These days, a sugar skull tattoo is getting to be popular for both men and women. However, some people are not aware that they are not just pretty designs yet they represent deeper meanings. Sugar skulls are a significant part of the Mexican culture especially during the Day of the Dead. They use sugar skulls to decorate the gravestones of their loved ones. The purpose of this practice is to bring back the spirits of their departed loved ones. With this in mind, a lot of people have embraced the sugar skull tattoos to remember their loved ones who have passed away. Without further ado, let’s have a look at these magnificent and inspiring sugar skull tattoos.
25. Leg Skull
In this angle, you might notice that the eyes of the sugar skull are popping out.
26. Lotus Sugar Skull Tattoo
Sugar skulls are less scary since they are made of sugar and decorated with various elements.
27. Mexican Black and Red Sugar Skull Tattoo
People who are interested in this Mexican tradition are now getting sugar skull tattoos.
28. Day Of The Dead Skull Tattoo
Whether you’re a Mexican or not, a sugar skull tattoo can make you stand out.
29. Mexican Sugar Skull Color Tattoo
You can create your own creative tattoo by adding artistic features into the original design. When flowers are decorated in the eyes of the sugar skull tattoo, it is a symbol of life.
30. Mexican Sugar Skull Tattoo Designs
The deep red roses on both sides look nice since it is a contrast on the light colors used in the skull.
31. Owl Sugarskull
A sugar skull tattoo can be combined with other animals such as an owl.
32. Realistic Sugar Skull Tattoo
They can also come in pairs.
33. Roses And Sugar Skull Tattoo Designs
You can create your own unique design.
34. Skull Candy Tattoo Images
If you’re looking for something unique and exceptional then go for a sugar skull tattoo.
35. Small Sugar Skull Tattoo Designs
This is so hyper-realistic!
36. Spider Web Skull
Sugar skulls are not only used as tattoos but they are also printed on t-shirts and graffiti.
37. Sugar Skull with Numbers
This is probably a significant number to the wearer.
38. Sugar Skull and Red Roses
It is called “sugar” since it is created from molded sugar.
39. Sugar Skull Foot Tattoo
Sugar skulls are very significant during the “Day of the Dead.”
40. Sugar Skull Shoulder Tattoo
The Mexicans honor the spirits of their departed loved ones by using these sugar skulls.
41. Sugar Skull Tattoos on Arms
This one is considered as a traditional American tattoo design.
42. Side Sugar Skull
The Day of the Dead festivity is typically celebrated on October 31, November 1 and November 2.
43. Arm Tattoo
Skulls are associated with death while the sugar skulls represents honor, celebration and remembering.
44. Sugar Skull and Rose Tattoo Designs
Creepy eyes!
45. Sugar Skull Roses Tattoo On Side Rib
You can create your own creative tattoo by adding artistic features into the original design.
46. Nice Sugar Skull Feet Tattoo
This colorful sugar skull tattoo is done in a traditional way.
47. Traditional Skull Tattoo Design
Sugar skull tattoos are very popular among women since they really look so pretty.
48. Leg Tattoo
This tattoo has great colors and is very well done.
49. Sugar Skull Tattoo Designs And Ideas
They can also look great in black and white with a bit of blue.
50. Half Sleeve Tattoo Designs
Most often this tattoo is accompanied by girly designs such as roses, hearts, and diamonds.
51. Sugar Skull Tattoo Designs for Girls
If you want a colorful tattoo then this one is just right for you.
52. Amazing Tattoo
A side view portrait of a sugar skull tattoo.
53. Super Colorful
This tattoo design is totally gorgeous.
54. Simple Sugar Skull Tattoo
They can also look great in black and white.
55. Tattoo for Girls
The shading of this tattoo is next level.
56. Sugar Skull White Tattoo
A perfect twist to the usual black and white or colored tattoo.
57. Sugar Skull Tattoo For Hand
There is no denying that this tattoo is a work of a professional artist.
58. Charming Sugar Skull Tattoo
This is a nice close up of a sugar skull tattoo which shows the intricate details of the design.
59. Sugar Skull 3D Tattoo
Look into my eyes!
60. Cool Sugar Skull Tattoos
This represents the two loved ones that the wearer have lost, perhaps both parents.
61. Broken Sugar Skull with Flower
Sugar skulls are placed on the gravestones on the Day of the Death (Dia de Los Muertos) festival celebration of the Mexicans.
62. Sugar Skull Tattoo On Elbow
This is a very unusual placement of a tattoo.
63. Sugar Skull Tattoos Pinterest
The watercolor effect of this tattoo is very creative.
64. Batman Sugar Skull
Why should you get this tattoo? Well, because it’s Batman.
65. Spider Web Sugar Skull
Be sure to choose the perfect place for your tattoo design.
66. Sugar Skull and Owl Tattoos
Sometimes all you need is just one or two colors.
67. Sugar Skull Tattoos With Roses
Cross, diamonds, spider web, flowers are just some of the elements which are commonly added to a traditional sugar skull design.
68. Center Back Tattoo
The touch of blue is very appealing.
69. Sugar Skull With Hat And Mustache
The great thing about this tattoo is that by the time that you are already bored with it, you can always add some colors and have a new tattoo.
70. Skull with Wings
Everything about this tattoo is gorgeous.
71. Woman Sugar Skull Tattoo
This is exactly what a great tattoo should be.
72. Yellow Sugar Skull Tattoo
One for her and one for him.
What does the Sugar Skull Tattoo mean?
Based on historical records, the sugar skull was first introduced by the Italian missionaries during the 17th century. It was used by the Italians during the Easter celebrations to represent the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The missionaries used these skull designs to Christianize the rituals of the natives. As time passed by, the natives incorporated these skull designs in their festivals. The skull is a symbol of death while the sugar skull represents our ancestors. Based on the Mexican tradition, the size of the tattoo will depend on the departed loved one. Adults are represented by bigger tattoos while children are represented by smaller ones.
Every pattern or design used in the tattoo represents a unique meaning. This means that anyone can choose the design and the meaning that they want. For instance, a tattoo with flowers on its eye socket is a symbol of life. The wearer of this type of tattoo is usually a believer in life after death. A tattoo with burning candles on its eye socket symbolizes reminiscence. It can also represent a deeper meaning to the wearer of the tattoo. Some tattoos include an inverted heart used as a nose. It can be done in black and white ink or in various colors.
Just like any other tattoos, a sugar skull tattoo is very beautiful and interesting too. This is probably why this type of tattoo is very visible even in different countries. For some cultures, the skull can be a grim symbol but sugar skulls are the representation of our family members and friends that have passed away. It is decorated with various elements to enhance its beauty and life. This tattoo is a reminder for us to enjoy life to the fullest since we will not be staying in this world forever.
Hey readers! I’m Jeffrey and your tattoo artist of the day;) I have been drawing and painting my whole life, and after graduating high school I decided it was time for a bigger challenge and I started drawing on people. I’m so fortunate I got to express my creativity through my body art and even more so to share my passion with my now wife Emilie. She started working with me in my tattoo shop as a piercer and I started writing about and photographing, my creations on this blog. I love to hear from you and hope you enjoy our work together!