The sugar skull is the most recognized symbol for the Mexican Holiday, Dia de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead that is celebrated in early November. Some think that it is associated with Halloween, but it is certainly not. Because the two holidays are within days of each other may lend to this confusion. The use of skulls may be similar from an outside perspective. Dia de los Muertos is not a morbid holiday, but instead celebrates loved ones who have passed with a celebration of life, in all of it’s phases, including death and the entering into the next phase. On this glorious day of the year, those who have passed may be with us once more. The sugar skull iconography bridges the gap on that day. Because it is such a striking icon, and beautiful, it has become quite popular even to those who do not understand it’s origins.
Are you thinking about getting a sugar skull tattoo? Check out these top 15 best sugar skull tattoos for ideas and inspiration:
This hyper realistic and romantic sugar skull tattoo envokes all kinds of emotions, wonderful and sad, as this beautiful woman donned in the sugar skull makeup looks up and out to something, or someone, that we as the audience, cannot see.
Lovely, small sugar skull, ornately detailed with lighter inks highlighting some of the details. Absolutely beautiful work.
This sugar skull cat is honoring a pet who has crossed the rainbow bridge. Lovely pet memorial incorporating Dia de los Muertos elements and sentiment.
Here is another Dia de los Muertos cat portrait, with a human sugar skull next to it, possibly memorializing both a beloved pet and beloved person who has passed into the next realm.
A beautiful woman seen here, is looking straight out at the viewer. Lovely black and gray shading with white highlights really brings her beauty to life. Shimmering brightly is also what appears to be a wedding ring. Perhaps this is a portrait of the wearer’s wife. In any case, it is gorgeous.
The most amazing colors are appropriate here, because Dia de los Muertos is a day where our loved ones who have passed can visit us once more, so otherworldly colors make sense. Look at the realistic detail of her face and eyes.
One sugar skull that is more dark with spider webs and flames, and even black roses on the right foot, and another sugar skull on the left foot that has brighter colors and more roses and swirly lines. Maybe this is a mom and dad sugar skull set? Not sure, but I’m sure it has a special meaning to the wearer.
A hyper realistic portrait hand tattoo of a woman donned in sugar skull makeup.
This thigh tattoo incorporates one skull with the bottom baw bone slightly ajar from the top to create a unique effect that workes extremely well with the composition of the design. The rose brings the shape altogether along with the colorwork.
Here we see a lovely winged sugar skull along the upper back of the tattoo wearer.
A classic sugar skull is seen here with the classic flower of Dia de los Muertos, the bright orange marigold.
Just look at the vibrant color of this sugar skull tattoo!
This set of sugar skull tattoos are each framed within an intricate gold cameo frame. Just stunning.
The 3/4 view of this sugar skull evokes a feeling of pensiveness and longing. It is framed between two large, lovely orange roses.
The coloring and use of flowers in this sugar skull is truly unique and eye catching.
