You’ve probably noticed how many people have skull and snake tattoos. They’re some of the most popular tattoo designs out there. But have you ever wondered what they actually symbolize?
Skull tattoos can represent overcoming adversity or serve as a memento mori – a reminder of one’s mortality. Snakes represent regeneration, cunning, and patience. Together, skull and snake tattoos can mean overcoming the venomous challenges in life with wisdom and determination. Here’s moe about this mysterious tattoo combo.
The Symbolic Meaning Behind Skull Tattoos
Skull tattoos have long been associated with death and danger, but their meaning is actually a bit more complex than that. Historically, skulls were seen as a representation of mortality and the temporary nature of human existence. Today, skull tattoos often symbolize life and death, mortality and rebirth, or the passage of time.
Strength And Rebellion
Skull tattoos are also frequently used to represent strength, power, and rebellion against authority. The skull is a bold image that signifies the wearer lives outside the bounds of rules and social norms. For some, a skull tattoo is a symbol of living life on their own terms without fear of consequences.
Protection
Some believe skull tattoos have the power to ward off harm and evil spirits. The skull acts as a talisman to scare away that which means to do you wrong. In some cultures, skulls are thought to protect warriors in battle and safeguard souls as they transition to the afterlife. The skull tattoo harnesses this symbolic power of protection and uses it to shield the wearer.
Snake Tattoo Symbolism and Designs
Snakes have always played an important role as a symbol across many cultures. When people get snake tattoos, it usually means renewal, starting over, or living forever. The snake is a symbol of healing yourself and being reborn.
Venom And Medicine
Because snake venom can be deadly, serpents are associated with danger and potency. Yet snakes were also seen as healers in ancient times due to their ability to shed their skin. Even today, the symbol of medicine is the Rod of Asclepius, which is a snake curled around a stick. And a lot of times when people get a snake tattoo, it means they want to show healing, change or a fresh start in their life.
Cycles of Life And Death
Snakes are also a symbol of rebirth, infinity and eternity. Their circular shape and ability to shed their skin and be “reborn” led many cultures to associate them with the cycles of life and death. A snake biting its own tail, known as an ouroboros, is an ancient symbol of infinity and eternity.
Protection And Guidance
Some tattoos depict snakes wrapped around or biting swords, daggers or skulls. This conveys the idea of protection, as the snake acts as a guardian. In other designs, a snake guides a dagger, suggesting the snake will lead the wearer to strike when the time is right.
Skulls And Snakes: A Powerful and Mystical Tattoo
When you combine the imagery of skulls and snakes in a tattoo, it creates a powerful symbol of life, death, and rebirth. Skull tattoos represent mortality, the shortness of life, and the inevitability of death. Snakes, on the other hand, shed their skin, symbolizing transformation, regeneration, and renewal.
Together, a skull and snake tattoo signifies the eternal cycle of life. Though we all die eventually, new life will emerge again. This tattoo is a reminder to make the most of the time you do have.
If you’re someone who really wants to make the most of their life because you know how short it is, or if you’ve gone through some really tough stuff but came out the other side and are ready to start living again, then getting this tattoo would be a great choice. It really captures that feeling of wanting to squeeze every last drop out of your time here and appreciate each day.
For some, a skull and snake tattoo also represents knowledge and wisdom. The snake in the Garden of Eden tempted Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. And the skull is a reminder that with knowledge comes an awareness of our own mortality.
In alchemy, the snake represents the life force and the skull signifies the vessel that holds this force. Their combination in a tattoo can reflect a balance of these mystical energies. The ouroboros, an image of a snake consuming its own tail, is an alchemical symbol for infinity, the eternal return, and the cycle of life and death.
Ready To Get It Tattooed?
Thinking about getting this tattoo? Now you know what it symbolizes. But besides just the meaning, you also have to think about how it’ll look. A tattoo is forever – unless you want to go through the pain of getting it removed. Take some time to really think this through. This thing is going on your body for life, so make sure the design really speaks to you!
