Human Skull Symbolism

Skulls have different meaning to different people. Some people perceive them to be negative, evil or demonic, but to a lot of people the meaning is completely different. When you see a skull, you should not rush to judgment or assume it represents a symbol of death. The symbolism of skulls to many include: protection, strength, power, fearlessness, wisdom and guidance, overcoming death, surviving through a difficult time, or even immortality. Winged skulls can represent mortality beyond death and skulls are the main symbol of the Mexican holiday "Day of the Dead" or Da de los Muertos in Spanish. This holiday is similar to "All Saints Day" when family and friends gather to pray for, and to remember loved ones who have died. The skull and crossbones symbol to many symbolizes rebirth or a gateway to a higher realm of understanding achievable only through spiritual death and rebirth.

In Celtic culture, the skull is believed to be the seat of power and the house of the soul. In ancient and primitive cultures skulls were believed to ward off evil or illness and wearing skulls would insure protection and well-being. Other cultures and religions have their beliefs as well, and of course, some people simply think skulls are cool and don't symbolize anything at all.