For those that are fans of Mexican heritage, there are many symbols that are very important in the culture. From the county’s seal, Aztec symbols and family crests, there are a great deal of directions you can go if you want to purchase or have a symbol tattooed on your body. In this case, the sugar skull is the symbol we are talking about that has a Mexican background and is also extremely popular in terms of symbols that look great tattooed.

In this post we will talk about the history of the sugar skull and what it means in Mexican culture. We will also discuss the meaning of the sugar skull tattoo and the meaning behind the image. Symbolism can change depending on what else is pictured in the tattoo so we will go over some variations of the sugar skull tattoo and talk about the meaning of them. By the end of this post you should feel more informed about the sugar skull and what it means to have a sugar skull tattoo.

About the Sugar Skull

When thinking of a skull many people think of death and decay, however there are some different general meanings for different styles of skull tattoos. Sugar skull tattoo designs are an essential part of the Mexican and Latin American celebration of Dia de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, which falls on the day following Halloween. The skulls in this festival are a representation of ancestors and family that has passed on but has come back to Earth from the spiritual realm to be honored. The sugar skull, or Calavera, is made from edible sugar and may be consumed or made from clay and decorated. The decoration that typically adorns the sugar skull is colorful and bright to symbolize the vibrancy of life, especially appreciated by those who have lived a full one and have since passed away.

As with any tattoo there are different styles of skulls; sugar skull- as previously mentioned is primarily used in Day of the Dead celebrations; skull with roses- typically used to display the contrast between good and evil; or a girl skull- which often will have heart shaped eyes or bows attached. This being said, the meaning behind a skull tattoo does not have the signify something negative, it can be used in remembrance of loved ones who have passed (such as the sugar skull is used in Mexico on the Day of the Dead).