Getting a tattoo is generally a personal or spiritual decision intended to show devotion or enlightenment to the outside world. The wearer should take seriously tattoos of a religious style, but what does the meaning of a Santa Muerte tattoo signify?
A Santa Muerte tattoo indicates devotion, loyalty, and adoration of the saint of the afterlife and death. The wearer believes that a Santa Muerte tattoo protects them from evil and enemies. People outside of the religious cult generally do not wear the Santa Muerte tattoo.
Unless you’re part of the followers of Santa Muerte, you may consider getting a tattoo of this style if you’re drawn to it for different reasons. Santa Muerte tattoos are generally elaborate with many details, but let’s examine the meaning of this tattoo in general.
The Santa Muerte and its symbolism in tattoos
The Santa Muerte is a very popular figure in Mexican culture. It has several meanings and symbolizes different things, with some people finding it to be a powerful supernatural figure to whom they can pray for things like love, money, and health, as well as negative things for others. The belief in the Santa Muerte is very intense, and as with many other similar beliefs, many people choose to carry it on their skin.
Santa Muerte tattoos typically represent protection in most cases and are used as a way to signify friendship, devotion, and connection to death. Some also point out that the figure is used by drug traffickers or criminals to protect themselves from the risks associated with that lifestyle.
The Meaning of Santa Muerte Tattoos
When choosing a design for a tattoo, it’s essential to know the meanings behind it, although the true meaning is ultimately up to the individual. For this reason, we believe it’s crucial to explore the main meanings of Santa Muerte tattoos:
For the Aztecs, the Santa Muerte represented individuals who were missing half of their soul, symbolizing the duality of life and disappearance. Today, the meaning of these tattoos varies depending on the part of the body where they are placed.
A Santa Muerte tattoo on the back signifies security for the wearer, as the saint can see and prevent threats that the wearer cannot. Tattoos of the S. Muerte on the arms symbolize quality and power, and the wearer asks the saint to strengthen them to bear their burdens and defeat their adversaries. Those who place this image on their feet hope that the saint will guide them on the path to well-being, economic improvement, and love. Individuals who get this tattoo on their hands need to convey solidity and correct decision-making in any aspect of life or situation they face.
Not only is the part of the body where the tattoo is placed associated with the meaning, but also the elements with which it is combined. For example, a S. Muerte adorned with roses symbolizes that despite the saint’s rough nature, she can also succumb to the deepest feelings, such as love, and thus honors love.
Color also has a significant meaning in S. Muerte tattoos. For instance, the color red implies a charge of violence and danger, and those who wear this color want to instill fear and terror. However, there’s another interpretation, associating red with protection, passion, lust, pleasure, and vitality.
These are just some of the main and most recognized meanings of this type of tattoo, but keep in mind what we mentioned at the beginning: only you can give the true meaning to the design you wear on your body.
Why do people get a Santa Muerte tattoo?
People from different cultures get tattoos for personal, religious, or commemorative reasons. For religious reasons, it’s generally about showing devotion and loyalty to the saint of death.
Those who practice the Santa Muerte religion proudly display their Santa Muerte tattoos on their back, shoulders, chest, or forearms.
There’s a certain enthusiasm for the saint of death, even among people who don’t belong to this religious cult, perhaps due to its impact value or because they like the style. There’s a clear similarity between Santa Muerte tattoos and those of the Catholic Virgin Mary, and both are at the center of the cult.
A Mexican saint not very Catholic
It’s true that the history of the Santa Muerte is a bit mysterious, except for its roots, which come from Mexico and the rest of Latin America. Only recently has the saint become an important figure for millions of people in Central and South America, and even in parts of North America. However, the Vatican has issued a statement distancing the Catholic faith from the saint of death.
In 2013, it even called the cult “blasphemy against the religion.” However, this has not prevented the popularity of the Santa Muerte from growing exponentially. Its most famous sanctuary is located in the heart of Mexico City.
Of course, it was only a matter of time before people turned Our Lady of the S.Muerte into body art. In fact, at the end of the article, you can see some tattoos dedicated to the Santa Muerte. Some people really like the idea of using their entire back to represent a tattooed sanctuary in honor of the Mexican Parca.
The Santa Muerte is a sect of its own, separate from other religions. However, according to the Huffington Post, the Mexican Santa Muerte is not necessarily interested in people dedicating themselves completely to her. In fact, some followers of the Muerte continue to actively practice other religions at the same time. Most images of the Santa Muerte represent her as a skeleton with the robes of a saint.
While the proportion of practicing Catholics continues to decline, the number of followers of La Santa Muerte is actually increasing. “It has between 10 and 12 million followers and has only been popular for 12 years,” said Andrew Chestnut, author of the book Devoted to Death: Santa Muerte, the Skeleton Saint, in an interview with Vice magazine.
You can’t deny that this saint is spooky, and your parents probably wouldn’t approve of you getting a tattoo of this saint of death.
Part of the Mexican folklore surrounding La Santa Muerte holds that she is the most effective and quickest saint to respond to prayers, but this service comes with a price. La Santa Muerte will respond to your prayers, but only if you make a promise. If you don’t fulfill your promise, there will be severe consequences, such as the death of a loved one.
After decades as a marginal saint, La Santa Muerte is experiencing a resurgence and has become rooted in the general consciousness of Mexicans, South Americans, and even Catholics. The jump to the mainstream has frightened the Catholic Church so much that its officials are seeking ways to push La Santa Muerte into obscurity. The Catholic Church has taken a firm stance. La Muerte is a satanic cult.
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
