyone who gets a skull tattoo gives it a special meaning. For some, it reminds of the death of a loved one, for others it symbolizes temper and hatred. It is for this reason that the skeleton head tattoo is considered a universal option for a variety of categories of people.
Skull 5 (100%) 11 vote(s)
Who does it suit?
Who would a skull tattoo be good for? Many believe that this image is intended for men, as it is quite brutal and even intimidating. Moreover, the owner must necessarily be tough or even cruel, gloomy.
But often such pictures are drawn by young guys, and, as they say, "easy on the rise", risky, liberated or gambling, and this is associated with some variants of interpretation.
The skull may well suit a girl, if depicted not intimidatingly, but more gently, elegantly, or even amusingly.
Recommendations
A few tips for those who still can not decide on such an unusual tattoo:
- First, choose a suitable place to apply it. If you want your beautiful tattoo to remain inconspicuous, then do it, for example, on the back or on the ankle. If, on the contrary, you want to show off the drawing, then put it on your arm. Often such tattoos are done on the calves or thighs. And some choose the back. But it is not recommended to apply such an image on the chest, because it is believed that close to the heart should be only the most intimate.
- Even the most somber tattoo is more lively and interesting make the bright colors, so bring a little juicy colors to the skull, and it will be perceived very differently!
- To choose a suitable option, you can study examples presented on the Internet or in the catalogs of tattoo artists.
Now you know everything about such a tattoo!
