Tattoos are an art form that promotes self-expression while preserving the uniqueness of the wearer. however, like all other forms of art, it is also steeped in culture, belief, and tradition. You may come across someone who wears a skull on their forearm and admire it as a work of art without understanding what it represents.
A non-tattoo enthusiast may not understand what such a tattoo means, but if you’re looking to get something similar, then understanding the actual beliefs and meaning attached to it certainly helps. For centuries, the tradition of tattooing has been carried on by indigenous tribes, and in most cultures, they are seen as a necessity that unites the wearer with their roots.
However, in the Western world, tattoos were not considered an option until after the 18th century. in some cases, tattoos were a symbol used to mark offenders who were on death row. this concept has finally evolved into a somewhat acceptable state, and is seen by most non-tattoo enthusiasts as a fashion statement or self-expression.
The most important thing, however, is to understand that getting a tattoo is a journey and not just imitating someone else’s fashion statement. once you decide to get tattooed, you’re bound to do your research and spend time evaluating your options.
For people getting tattooed for the first time in their life, their choice often changes throughout their research. they will start with a specific tattoo in mind and end with a completely different one. designs and ink should resonate with the thought process going on within an individual, unless you are a die-hard fan who just wants to copy a tattoo that has your icon on it, chances are you have meaning attached to your tattoo design. tattoo.
Several factors can affect this choice. your budget, your pain tolerance, the history and true meaning of a specific design and whether it translates your mindset onto the canvas that is your body.
The most crucial part is to understand the “life” of the design. it will stay with you forever and gradually people will begin to identify you by referring to your tattoo, unless it is hidden from view. Meaningless tattoos often turn into regrets as the mind matures and your perception of the world around you changes. If you are reading this, then you are not getting a tattoo as a spontaneous choice, which is good in hindsight as your tattoo will have meaning attached to it. To better understand what Day of the Dead tattoos convey, we have compiled all the necessary information that our readers will require
day of the dead and tattoos
dia de los muertos or the day of the dead is a celebration that takes place at the end of October and lasts a couple of days. Ultimately, the celebration of the deceased is observed on the same day as Halloween. But the beliefs and culture linked to this festivity transcend everything that Halloween means.
Halloween itself has had a great influence on the basic rituals for celebrating this Mexican holiday. Initially, this holiday was celebrated during August, but because the concept and theme are similar, Halloween and the Day of the Dead fall on October 31. Day of the Dead celebrations end on November 2, making it a 3-day festival. While Halloween has its roots deeply rooted in England, Dia de los Muertos is a purely Mexican holiday that intertwines Aztec beliefs with Mexican culture.
This celebration represents loved ones and ancestors who have left this world behind. There are songs, dances, meals and gatherings that make us understand the importance of the dead in Mexican culture. The celebration begins in a similar way to Halloween celebrating “all saints”. The following day, commonly known as “All Saints’ Day,” brings a celebration for saints or adults who have passed away. Altars are set up on November 1 to honor adults who have passed away in the community. On November 2, the “Day of the Dead” is celebrated.
However, beliefs vary in the community, with some believing that November 1st is All Souls Day and not November 2nd. however, the day of the dead is a 3-day celebration that honors all who have passed and the spirit world.
tattoos
Like many other beliefs and traditions before it, the culture has remained vital to the world of art and body modification. the day of the dead has also impacted the tattoo world, and you will find some designs affected by the celebration of death.
The most elaborate and adopted tattoo art inspired by the day of the dead features the catrina skulls, also known as the lady of the dead. roses, intricate jewelry designs, sugar skulls and skeletons are a considerable part of this inspiration.
While a skull or skeleton tattoo may not be the initial choice for beginners; understanding the philosophy behind these works of art can change anyone’s mind. skeletons and skulls have great honor and respect and diverse cultures. According to these beliefs, skulls and skeletons are the remains of life, a kind of mark left by an individual who has spent his entire life on this earth.
In other beliefs, the skull is seen as a negative omen, a representation of negative energy, death and pain. but for Mexicans, their belief dictates otherwise. the most commonly inked tattoo design is the “sugar skull”. this design is embedded in the gravestones of deceased family members and loved ones who moved on to the spirit world after leaving their mark on this planet.
The tombstones are decorated with sugar skulls on the day of the actual celebrations. That is why most days of the dead tattoos are inspired by the sugar skull design. `The image is almost always that of a woman. This inspiration stems from the celebration of the Mexican Goddess. The candied skull variations of Catrina are usually brightly colored. They are skulls, but further from being creepy or scary. The fun part is that these candied versions have a cheerful design and colorful details that give a sense of happiness rather than bring the sorrow of death.
see also:
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types of “day of the dead” tattoos
Most designs center around a skull immersed in jewels or roses, others, however, can be real-life inspirations taken from those who have departed.
1. portrait skulls
Portrait skulls are inspired by a deceased loved one. the image of him is transferred to the skin and then enhanced with skull makeup which turns it into a sugar skull. that is done to honor a loved one who no longer exists. While some fans go as far as tattooing a celebrity’s portrait on their bodies, most people traditionally only do this for blood relatives and family members. these are memorial tributes drawn primarily on the chest, back, and upper arm. these portraits are enhanced and become a symbol of death by adding deep dark circles around the eyes, a dark triangle, where the nose is, and a hollowed out cheek area. these portraits are mostly colored.
2. black sugar skulls and skeleton tattoos.
These tattoos have death and bones in the center of the design. they are enhanced by the use of symbols such as roses, owls or even clocks to indicate the exhaustion of time and the presence of mortality. most of the darker versions are usually just shaded outlines when needed. In some designs, there is the use of weapons and other dangerous elements that may be specific to the death of the loved one depicted in the portrait or tattoo.
3. decadent in death
These tattoos are a mix of colored designs and black portraits. You will find that some aspects of the tattoo are elegant and bold colors that signify happiness and “party” in the afterlife. most of these designs represent a small colorful poncho or hat. they are placed on the back of the hands or behind the ears.
traditional specifications of day of the dead tattoos
there are certain aspects of these skull tattoos that highlight their relationship with day of the dead tattoos.
thread:
portraits depicting faces or skulls must show the teeth of the face exposed through the skull; if not, the mouth must be sewn with a thread.
marigolds:
Also known as cempasuchtl in Mexico, the petals of these flowers create a path that leads the soul of the deceased to their loved ones on earth.
offering:
which translates as the word altar, tattoos designed with an offering contain the four elements, earth, wind, water and fire. these are shown as symbols in the actual tattoo. you will see a skull shedding tears or her hair blowing in the wind.
conclusion
day of the dead tattoos is strictly a cultural thing. even the colors used in these designs have meaning. if you are looking to honor a loved one who has passed away, then this is the design for you.
