One Native American legend believed that there existed 13

human size skulls made of rock crystal that contained the answers

to life and the universe.

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday, this day is an opportunity for family and

friends to get together and remember loved ones who have passed away

In Celtic culture they viewed the skull to be a vessel for the soul and thus of power.

The black flag with deaths white head and crossed femur bones was a warning

of death.

In more recent times various Military forces still use the skull and crossbones

insignia in one form or another but more for bravado than a sign of lawlessness.

Celtics also used to toss skulls into sacred wells as offerings, speculation of this act was that this was a way of cleansing the

souls on offer

Probably another reason for the skull imagery in Biker culture is the use of it in

music as a symbol of rebelliousness and nonconformity especially in heavy metal

It can be seen as a symbol within punk and alternative music also.

here are many other military units that used the skull symbol “deaths head” insignia

including Italian, British and US military units.

Yhe German army has used the “Totenkopf” (German for “dead man’s head”), on their uniforms for many

years.

Christianity shows some images of Jesus on the crucifix with a skull at

the base of the cross. This is believed to be Adam, the first human to have

sinned.

The most common symbolic use of the skull is as a representation of death and mortality, but has

changed with modern times as in clothing most skulls are designed for fashion rather than the historical

symbolism.

The rose and skull tattoo represents that someone close to the tattoo wearing person

has passed away as these tattoos are generally inked in the memory of some

departed person.

Sugar skulls are often used to decorate the gravestones of the deceased.

For the Aztecs skulls were a positive symbol, not only of death but also of

rebirth.

he Aztecs are recorded to have made human sacrifices to the gods, in order to make sure the sun would continue to rise

each day.

Many skulls incorporate flowers, and this symbol has a meaning of its own. The flower most associated with Dia de los Muertos in

Mexico is the marigold, or Cempazúchitl which is known as the flower of the dead.

In Spain, skulls were used to mark the entrance to graveyards.

Skull can be a symbol of protection, strength and power.

Artists have enjoyed the use of the skull as an artistic platform for centuries.

Credit: Skulls In Popular Culture

SKull Symbolism

Skull Tattoos