Skull

Tattoo by Marco

Meaning: Life, Death, Change, Reverence

Traditionally the Japanese Skull tattoo represents change, as death is the greatest change humans will experience.

Though the image of the human skull in much of tattoo culture, art and society in general has a negative connotation (death, danger, poison and ill fate), the skull used in Japanese tattoos is intended to be a positive representation of the natural cycle of life. It is a reminder not to take life for granted. I believe ultimately this is true of skull tattoos in the west as well. It can also be a remembrance tattoo to honor ones’ heritage or forefathers when combined with other elements. For instance, when combined with a snake it is meant to represent protection from misfortune.