Momento mori is a Latin phrase that translates to ‘Remember death’, or, ‘Remember you must die’. This phrase derives from the Latin Christian religion dating back to the Medieval Times. This expression came from the theory and practices of the mortality of life that we live. When thinking of death, one may associate that with feeling alone or afraid. This term however is supposed to demonstrate the fact that everyone and everything eventually dies. It is the most natural part of life so be triumphant over the idea instead. Memento mori is another reminder to oneself to live every day to the fullest because you never know when your time may come.
Memento Mori Designs
Has always held its spot in the artistic world as well as the religious and ancient Latin language. The reminder that we are all, but mortal is an exultant and joyful thought. We play our role in the universe the best we can, and we pass on to perhaps another dimension, be it Heaven or Hell. The phrase Memento Mori could be tattooed and used as a graphic in many different ways. Often seen is just the two words themselves, when getting the tattoo of just the words ‘Memento Mori’. Placement is key. Popular spots to get this would be across the chest, leading up the forearm, or going down your side of your rib cage. Depending on what kind of text you want, this is usually done in a Latin word font style of writing. Cursive writing of ‘Momento Mori’ is another style.
Not only can you get the words spelt out, a lot of those who have this inked on their skin get an image along with it. More than often, these images depict death. Different designs of skulls are an example. Written in script, the words flow around or above/below the skull. This kind of scripture-like affect goes well with not just a memento mori tat, but basically any image you can think of. The skull image doesn’t always have to be a human skull. Animal skulls such as cows and bulls are popular graphics as well.
The image of an hour glass with the sand trickling through the glass body is an image that reflects time in constant motion. As time goes by, we all get older, the older we get the sooner we are to death. The phrase ‘Memento Mori’ along with a graphic of an hourglass signifies just that. This tattoo is often seen somewhere on the upper arm. To add onto the idea of time passing through the hour glass, putting wings of some sort whether they be angelic wings or the wings of a demon, this is a great piece to get on your chest. The hour glass placed in the middle of your sternum with the wings spread across your chest. Written on the hour glass the phrase ‘Memento Mori’.
The passerine bird the raven, even the close relative, the crow, have often been used as signs of death. The Native Americans believed that the symbol of the raven was a symbol of balance, the good and the bad within someone. Getting a tattoo of a raven or a crow with ‘Memento Mori’ sketched across the bird is more of an ominous and artistic kind of way to get this tattoo inked. You like the idea of a skull and the bird? Many people have combined all three of the images together, maybe even adding in a flower of some sort, most often a rose being held in the bird’s mouth for a bit of a romantic deathly flair.*
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