Some tattoo images are quite simplistic and they are selected because of their beauty. On the other hand, certain tattoo images are selected because they depict certain harsher realities of life and contain a deep, significant meaning, which is of value to the wearer as it is to those who view it. One such tattoo is the Skull Tattoo.

Many people take to wearing Skull Tattoos because primarily the image is scary and also eye-catching. If you want to show attitude, this is the kind of tattoo image you should opt. Throughout the world the skull is known as the symbol of death. It is meant to remind those who see it about the mortality of life and the danger of death. This fascinating aspect of the skull is quite obvious as when you look at the empty sockets of its eyes you can see death staring from those sockets.

One of the most noted areas where the skull is mentioned as a symbol of death is in Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet’. In Act V, when the skull of the court jester is discovered at the graveyard by Hamlet, he speaks to the skull and brings out how death claims everyone – even kings and how even kings have to turn into dust after death comes to them as it does to everyone.

The skull image has been used since ancient times to denote several things. During ancient times, the image of the skull with the snake crawling through the sockets of the skull was often seen. This significant image denoted the persistence and the perseverance of knowledge after death. In painting of the medieval times, you can often see Adam’s skull, with the cross at the foot of the painting as a symbol of redemption. In portraits of Saints and Royalty of this time, the image of the skull was present to remind everyone of the importance of leading a virtuous life.

You can find Skull Tattoos coming in myriads of shapes and forms. Choose one depending on the meaning that you wish to reflect through the image. Remember this is a powerful image and wearing it as a tattoo has special significance, so you need to be careful about what kind of skull image you select.