The general impression one gets when looking at skull tattoos is that of death, mortality and other morbid thoughts. As a matter of fact, most people associate skull tattoos with the occult or gangsters, giving it a really negative connotation. However, a deeper look reveals that there is much more to these tattoos and the meanings differ a great deal. The meaning of these tattoos is reflective of the culture or society in which it is used and the addition of a flower or some other design can give it a totally different meaning.

Day of the Dead Tattoos

These are skull tattoos that are different from other types of tattoos. The day of the dead is a festival that is marked in Mexico to remember the souls of all those that have died. This festival falls on November 1, which is All Saints day-the day set aside for remembrance of the souls of all children who died that year- and November 2, All Souls Day-remembrance of all adults that died that year. This festival is often marked with skull masks calacas and symbols and in some instances, tattoos.

Those who decide to get the day of the dead skull tattoos tattooed on their body usually do so to keep a constant remembrance of a loved one who has died. The thinking is that this loved one would be constantly remembered and not just for a day. Day of the dead tattoos are colorful and combined with floral or patterned designs. You can either design yours or get an artist to design it for you.

Variations in Skull Tattoos

Skull tattoos come in various shapes and sizes and are created in different designs. Each of these has a unique meaning and is worn by the tattooed person for some personal reason. Before getting one, it is important to find out the meaning and what symbolism lies behind that particular tattoo.

The red eyed skull set in barbed wire is usually seen amongst bikers, while the skull tattoo which is designed using two crossed swords instead of the traditional crossbones is a pirate tattoo and fans of all things pirates enjoy sporting one. When using the skull and crossbones, what the tattoo symbolizes is death and poison.

A tattoo that is made up of a skull with a snake through the eye symbolizes knowledge and wisdom and could mean that even death does not surpass wisdom.

Such tattoos have usually been the exclusive preserve of men with most women picking tattoos like the butterfly, or some other symbolic flower. But recent times have seen more women sporting the tattoo in a color coded form. It is now possible to obtain a feminine tattoo with a skull. Tattoo designers simply add a bow or color the tattoo pink or some other feminine color.

Sometimes, partners and couples decide to get a tattoo, which symbolizes the eternal nature of their love and proclaims their devotion to each other. It is not easy to pigeon-hole or stereotype a skull tattoo as they come in different shapes and sizes. Pick what appeals to you best, but not before you have researched the symbols.