4. Calavera/Sugar Skull Tattoo Meaning

The Calavera, Mexican skull, or sugar skull tattoo, is recognized worldwide as a symbol linked to the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos). 

A Mexican skull tattoo acknowledges the symbolic meaning of the skull representing death but adds an element of the celebration of life that differs in sugar skull designs from other culturally significant body art.

Sugar skull tattoo design ideas for Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrate that the festivities don’t end just because the body does.

Calavera tattoo images and cartoon sugar skull design is often more creative and original than the typical skull and crossbones.

Additionally, the sugar skull tattoo design often includes flowers, vines, abstract line-work, geometric concepts, and other traditional application flourishes.

5. Tibetan Skull Design

Referred to as Kapal, the Sanskrit translation of a skull or begging bowl, Tibetan skulls have been used in sacred Hindu and Tantra Buddhist rituals for thousands of years.

Tibetan skulls carry a deeply poignant meaning, that of the soul’s ascent to another incarnation and cycle of life. The skulls are carefully collected, prepared, and consecrated, with rich jewels, carvings, and metalwork applied as decoration.

Tibetan monasteries would then employ the skull as a bowl to hold offerings of wine and cakes to the ruling deities.

6. Flaming Skull Tattoo Meaning

Few things offer a more defiant, symbolic meaning than the famed flaming skull, made prominent to signify one’s fearlessness in the face of death and at the prospect of their own demise.

Traditionally depicted in tattoo art as a grinning death’s head or grim reaper embellished by flames, from there the many themes and styles vary according to personal taste.

The flaming skull tattoo may also be linked to the comic book character Ghost Rider.