Few uses of symbolism are as old as memento mori, nor are there many others so richly rooted in so many cultures and traditions. A memento, or “reminder” of death, the memento mori has been used for thousands of years as a reflection on the virtues of introspection and humility.

That meaning goes back as far as ancient Rome, when an ordinary man would follow behind a triumphant general on his victory parade, whispering to him that he was only a mortal man after all.

Its use was resurrected as an art form during Europe’s medieval period, where it played a part in art and literature, and was a popular element among knights in showcasing their virtues of liege loyalty and humility.

Today, the memento mori is a popular theme in tattoos for men, but it retains much of its well-established meaning. Though it might make use of such symbols as a shroud, a skull, or a grim reaper, it is not a morbid or macabre symbol. Instead, it serves as a reminder of our shared destiny: we are all mortal men, fated to die, and should be concerned with the betterment of ourselves and the improvement of our character while we yet live.

1. Ambigram Memento Mori Tattoos

These tattoos use stylized text to create interesting designs called ambigrams. An ambigram is a “calligraphic design that manages to squeeze two different readings into the selfsame set of curves.” 

The effect created using this interesting approach to script can leave the observer twisting their head, trying to read the different flipped and reversed text, like a tongue twister for the eye. There is also an added intellectual layer to these designs: no matter which way you look at it, we are all heading towards death.  

2. Memento Mori Skull Tattoos