Skulls have been an iconic symbol since the beginning of time. They have been used in sacred rituals, centerpieces for art and offered glimpses into the human mind and spirit. For the Aztecs, skulls were a sacred symbol that meant death and rebirth. In Christianity, the skull is one of the symbols used to embody the idea of the immortality of the soul. And in areas of philosophy, poetry, and psychology they are used to personify the idea of the mind.
Skulls are also one of the most tattooed symbols in the Ink industry. Tattoos of the Skull and Bones, the Skull and Rose, the Grim Reaper, or images that portray humanity through the symbol of a skeleton are incredibly popular. Another highly popular skull tattoo is called the Sugar Skull.
Sugar Skull tattoos come in many different forms. In most cases, they are a standard skull but have very intricate artwork of flowers and symmetrical compositions. These designs usually consist with the eyes being replaced with flower petals or gemstones. The entire face of the skull is covered with flowers, delicate heart shape designs, and symbols of beauty. The skulls always have a look of celebration and charm. In many cases, you will see these tattoos representing beautiful images of women and also animals.
There is much more to the idea of a Sugar Skull than being just a popular tattoo. As a matter of fact, the Sugar Skull comes from a very old tradition that is celebrated in Mexico. The Sugar Skull also called the Calaveras de Azucar, is the main symbol for the Mexican celebration Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated on the first and second of November. The event officially starts on October 31st at midnight. This is a time when the Mexican families celebrate the lives of their much loved departed friends and relatives. Instead of mourning the dead, they celebrate by holding a festival for the those who have passed away. This festival can be traced back to the Aztecs ancient festival that was in honor of the goddess Mictecacihuatl. It then was greatly influenced by the Spanish Christian culture and transform into what is now a Mexican tradition.
In the weeks leading to the Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican people begin creating the Sugar Skulls. The skulls can be made in two ways. One way is to use clay and then decorate it with sugar, icing, feathers, beads or whatever bright and cheerful accessories they have on hand. Or the skull can be made out of molded sugar and then decorated with icing. What is important is that the skulls are handmade and have symbols on them that represent the person who is being celebrated. Some skulls will even have the person's name written on them. The skulls are then used as an offering to the one who has passed into the afterlife.
The celebration begins at home. The family lights candles on an altar so that the spirits can find their way back home. Food and drinks are left there as well to greet them. Then the families head to the graveyard where the big celebration happens. The families clean around the gravestones and decorate it with the Sugar Skulls, and the spirit's favorite food. The families then have their own feast, sing songs and welcome the spirits back for the evening.
In understanding this sacred tradition, it may be wise to put some real thought into the Sugar Skull tattoo design before having it inked onto the body. Who does it represent for you? What spirit would you like to honor? And if it is to honor a loved one, what images best represent them? The Sugar Skull definitely is not just a random design, but rather a design that is symbolic, meaningful, and meant to be worn with respect and honor.
sources:
1. Crule Daze of Summer: https://crueldazeofsummer.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/sugar-skulls-status-in-popular-culture-what-is-their-meaning-and-where-do-they-originate-from/
2. tattooseo: http://www.tattooseo.com/sugar-skull-tattoo-meaning/
3. skullspiration: http://www.skullspiration.com/skull-sugar-meaning
4. wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead
5. wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Calavera_Catrina
6. national geographic.org: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/dia-de-los-muertos/
7. national geographic.com: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/celebrations/day-of-the-dead/
8. the spruce: https://www.thespruce.com/sugar-skull-history-2342805
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