Tattoo skull - interpretation, meaning for men and girls, the place of application (on the arm, hand, shoulder, back, chest), funny photos and videos

The image of the skull causes ambiguous associations. It is a symbol of the transience of life, inevitable death, eternity, the mysterious afterlife. It is inextricably linked with mysticism, witchcraft, magic rituals. There is something alluring and romantic about it with a touch of sadness and doom.

The original meaning of the image

The skull is one of the most ancient magical and occult symbols. The Slavs, Scandinavians, Scythians, Assyrians, and Persians believed that it contained powerful powers. They used this element to create amulets and talismans because they believed that it:

  • protect against death and misfortune;
  • it gives vitality, heals the sick;
  • attracts luck, helps to win the victory.

What associations does the skull now evoke?

Modern body art puts into this picture a different meaning. It does not carry any negative or threatening connotations. On the contrary, the skull symbolizes wisdom, experience and spiritual purification. It is used in different variations to emphasize certain character traits:

  • inner strength;
  • courage, fearlessness, self-confidence;
  • the ability to resist and withstand danger.

Women's tattoos with a skull

For a woman or girl, the tattoo is a decoration. They appreciate beauty, originality, elegance. Even if the basis of the composition is a skull, it is depicted surrounded by leaves and flowers. The other elements should symbolize youth, eternal life, love, rebirth:

  1. Skull in Flowers. An unusual theme that harmoniously combines the symbols of life and death. Means that one must not be discouraged, one must enjoy life and be happy until death comes.
  2. Lilies are often used as ornaments. They complement the main plot and symbolize innocence, purity, and honor. In some cases, lilies can mean glory, honor and respect. Such plots are usually chosen by young girls.
  3. Skull and rose. Quite a common image. Can mean "love to the grave," but most often shows that this feeling is very closely associated with death. Usually carries a memory of a personal event or experience, the befalling loss.

Men's tattoos with a skull

For men, it is not the aesthetics that are important, but the symbolic meaning of the tattoo. They choose the image of the skull to emphasize their brutal qualities, courage and tenacity. Usually it is part of a more complex composition and is combined with one or more secondary elements:

  1. Skull in a crown. This plot is considered a classic. It is chosen by self-confident, ambitious men to denote their goals. But the crown is not only a symbol of power. It is associated with great knowledge, wisdom and life experience.
  2. The watch reminds us that life is short, and after it will inevitably come death. But there is another interpretation, which advises to enjoy every moment and not to get upset because of minor problems.
  3. If there is a snake in the composition, the drawing emphasizes the person's intelligence, vast experience, wisdom and understanding of life.
  4. The cross does not mean anything in particular, but evokes appropriate associations. The otherworldly theme is used by Goths and members of other subcultures interested in mysticism and the occult.
  5. If the picture shows a girl, the man lost the woman he loved or was a victim of betrayal or infidelity. Sometimes this tattoo is considered a talisman.
  6. The presence of wings symbolizes freedom and independence. Sometimes this plot is chosen by rather self-confident and selfish people. Above all, they value their own views, and other people's opinions will always remain secondary to them.

Men often get tattoos depicting animal skulls braided with leaves and flowers. They usually symbolize certain character traits:

  1. If a man chose the ram's skull, it means he wants to emphasize willpower, tenacity, stubbornness, the ability to stand up for his opinion and achieve his goals.
  2. The deer skull is borrowed from Slavic, Celtic and Scandinavian mythology. It means that good triumphs over evil, and spiritual values are more important than material goods.
  3. The goat skull evokes the wrong associations. If you look at the photos of finished works, there are often elements resembling occult signs. But the tattoo has nothing to do with magic. It symbolizes strength, wisdom, energy and good health.

Who is suitable for a tattoo with a skull?

Skull tattoos are one of the most popular motifs. They emphasize the individuality of the person, his willingness to differ from others, to refuse templates and stereotypes, to live by their own rules. Very often such a drawing is chosen:

  • bikers and truckers (as amulets);
  • Representatives of informal movements and various subcultures;
  • Non-ordinary people who want to stand out, to draw attention to themselves.

Prison tattoos with a skull

In prison tattoos, all elements carry deep meaning and tell a story about a person's life, outlook and situation. It is important that tattoos with a skull do not mean belonging to the prison caste, they can be done by anyone. But it is better to choose a neutral drawing, which is not used in the criminal world:

  1. Brightly pronounced teeth and painted black eye sockets mean that a person is ready to defend his opinion, is not afraid of obstacles, does not succumb to pressure. Such a drawing is considered a symbol of courage, carefree attitude to life, rejection of the system and official laws.
  2. Cracks or a hole in the forehead show aggressiveness and ruthlessness of the person, his readiness to achieve the goal by any means, to eliminate all obstacles.
  3. Stabbed dagger symbolizes the desire for revenge. Nakolka is common in the criminal world. A defiant and aggressive theme, emphasizing cruelty and intolerance toward law enforcement officers and those prisoners who cooperate with them.

Where can a skull be tattooed?

A tattoo that includes this eerie symbol can be done on any area of the body. Men usually prick the drawing on the back or chest, shoulders, hands. Women most often place such a tattoo on the back of the hands, sometimes on the feet.

Options for execution

The tattoo can not be done exactly according to the template. A good master will definitely add individual features to it. Any idea can be implemented in different ways. Modern body art includes many techniques and directions. Here are the styles that are suitable for tattoos with a skull:

  1. Classic execution is characterized by bold lines, shading and a limited color palette. Many people prefer this style, seeing in it a certain charm.
  2. Dotwork tattoos consist of a huge number of dots of different sizes. The result is clear, bright and distinctive drawings.
  3. A style that imitates a sketch or outline. This consists of separate strokes of different brightness and thickness, made with hard and soft pencils. Looks spectacular and original, requires the highest skill.
  4. Maximum realistic drawing with elaboration of the smallest details and transfer of halftones. Usually includes all shades of black and gray. The lack of sharp outlines and smooth transitions make it indistinguishable from the photo.
  5. Trash Polka is a relatively new trend. The picture is done in red and black and looks like a spontaneous piling up of elements. On such a background would look good clearly drawn skull, partially immersed in chaos.

The skull is an interesting and peculiar element. It can be pinned separately or inserted into a complex composition. The result is a symbolic image with deep meaning, allowing the person to reveal his character, tell about his life, fate and dreams.

Photo ideas and examples of skull tattoo designs

We advise to read

For girls

For men

Styles