Dead head tattoo. "Skull" - the meaning and interpretation of the symbol. The meaning of the skull in Christianity

Indian tribes and ancient Egypt. Archaeologists have found tattoos on the embalmed bodies of emperors, high officials and other people. Drawings on the body divided the population by caste, social status, in some cases, generic tattoos were applied, denoting a relationship to a particular tree. In the ancient Indian and African tribes there was a cult of drawing on the body the image of their totem animal - a wolf, a falcon, a fox, a snake and other animals.

Skull Tattoo

Skull tattoos are very popular because they have many meanings in the occult and in various ideologies. Most often, such a drawing is applied to remind that no one is eternal and that we all will someday die. Simply put, the skull is a symbol of death. In some occult directions, such a drawing, on the contrary, is a symbol of immortality.

Tattoo "Skull" in ideologies

And yet, let's consider what the Skull tattoo is. Its meaning in many ideologies can be deciphered as "devoted to this system of views until his death." In this case, he is often depicted with cobwebs, mainly on the shoulder and elbow or chest. Skinheads and Nazis have the Skull tattoo - a symbol of hatred, a sign of readiness to kill in the name of their ideology. One of the variants of the "fidelity tattoo" is a skull with roses, knives and brass knuckles.

Also, this picture is one of the favorite symbols of punks. Tattoo "Skull" on the shoulder, chest, back or arm of such a person means the phrase Punk not death ("Punk will never die"). The adherents of this subculture firmly believe that their ideology will always live, despite the fact that it is still young enough.

What does the Skull tattoo mean in the underworld? Such a tattoo, or rather a tattoo, is often stuffed with large thieves with a thirst for power. Still such representatives of criminality are called thieves in law.

Even the military sometimes uses the "Skull" tattoo. The value of such a tattoo in people in uniform can often be attributed to the type of troops. For example, the US intelligence services have a skull emblem with wings and lightning. Therefore, many officers who are dedicated to the work stamp this image on their bodies.

What does a tattoo mean in the occult?

In some religions, a skull with bones (like on a pirate flag) is a symbol of absolution and cleansing of the soul. Therefore, supporters of such religious views were tattooed "Skull". They did this as a sign that they had forgiven all their sins and started life from scratch.

Another spiritual meaning of the Skull tattoo is the memory of a deceased relative or loved one. Then a rose and a ribbon with a name are added to the main element. Such a symbol is often stamped “under the heart”, in the lower part of the left half of the chest.

Sometimes people tattoo their bodies with their zodiac signs. One of the signs is supplemented with a skull. Specifically, cancer. What does such a tattoo mean? It is a symbol of masculinity. It is usually applied to the chest, it is a "magnet" for attracting success and strength.

The symbol of wisdom and immortality is considered a tattoo in the form of a skull, from the eye socket of which a snake crawls out. Sometimes the reptile can wrap around the main element.

Lovers of gambling stuff skulls with bones (for backgammon) or dominoes. Such a tattoo also suggests that life is a game with a sad end. Or it could be a reminder that fun with death is very dangerous.

In Indian tribes, a skull applied to the body is considered a talisman. The Indians believe that this symbol should confuse death. She decides that the person is already dead and just walks by. Nowadays, racers and motorcyclists use this technique, applying skulls and bones to their equipment and vehicles.

Conclusion

Now you know what a skull tattoo on an arm, leg or other part of the body means. As you can see, in fact, every tattoo, be it a chanterelle or a card, has many meanings. It is impossible to say for sure, exactly what this or that drawing symbolizes. First of all, the meaning is created by a person himself when he decides to apply an image to his body. For some, the skull on the shoulder is just a drawing, but for others it is a whole story. If you stuff yourself a bird, then someone may see this as a symbol of freedom, and you have put the meaning of beauty in it.

In any case, the main thing is to remember about safety, so avoid applying tattoos and portacas in non-sterile places.

This term has other meanings, see Adam's head. This term has other meanings, see Dead's head. Not to be confused with Jolly Roger. Badge of the Kornilovsky regiment US military posing with a captured Sandinista flag (c. 1933) Skull as a symbol of the vicissitudes of Fortune. Mosaic. Pompeii New Jerusalem Monastery in Istra. Old monastery necropolis.

Adam's chapter (Adam's head), Dead Head (it. Totenkopf) - a symbolic image of a human skull with two criss-cross lying bones. It is both a symbol of death and fearlessness in front of her. As a rule, it is depicted in white or silver on a black background.

Sources of symbolism

The human skull has served as a sign of death and the frailty of life (see Memento mori) since ancient times. The skull, both independently and as part of complex compositions, is one of the most common artistic subjects.

Christian roots

The blood of Christ washes the skull of Adam. Crucifixion of Christ.
Fragment of a fresco by Fra Beato Angelico

The skull with crossed bones in Russian culture has a stable name "Adam's head" (or head) and has a Christian origin. According to Holy Tradition, Adam's ashes were located on Calvary, where the Crucifixion of Christ took place. According to the Orthodox teaching, by the providence of God, the blood of Christ washed the skull of Adam and in his person all of humanity from sinful filth, thus granting the possibility of salvation. Thus, the head of Adam has the symbolic meaning of deliverance from death and salvation in the Christian sense.

The image of the skull is included in many versions of the Crucifixion or the Cross, for example, it is applied to the Orthodox monastic schema.

History of military use of the symbol

Throughout human history, the "dead head" emblem was used in British, French, Finnish, Bulgarian, Hungarian, German, Austrian, Italian and Russian troops, mainly in cavalry, aviation, flamethrower, assault and tank units, in special forces of the US Army and etc. In the German states of Prussia and Braunschweig there have long existed cavalry and infantry units with emblems in the form of a skull and bones on headdresses. Since the middle of the 18th century, death symbols have become especially popular in the armies of Western Europe. Thus, the foundation of the form of the later Russian, Czech, Germanic and others was laid. "Shock parts".

Prussian hussar

For the first time as an element of military uniform, it began to be used from the middle of the 18th century in the shock hussar regiments of the Prussian army of Frederick the Great (“hussars with a dead head” - “Totenkopfhusaren”). The uniform of the Prussian hussars: black chikchirs, dolman and mentic, a black myrliton cap (Fluegelmuetze) with a silver skull and bones, symbolizing the mystical unity of war and death on the battlefield.

The symbolism of "death-immortality" appears around the 18th century in the British army, namely, in the 17th Uhlan regiment, in memory of General Wolfe, who was killed in the war with the French in Quebec in 1759. In 1855, during the Crimean War, after the suicidal attack of the British light-horse brigade, exterminated by the fire of the Russian infantry and artillery (and therefore referred to in British military sources as the "attack in the Valley of Death") in the battle of Balaklava, the emblem of the "dead head" received an additional sound ... The skull and bones were superimposed on the crossed lancers' peaks, resting on a ribbon with the inscription "DEAD OR GLORY" - that is, "DEATH OR GLORY" (after a while the peaks were removed from the emblem, but the skull and bones remained).

Fought against French invaders until the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 "Black Legion" Duke of Brunswick had as an emblem "Adam's head" (from which the skull with bones of the "Brunschweig type" originates). "Death's head" was the emblem "Hussar of death" (houssards de la mort) of French royalist emigrants who fought against the revolutionary regime, including in the ranks of the Russian troops.

Use of the symbol in the Russian Imperial Army

Badge of the 5th Hussar of Alexandria Her Imperial Majesty Sovereign Empress Alexandra Feodorovna regiment

In the Russian Imperial Army, the symbolism of "death-immortality" was first used during the Patriotic War of 1812 in one of the cavalry regiments of the Petersburg militia, called "Deadly" or "Immortal" regiment. On the headdresses of the ranks of this unit, a silver skull was attached over the crossed bones. This symbol, as the name of the regiment itself implies, (at least in relation to the Russian troops) was used not so much as a symbol of death, but rather as a symbol of immortality.

The coat of arms on headdresses in the form of a skull and bones was officially established by Sovereign Emperor Nicholas II at the beginning of the 20th century for one of the regular regiments of the Russian cavalry - the Alexandria Hussar Regiment. The 1st Squadron of Her Majesty of the 5th Hussar Regiment of Alexandria had a badge "all black with a silver Adam's head (regimental emblem), with a frame of silver hussar braid"; 2nd Squadron - badge "all black, with a silver Adam's head."

"Baklanovsky badge"

"Skull and Bones" also adorned the caps of the caps of the 4th Mariupol Hussar Regiment and the black badge of the 17th Donskoy ("Baklanovsky") Cossack Regiment. According to the "Military Encyclopedia" Sytin (1915), once in the fortress of Grozny, General Ya. P. Baklanov, who became very popular in Russia thanks to his exploits in the Caucasus, "" on occasion "received an unknown from whom, and from where the parcel. When it was opened, it contained a black silk badge ”(as“ small flags ”have long been called in the Russian army). This badge was embroidered with a white "Adam's head" (skull and bones), framed with a motto repeating the concluding words of the Christian Creed: "Tea for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the century to come. Amen". Baklanov did not part with him until the end of his life. "

A monument was erected at the hero's grave at the Novodevichy cemetery in St. Petersburg on voluntary donations (the general died in poverty and was buried at the expense of the Don army). The monument depicted "a rock on which a burka and a papakha were thrown, a black" Baklanovsky "badge was pulled out from under the papakha.

Use of the symbol during World War I

Badge of the Kornilov shock regiment

In the Russian army during the First World War, the emblem of the "Adam's Head" was used in Russian military aviation. It was decided to establish, as an additional reward, or insignia, for the pilots who shot down enemy airplanes, the St. George's bar, on which skulls with crossbones mark the number of destroyed aircraft: dozens of gold skulls, units of silver skulls. Many of these projects have come true, similar signs have survived, as well as others, in the form of a "dead head" superimposed on the propeller of the aircraft.

This symbol was also used in the shock units of the Russian army during the 1917 revolution (the most famous were the Kornilovsky shock regiment and the Women's Combat Team (Battalion) of Death by Maria Bochkareva, who defended the Winter Palace from the Bolsheviks in October 1917), for which in the summer of 1917, a special sign was even instituted in the form of a skull with bones on a black and red ribbon.

In the German army, from September 1918, the emblem of the "Adam's head" was applied to all tanks (including captured ones).

Use of the symbol during the Russian Civil War

Red sailors with the flag "Death to the Bourgeois" Strike squad

During the Civil War, the death's head was used by both sides, but more often by whites. Whites combined in their symbolism "skull and bones" with an expression of willingness to die for their cause. For example, on the banner of the Tsarskoye Selo death battalion, decorated with a "dead head", it was written: "Better death than death of the Motherland." On the banners of the Reds, the "head of death" was encountered less frequently and was usually combined with the threat to destroy one's enemy ("Death to the bourgeoisie", "... to the enemies of the working people", "... to counter-revolutionaries", etc.). [ source not specified 1813 days]

In the White Army, in addition to the already mentioned Kornilovites, many other similar units were formed: Drozdovites, Markovites, Annenkovites, soldiers of the Western Volunteer Army of General Prince Avalov (Bermondt), detachments of Ataman Bulak-Balakhovich, Don Cossacks-Gundorians, ranks of the Iron Brigade of Czechoslovakia , drummers of General Gaida, soldiers of the Siberian assault brigade of Colonel Pepelyaev and many others. In their symbolism, there was certainly a "dead head" - as a symbol of death and resurrection. Moreover, the same idea was often expressed in the black-and-white color "schematic" range of military uniforms of the White Guard units - on shoulder straps, caps, hats, badges and sleeve shields, awards, banners, rings and badges. To emphasize your "Crusader-monastic" character, whites often used in their symbolism a white Orthodox or Maltese "cavalier" ("knightly") cross, and the Markovites even wore black rosary-ladders on their belts. Sometimes it was combined with the face of Christ, as on the banner of the “Women's Death Battalion” by Maria Bochkareva.

Cheka employees used this emblem. A photograph of the demonstration of the Petrograd Chekists under the slogan: "Death to the bourgeoisie and its henchmen, long live the red terror!"... Describing the attempts of the Odessa Chekist to recruit captured officers for Soviet service, the foreman of the Ukrainian Galician Army Yarich-Zapilsky described:

On the banner of the anarcho-communists, Batka Makhno also depicted a "dead head" and an inscription was placed: "Death to all, hto on a pirishkodi dobutya vilnosti to the working people". ("Death to everyone who prevents the working people from gaining freedom").

Austin armored car of the White Counter-Revolutionary Detachment with the "Death's Head" emblem. 1919

Use of the symbol during the revolution in Germany

Soon after the end of the First World War, the surrender of Germany and the outbreak of the November Revolution of 1918, the emblem of the "head of the death" was depicted on the uniforms of the soldiers of the volunteer corps mobilized by the republican government of Friedrich Ebert, Philip Scheidemann and Gustav Noske to fight the German Bolshevik-Spartacists.

Use of the symbol in Italy

In Italy, the unofficial head-death symbolism was in the Arditi, an elite assault unit of the Royal Army that emerged in World War I. Moreover, the image of the symbol differed from the generally accepted one. The crossbones under the skull were missing, and the skull itself held a dagger in its teeth - the Arditi's main melee weapon and symbol. Sometimes the skull was decorated with a laurel wreath. The same symbol migrated from arditi to squadrists (predecessors of the black shirts). However, by the mid-1920s, the symbol was practically supplanted by the official lictor fascia and forgotten. Only in 1943, when recreating the 10th fleet of the IAU under the National Republican Army, was the official symbolism used in the form of a skull holding a rose in its teeth.

Use of the symbol during World War II

During World War II, the badge was used by soldiers of the 1st Cossack Cavalry Division, later the 15th (14th) Cossack Cavalry Corps of General Helmut von Pannwitz and other Cossack units and subdivisions of the German Wehrmacht, and later by the SS troops (for example, 3rd Panzer Division SS "Totenkopf"). This emblem was also used by Panzerwaffe tankers, regardless of whether they were part of the SS troops or not.

Skull on the keel of an American fighter Emblem of the 3rd SS Panzer Division

Modern use of the symbol

The head of the head continues to be a military emblem and is used by units of a number of states. Also, a skull with bones is often used by mercenaries in various conflicts. This symbol is also used by some modern neo-Nazi organizations. For motorcycle riders (bikers), the skull is considered a symbol that brings victory, also symbolizes protection from death. [ source not specified 1209 days] It is the world symbol of the Pirate Party.

Designation of hazardous material in the hazardous materials information system in the workplace Label with the words "Poison!" Used in Soviet pharmacies in the 1930s

Dead head as a symbol of danger

The image of a human skull is often used as a warning sign for deadly hazards, such as toxic materials in chemical production, high voltage electrical currents, pharmaceuticals, and so on.

Death's head in character sets

The Unicode code for the skull and bones character is U + 2620 (☠). The HTML code is ☠.

Illustrations

Adam's head on the Greek monastic schema

Warriors in monastic schemas. Viktor Vasnetsov, "Peresvet and Oslyabya"

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  Traditional pirate flag

A dead head on a German military headdress. Prussian Field Marshal August von Mackensen.

On the flag, the museum of the city of Gulyaypole. "Death to everyone who hinders the freedom of the working people."

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  02.12.1918-21.06.1940, Patch of the partisan battalion of Yu. Kuperyanov, Estonia

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  from 1941, Flag of the Serbian nationalist Chetnik movement. For the King and the Fatherland. Freedom or death.

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  Hat badge "Death's head" of tank troops until 1945, from 1934 to 1945, the first version of the "SS-Dead head".

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  Death's head on an SS cap

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  Hat sign "SS-Death's Head", second version from 1934 to 1945

Symbols of the 10th IAS flotilla

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  Aircraft of the American squadron VF-84

Toxic Material Warning Label

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  Mine warning sign

The skull is:

Skull Means the transitory nature of life, the vanity of the worldly, death, memento mori, the moon, ghosts, the death of the sun, the gods of the dead, time. On the other hand, the skull is a symbol of the vitality contained in the head. The crossbones skull means death, and the shinbones also symbolize the vitality that is contained in the loins. The crossbones skull was depicted on the pirate flag. Alchemy: together with the raven and the grave, the skull is a symbol of blackening (nigredo) and mortification - the first stage of the Little Work, the principle earth to earth; means death to the world, and, moreover, that which experiences death, and therefore serves as a reminder of life and transformation. Buddhism (Tantra): A skull filled with blood symbolizes renunciation of life. The emblem of Yama, the god of the dead, and Tara in her dark aspect. Christianity: vanity of the worldly, mental contemplation of death; hermits emblem. The skull and cross is eternal life after the death of Christ on Calvary; the place of the skull, where, according to legend, the skull of Adam was buried. Emblem of St. Francis of Assisi, Jerome, Mary Magdalene, Paul. Greco-Roman tradition: attribute of Kronos (Saturn) as the personification of Time. Hinduism: a skull filled with blood means renunciation of life; attribute of Kali (Durga). Maya: along with the skeleton, the skull is a symbol of the god of death and the underworld.

Dictionary of symbols. 2000.

Skull tattoo: what does this tattoo mean?

The first tattoos appeared in the ancient, now non-existent Indian tribes and in Ancient Egypt. Archaeologists have found tattoos on the embalmed bodies of emperors, high officials and other people. Drawings on the body divided the population by caste, social status, in some cases, generic tattoos were applied, denoting a relationship to a particular tree. In the ancient Indian and African tribes there was a cult of drawing on the body the image of their totem animal - a wolf, a falcon, a fox, a snake and other animals.

Skull Tattoo

Skull tattoos are very popular because they have many meanings in the occult and in various ideologies. Most often, such a drawing is applied to remind that no one is eternal and that we all will someday die. Simply put, the skull is a symbol of death. In some occult directions, a similar pattern, on the contrary, is a symbol of immortality.

Tattoo "Skull" in ideologies

And yet, let's consider what the Skull tattoo is. Its meaning in many ideologies can be deciphered as "devoted to this system of views until his death." In this case, he is often depicted with cobwebs, mainly on the shoulder and elbow or chest. Skinheads and Nazis have the Skull tattoo - a symbol of hatred, a sign of readiness to kill in the name of their ideology. One of the variants of the "fidelity tattoo" is a skull with roses, knives and brass knuckles.

Also, this picture is one of the favorite symbols of punks. Tattoo "Skull" on the shoulder, chest, back or arm of such a person means the phrase Punk not death ("Punk will never die"). The adherents of this subculture firmly believe that their ideology will always live, despite the fact that it is still young enough.

What does the Skull tattoo mean in the underworld? Such a tattoo, or rather a tattoo, is often stuffed with large thieves with a thirst for power. Still such representatives of criminality are called thieves in law.

Even the military sometimes uses the "Skull" tattoo. The value of such a tattoo in people in uniform can often be attributed to the type of troops. For example, the US intelligence services have a skull emblem with wings and lightning. Therefore, many officers who are dedicated to the work stamp this image on their bodies.

What does a tattoo mean in the occult?

In some religions, a skull with bones (like on a pirate flag) is a symbol of absolution and cleansing of the soul. Therefore, supporters of such religious views were tattooed "Skull". They did this as a sign that they had forgiven all their sins and started life from scratch.

Another spiritual meaning of the Skull tattoo is the memory of a deceased relative or loved one. Then a rose and a ribbon with a name are added to the main element. Such a symbol is often stamped “under the heart”, in the lower part of the left half of the chest.

Sometimes people tattoo their bodies with their zodiac signs. One of the signs is supplemented with a skull. Specifically, cancer. What does such a tattoo mean? It is a symbol of masculinity. It is usually applied to the chest, it is a "magnet" for attracting success and strength.

The symbol of wisdom and immortality is considered a tattoo in the form of a skull, from the eye socket of which a snake crawls out. Sometimes the reptile can wrap around the main element.

Lovers of gambling stuff skulls with bones (for backgammon) or dominoes. Such a tattoo also suggests that life is a game with a sad end. Or it could be a reminder that fun with death is very dangerous.

In Indian tribes, a skull applied to the body is considered a talisman. The Indians believe that this symbol should confuse death. She decides that the person is already dead and just walks by. Nowadays, racers and motorcyclists use this technique, applying skulls and bones to their equipment and vehicles.

Conclusion

Now you know what a skull tattoo on an arm, leg or other part of the body means. As you can see, in fact, every tattoo, be it a chanterelle or a card, has many meanings. It is impossible to say for sure, exactly what this or that drawing symbolizes. First of all, a person creates the meaning himself when he decides to apply an image to his body. For some, the skull on the shoulder is just a drawing, but for others it is a whole story. If you stuff yourself a bird, then someone may see this as a symbol of freedom, and you have put the meaning of beauty in it.

In any case, the main thing is to remember about safety, so avoid applying tattoos and portacas in non-sterile places.

How. for example, at the grave of A. N. Radishchev's wife.

Lyudmila chaika

On the gravestones this symbol is depicted to ensure the possibility of salvation and rebirth in the Kingdom of God.
The dead head (German Totenkopf), the Adam's head (head) is a symbol of death and at the same time fearlessness in front of her face in the form of a skull with bones (usually white or silver on a black background). The skull and bones, as the most resistant to decay, that is, decomposition, and the least destructible organic tissue, in most ancient cultures have long symbolized the ability for bodily rebirth, vitality and strength of mind, by no means being, contrary to widespread misconception, a symbol intimidation, destruction and death. This dark meaning was invested in it only by the anarchists [source not specified 149 days] and the Bolsheviks during the October Revolution, the subsequent period of the “Red Terror” and the civil war of 1917-1922 in Russia.
"Death's Head" is close to the pirate symbol "Jolly Roger".
The skull with crossed bones in Russian culture has a stable name "Adam's head" (or head) and has a Christian origin. According to legend, the ashes of Adam were on Golgotha, where the Crucifixion of Christ took place. According to the Orthodox teaching, the blood of Christ washed, by the providence of God, the skull of Adam and in his person all of mankind from sinful filth, thus granting the possibility of salvation. Thus, the head of Adam has the symbolic meaning of deliverance from death and salvation in the Christian sense.
The image of the skull is included in many versions of the Crucifixion or the Cross, for example, it is applied to the Orthodox monastic schema. The legendary schema warriors Peresvet and Oslyabya took part in the Battle of Kulikovo under the signs of the Cross with the instruments of passion and the skull of Adam.
The head of the head continues to be a military emblem and is used by units of a number of states. Also, a skull with bones is often used by mercenaries in various conflicts. This symbol is also used by some modern neo-Nazi organizations, for example Format 18. For motorcycle racers (bikers), the skull is considered a symbol of victory. And also symbolizes protection from death.

About the cross and the skull?

At the entrance to the Temple, there is a large wooden cross at the gate, lined with stones at the bottom, a skull beaten on one of the stones? What for? What does it mean?

Prima donna natalie ™

Christian tradition connects Golgotha \u200b\u200bwith the burial place of the first man, Adam. Origen wrote about this, saying that on the Execution Ground, where the Jews crucified Jesus, the body of Adam rested, and the shed blood of the Savior washed the bones of Adam, reviving the whole human race in his face.

In Orthodox iconography, an ancient tradition has developed to depict the skull of Adam at the foot of Mount Golgotha \u200b\u200bon the icons of the crucifixion of Christ. Sometimes, near the head of Adam, they depict the crossed bones of the hands lying in front of it: right on left, as in burial or communion.

The word "Golgotha" itself means "skull", "place of execution" (Greek "Golgotha", from Aram. Gulgalta, Heb. Gulgolet - skull; compare Latin. Calvarium, Russian. Place of execution).

"The Physician was lifted up on the tree where the sick man lay" (Augustine). In the "Cave of Treasures", a Syrian composition of the 7th century. , it is said that Noah took the body of Adam from the grave and saved him from the flood in his ark; then Shem, the son of Noah, brought the remains of the first man to Jerusalem and buried them on Calvary, which was considered the center of the earth. Subsequently, Jesus was crucified on this hill, and when the centurion Longinus pierced his side with a spear, blood and water flowed down to the grave of Adam; thus, Adam was baptized with water, and with the blood of Christ received eternal life. This legend is illustrated on the mosaic of the 11th century Byzantine church. in Daphni (near Athens): here it is depicted how the blood of a crucified person is poured onto the skull of Adam, who from this awakens to life and raises his hands in prayer. In some Orthodox churches, including the Russian one, an iconographic tradition has developed of depicting a cross standing on a kind of ledge or podium, inside which is a human skull with crossed bones underneath. In Russia, these images were accompanied by the abbreviation: G. G. - "Mount Golgotha" and G. A. - "the head of Adam". During the time of the Crusaders, the chapel of Adam appeared in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It was built under the chapel of the Crucifixion (station 11), where there is a crack in the rock, which is associated with the story of the Evangelist Matthew about the earthquake that happened at the time of Jesus' death on the cross. The first crusader leaders Gottfried of Bouillon and Baldwin I were also buried here (their remains were removed by the Greeks in 1809).

The blood of Christ washes the skull of Adam. Crucifixion of Christ. Fragment of the fresco by Fra Beato

"Skull" - the meaning and interpretation of the symbol The skull belongs to the category of the most gloomy and threatening symbols that cause involuntary awe among impressionable natures. In the deep gaps of empty eye sockets, in deathly yellowness, in a terrible motionless grin, a superstitious person dreamed of hidden Death, so the skull has long become a symbol of death and the frailty of life. However, the symbolism of the skull is not limited to these meanings. In many traditions, especially in the East, the skull was viewed as a container of spirit, vitality and intelligence. In the religion of many peoples of Europe, Asia and Africa, the symbolic meaning of the skull was closely associated with the construction sacrifice. In the era of the gloomy Middle Ages, there was a widespread belief that in order to ensure the strength of a structure being erected, it was necessary to make a bloody sacrifice to the gods or spirits of the earth. For this purpose, human sacrifices were used when laying castles, fortresses, cathedrals or bridges. Innocent children, beautiful women or just bystanders were buried alive in the ground or walled up in the walls of a building under construction. Echoes of this barbaric custom are heard in many medieval legends. According to one of them, the walls of Copenhagen collapsed several times during construction until a little girl was sacrificed. The child was seated at a table with sweets and toys, and while the unsuspecting child played and ate, the twelve masons folded the vault over him. An Italian legend tells that the bridge being built across the Artu River collapsed every now and then until the builder's wife was laid in it. During the construction of fortresses, the Slavic princes ordered to seize the first boy they came across and walled him up in a wall, and therefore, it was as if the fortresses of the Slavs were called Detintsy. These terrible legends, unfortunately, find confirmation in the chronicles. So, in one German chronicle, a record dated 1463 dispassionately tells of the inhabitants of Nogata, who decided to build a new dam. Wanting to strengthen it with a construction sacrifice, they watered one beggar to the point of feeling insensible, and then buried him in the foundation of the building. These examples allow us to understand why in the Middle Ages it was often mentioned about buildings standing on bones or on "dead heads". However, human sacrifices were made only in exceptional cases. Much more often, animals or birds were used as construction victims: bulls, horses, deer, roosters, etc. The ancient Germans, Slavs, Indians and other uncivilized peoples had the custom to crown their homes with the skulls of construction sacrifices, which served them as amulets from evil. For the same purpose, animal skulls were planted on the palisade surrounding the ancient settlement - it was believed that such a measure would protect its inhabitants from enemy attacks. In iconography, the skull is primarily a symbol of earthly vanity and frailty of life. The skull is an attribute of some hermit saints: Jerome, Romuald, Francis of Assisi, as well as the repentant sinner Mary Magdalene. Immersed in prayer, the saints carefully examine the skull lying in front of them or hold it in their hands - this spiritual exercise helps them to get rid of earthly vanity. Of particular importance in iconography is the symbolic image of the “head of Adam” - a skull with crossed hand bones, lying at the base of the Calvary cross. According to church legends, the first person buried on Golgotha, where Jesus Christ was later crucified, prophesied before his death: "In the place where I will be buried, the Word of God will be crucified and sprinkle my skull with its blood." Based on this legend, medieval icon painters often depicted drops of blood flowing from the wounds of Christ and falling on Adam's skull, which symbolized the washing away of his sin. Sometimes the skull of Adam was depicted upside down, in the form of a kind of bowl where the flowing blood of Christ accumulates. In this case, the head of Adam is actually identified with the Holy Grail. The skull filled with blood symbolized self-denial and atonement for sins in iconography. In the visual arts, the skull acts both as an independent symbol and as the main attribute of personified figures. All the same symbolism of the frailty of existence is conveyed in a cycle of paintings united by the Latin name “Vanitas” (vanity), where the skull illustrates the well-known expression “memento mori” (remember death). The skull as an attribute of the personified Melancholy sitting over an open book expresses the futility of her efforts to master knowledge and wisdom. A decrepit old man looking at a skull presents an allegorical figure of Old Age. In portraiture, the hand of the character placed on the skull indicates deep reverence for the deceased. The wreath crowning the skull eloquently testifies to the posthumous glory of the deceased. In Freemasonry, before the initiation ceremony, the bed was draped with a black cloth with images of skulls and crossbones. These images, as well as a lantern made from a skull, in which fire shone through the sockets of the eyes, were intended to remind the candidate of caution, non-vain behavior and fearlessness before the upcoming ordeal. In occultism, phrenology is engaged in the study of the structural features of the human skull - a science of which the French mystic Gall is considered the father. The theory of his follower, the Italian doctor Cesare Lombroso, on the peculiarities of the structure of the criminal's skull, gained great popularity in the second half of the 19th century. Having founded the school of criminal anthropology, Lombroso in 1876 published the book "A criminal man, studied on the basis of anthropology, forensic medicine and prison science", in which he tried to substantiate his conclusions. According to Lombroso, the skull of any criminal is abnormally developed, it looks more like the skulls of the lower prehistoric races. Killers are usually brachycephalic (short-headed), and thieves are dolichocephalic (long-headed), but both of them are characterized by an ugly skull, developed cheekbones and jaws, a narrow and sloping forehead, strongly protruding frontal tubercles and asymmetrically located eye sockets. Modern followers of Gall and J1 Ombroso continue to develop this "rich vein." Phrenologists are convinced that the structure of a person's skull can tell a lot about his character. Here are some of their observations: a narrow elongated skull speaks of curiosity and aptitude for science; the skull, squeezed above the temples and expanding at the jaws, betrays a person with low intelligence; a skull widening above the temples indicates a rich imagination and a penchant for mysticism. A convex nape distinguishes a person with developed mathematical abilities, and a flattened one - an egocentric and uncommunicative nature. The bulge in the middle or at the corners of the forehead is characteristic of philosophers, on the crown of the head - for politicians, in the center of the back of the head - for heartthrobs, etc. Crystal skulls, made with great skill, were used by Maya priests for their mysteries even in ancient times. Common Indians, terrified by them, considered these skulls to be the materialized embodiment of evil, which the priests magically keep in check. One of these amazing skulls is now kept in the British Museum, the other in the Paris Museum of Man. Both in antiquity and the Middle Ages, and in our days, all kinds of fortune tellers, soothsayers and clairvoyants, along with crystal balls and magic crystals, use crystal skulls in their rituals - a symbol of their power over otherworldly forces. In emblems, the skull is primarily a symbol of danger, designed to intimidate. In this sense, the skull emblem has been used for a long time. The image of a skull on a pirate flag with crossed tibia was present on the robes of the Spanish inquisitors, on pirate flags, on the emblems of many secret societies, whose secrets were not subject to disclosure, and those who broke the oath were punished with death. In military emblems, the image of a skull that distinguished punitive or elite units was placed on cockades, chevrons, tokens, medals, orders and regimental insignia. This emblem gained great popularity in the XX century - the era of the most brutal large-scale wars, characterized by the total destruction of not only enemy soldiers, but also civilians. For the White Guards, the skull emblem was depicted on the insignia of the Kornilov shock regiment and the Wrangel Russian corps; on the cross of Vermont-Avalov, on the “cross of the brave” ataman Bulak-Bulakovich, as well as on the sign of the equestrian division of Colonel Gershelman, where the skull with crossed bones was located under the crossed sabers. In 1935, the Nazis introduced the skull emblem for special SS units in charge of concentration camps, and in 1940 extended it to elite SS units, which have since received the name of the SS divisions "Death's Head". Since the second half of the 20th century, a frightening skull emblem with some minor elements - lightning, wings, etc. - began to use in their symbols "commandos" and paramilitary units of the US special services. In our country, the skull emblem, as a sign warning of danger, was used not by the military, but by the technical services. For this purpose, the skull was depicted on bottles with poisonous substances, in ammunition depots, and in combination with a zigzag of lightning, as a sign of dangerous voltage, on high-voltage poles and transformer boxes. In the history of ancient peoples, the skull has long been a symbol of the continuity of vital forces. The Celts brought the skulls of defeated enemies to their temples in order to subjugate the life force of the dead, and this example was followed by many other peoples who were at a lower stage of development. The same goal was pursued by some tribes of North American Indians, who had a custom of scalping captured enemies. The ancients also had a fairly widespread custom of making bowls from skulls. When a person drank from such a vessel, he, together with the drink contained in it, seemed to absorb the vital force stored in the skull. We can even find examples of such a barbaric custom from Russian history. The Laurentian Chronicle informs about the death of the famous Russian prince Svyatoslav Igorevich on the Dnieper rapids: “And smoking attacked him, prince of Pechenezh; and they killed Svyatoslav, and cut off his head, and made a cup out of the skull, bound the skull (with silver), and afterwards they drank from it. " The papal legate Guillaume de Rubruk, who headed the embassy to the Mongol kagan in 1253-1255, among other things, mentions the existence of a similar custom among the Tibetans, who made beautiful bowls from the skulls of deceased parents - thus they retained the memory of their ancestors and the continuity of generations. Over time, another function of skulls gradually comes to the fore, designed to intimidate an enemy that has not yet been defeated. In the Middle Ages, skulls began to be viewed as trophies that terrify the enemy, although echoes of previous beliefs persisted for quite some time. The skulls of executed enemies or criminals, impaled on stakes or placed in iron cages, were exhibited at the city gates for warning and intimidation. Sometimes real monumental structures were created from hundreds and thousands of skeletonized heads. One of these eerie monuments has survived to this day in Chichen Itza, the main city of the ancient Maya. This is Tsompantli, i.e. The Wall of Skulls made up of many thousands of heads severed during sacrifices. The wall is adorned with three rows of reliefs depicting many skulls mounted on long poles. However, to those who had to survive the invasion of Tamerlane's troops, the Mayan Skull Wall might seem like a mere trifle, because history did not know such a terrible "architect" who used severed heads or even living people as building material. After the capture of Baghdad, at the behest of the Iron Lamer, as Tamerlane was called, 120 huge pyramids were laid from the heads of the captives. The largest of them contained up to 70 thousand skulls. The same terrible picture could be observed in India after the fall of Delhi, and in Persia after the capture of Isfahan. Tamerlane gave a special "honor" to the rulers of the peoples he conquered: the "small pyramid" of their skulls supported the high throne of this monster in the palace of Samarkand. Apparently, the purpose of the "small pyramid" is twofold: firstly, all the former strength and power of the defeated rulers had to go to the inhuman ruler of the Central Asian state, and secondly, the ambassadors of foreign sovereigns who visited his court became involuntary instruments of politics Tamerlane. Talking about the horrors they saw, they thrilled their own rulers and spread the ominous glory of Tamerlane far beyond the borders of his empire.

Tattoos not only adorn the body, but also have a certain meaning for the owner, carry a special meaning. What does the image of a skull mean?

general information

The skull is a human bone, and for many, of course, it is associated with death. And this is actually so, but in different cultures the end of worldly life is regarded differently. So, there are many practices that involve the transition of a person's soul after his death to another state, another world or another substance.

That is, death can be deciphered not only as the end, but also as rebirth, the beginning of something new and unknown. And it is these views that have determined the modern interpretations of tattoos depicting a skull.

Who is it for?

Who is a skull tattoo suitable for? Many people think that such an image is intended for a man, as it is quite brutal and even frightening. Moreover, the owner must certainly be tough or even cruel, gloomy.

But often such drawings are applied by young guys, moreover, as they say, “easy-going”, risky, liberated or gambling, and this is associated with some interpretation options.

The skull may well suit a girl if it is depicted not intimidating, but in a softer, elegant or even funny way.

The values

So what does a skull tattoo mean? Interpretations can be very different, and sometimes radically opposite. Here is some of them:

• For many, such an image is associated with death and reminds that everyone will someday die. On the one hand, it may seem pessimistic, but on the other, this is life. As a result, the skull becomes a symbol of the transience of life, the impermanence of being.
• Such a symbol can serve as a reminder that you need to live and enjoy life, because someday it will end. Often, those who choose such an image tend to try everything in order to regret what they did, and not what they did not have time to do.
• Bikers often wear skulls to protect them from death. Thus, they show that they encounter her almost every day and are not afraid of her.
• In the criminal world, skulls are usually applied to their bodies by thieves. And if the skull is, moreover, pierced with a dagger, then this suggests that the offender resisted the law enforcement agencies during the arrest, wounded one of the police officers, or vowed to take revenge on them.
• Many symbolize the skull as a threat, often deadly. For this reason, pirates adorned their flags with this image. And the owner of the tattoo may try to convey to others that jokes are bad with him, he is very dangerous.
• The skull can be seen as liberation from something, the acquisition of real freedom.
• Some people apply such an image for good luck and use it as a talisman or talisman. By the way, Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead, on which skulls can be seen everywhere. And Holy Death (as the patroness of the holiday is called) is asked for help, most often by criminals.
• The skull can be a symbol of male chauvinism, that is, extremely negative and radical views towards women, as well as the superiority and dominance of men.
• Such drawings are often used by fraudsters, card players or simply gamblers, thereby showing that their life is always associated with a certain risk and can end at any time.
• The meaning of the skull can be associated with a symbol of bitter truth, forgiveness of one's enemies.
• If the skull is depicted with a rose, for example, in its teeth, then this suggests that the owner of the tattoo is carefree, not afraid of death, strives for constant movement, courage and drive. He is not worried about what will happen next, he lives in the present day. Also, a skull with a rose can be the personification of love and death, or the immortality of feelings.
• The image of the so-called "Jolly Roger" (or Adam's head) can be associated with the salvation of the soul and freedom from death.
• This drawing can be associated with immortality.
• A skull with a snake entwining it or crawling out of its eye socket can be regarded as wisdom. Such an image seems to indicate that its owner, even after death, will leave a mark on the earth and bequeath his experience to descendants.
• Skull with wings is the personification of freedom, carelessness, liberation from worldly affairs and routine.
• A skull with a crown is the pursuit of power and power.
• The skull of a goat or other horned animal, surprisingly, symbolizes vitality and abundance.
• A crow on a skull will certainly bring destruction.

A few tips for those who cannot yet decide on such an unusual tattoo:

1. First, choose a suitable place to apply. If you want your beautiful tattoo to remain invisible, then make it, for example, on the back or ankle. If, on the contrary, you want to demonstrate the drawing, then apply it to your hand. Often such tattoos are done on the calves or thighs. And some choose the back. But it is not recommended to put such an image on the chest, since it is believed that only the most intimate should be near the heart.
2. Even the darkest tattoo will be made more lively and interesting by bright colors, so add some rich colors to the skull, and it will be perceived in a completely different way!
3. To choose the appropriate option, you can study the examples presented on the Internet or in catalogs of tattoo artists.

Now you know everything about such a tattoo!

The skull is one of those tattoos that give people some mixed feelings. In general, the meaning of a skull tattoo is associated with danger, death and the awareness of the transience of human life. As a rule, not everyone cares about such topics, and not all people are pleased to discuss them.

The crossbones skull was a famous pirate symbol, and in ancient times caused instant fear and horror in people. Skull tattoos are often inflicted on themselves by gamblers-scammers, whose lives are associated with constant risk and cruel luck; for such people, the skull tattoo has to some extent become a symbol of despair.

The skull tattoo is a symbol of truth, the bitter truth of time, which destroys and kills everything.... Also, such a tattoo can be a symbol of forgiveness and sacrifice. This meaning comes to us from the depths of Christianity, legend says that after the suffering death on the cross of Jesus - the Son of God, his blood flowed along the cross into the ground and washed the skull of Adam - the first man. Thus, Jesus atoned for the original sin of Adam and Eve by his death. Therefore, all the icons of the crucifixion under the cross depict a skull with crossed bones - the grave of Adam.

Some Buddhist sects use the skulls of people as an amulet, constantly reminding them that life is sacred. The ancient Celts, wandering almost all over Europe, believed that the skull contains the immortal soul of a person. Therefore, they kept the skulls of their glorious ancestors and brave warriors and treated them with extreme caution, it was believed that having someone's skull possesses both its strength and dignity.

The skull can symbolize not only death, but also immortality. If the tattoo depicts a skull with a snake crawling out of the eye socket, she symbolizes immortality and wisdom, and says that our knowledge and experience remain on earth after our death.

The generally accepted meaning of the skull is death, decay, the end of earthly joys, but on the other hand, the meaning of a skull tattoo says - "life is short" and says that there is no need to brag about your life and waste time. For modern bikers (as well as for the American Indians), the skull in the tattoo is a protection against playful death, and a reminder to take everything from life.

Skull images are quite popular in Mexico, it is there that the festival of death is celebrated every year, and this is not a sad holiday at all, this is a day on which people try to get the most out of life. Their skull symbolizes the beginning of a new life, rebirth and reincarnation.

As a conclusion, it must be said that every person who makes a skull tattoo puts his own special meaning into it. For some, this may be a memory of the death of a loved one, but for others it may be a symbol of hatred and blind rage. Therefore, the skull can be called a fairly universal symbol for a tattoo.