76 Illuminating And Meaningful Memento Mori Tattoo Ideas That Make Life Worth Living
Although tattoos are usually the hub for one to make use of their creative measures, many also lean on using tattoos to adopt positive habits, while also acknowledging their limited existence in this life. One of the ringleaders among the former demographic is a Memento Mori tattoo, a Latin phrase that moves mountains.
Though it started off as a theme in Christianity, the value that the phrase “Memento Mori” holds in this day and age not only caters to the former, but also those practicing stoicism.
Being a popular saying in mainstream media, the phrase “Memento Mori” also has quite the following in the world of art, being used for growth and gratitude, among others. To learn everything that shapes Memento Mori tattoos and their purpose as a graphic, be sure to give this guide a read!
A Reality Check: Diving Into The Meaning Of Memento Mori Tattoos
@ax.dover
While the term “Memento Mori” translates to “Remember That You Must Die” in Latin, it carries multiple faces in the world of art. Nonetheless, if your main aim is to obtain a Memento Mori tattoo that speaks volumes on the inside, don’t forget to toggle through the following segments, carrying the meaning behind Memento Mori tattoos.
Remember You Must Die
The first interpretation mirrors the original phrase itself, reminding us of the finite time we spend in life. It isn’t used as a token of encouragement, pushing us to our limits. Rather, it’s used to remind us that we, much like every other being in this life, are not invincible. Additionally, we’re not immortal.
While the former message enables users to remain humble, it also serves as a promising message for those taking life for granted.
You Only Live Once
We only have one life, which is exactly what Memento Mori tattoos imply. It’s not done to instill a sense of fear in us regarding death, but to make the most of each day.
Having a Memento Mori tattoo forces users to enforce positive change in their lives, while also allowing them to be assertive about what they want in this life.
Moving With Purpose
It’s okay to wing it when you’re in between a rock and a hard place. In fact, at times, being on autopilot can be more helpful than processing your emotions and dealing with the issues.
Nonetheless, since you only have one life to do everything, setting goals and making each step count can be two solid ways to ensure you die without dealing with the pain of regret.
Purposeful Memento Mori Tattoo Designs That Push For Substantial Growth In Life
@morettotattoos
It’s never too late to learn. Therefore, if you believe that this isn’t the life that aligns with your purpose, start fresh before you run out of time.
That said, if all you need is a push or a token of encouragement that will supply your mind with positivity during growing times, allow the following Memento Mori tattoos to not just serve as concepts you can adopt, but also help you find the emblem that aligns with your purpose!
Minimalist Memento Mori Tattoo: The Start Of Something New
@rydelreib_tattoo
Due to containing nothing but words, you don’t exactly have to add anything else to a Memento Mori tattoo. In fact, if all you need is a companion that helps you live up to your potential, even a minimal piece should do.
Those finding meaning in the former statements will surely find this minimalist Memento Mori design helpful, as it keeps things simple, focusing more on the metaphorical value of the phrase.
Versatility is a specialty of this design, too, as it can be worn almost anywhere, from the bicep to the rib.
Memento Mori Angel Wing Tattoo: Protected By Guardians
@paolainkart
Change might be the only constant in life, but enforcing change while forgoing parts of yourself is easier said than done.
A great way to make ends meet while also remaining calm and collected is by surrounding the phrase with the wings of an angel, which will handle your vulnerability when you feel like a shell of yourself.
Though the placement of the Memento Mori tattoo should be aligned with the wings, you can explore black and grey themes, as well as those with subtle coloring to slightly amp up the visuals.
Memento Mori Sun and Moon Tattoo: Finding The Perfect Balance
@didebergit
Though a Memento Mori tattoo should suffice if you’re seeking to change your ways, it’s important to remember that you can’t achieve everything that you put your mind to, as our time is finite.
To steer clear from entertaining the former delusion, you can very well pursue a Memento Mori sun and moon tattoo, which will help establish a sense of balance in everything.
Due to the sun and moon being a great alternative for a yin yang tattoo, this piece can also be a good way to embrace the bad just as much as the good, mainly since one doesn’t coexist without the other.
Memento Mori Icarus Tattoo: Free From Fear
@andrewintertattoo
When doing the right thing, it is completely normal to be afraid, even more so when the stakes are high.
However, don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from what you want to do in this life. Instead, wear a Memento Mori Icarus tattoo to tackle your feelings of insecurity.
To free yourself from the crippling anxiety induced by fear, adopt a Memento Mori Icarus tattoo, which will free you from the weight of expectations when entering a new chapter.
Memento Mori Fine Line Tattoo: Less Is More
@inkedbysmash
Pain isn’t a given when you’re committing to a tattoo. In fact, if you play your cards right, you might just find concepts that take it easy on your skin.
A prime example is this Memento Mori tattoo, which keeps things easy with a fine-line stencil. The graphic is pretty simple, too, pairing rather well with the pain-level of this design.
Once again, the canvas is as subjective as ever, since the stencil of this phrase can be adopted in any region, from private to aesthetically-pleasing locations.
Memento Mori Butterfly Tattoo: Embracing Transformation
@maz.ink.tattoos
Since the whole point of Memento Mori tattoos is to encourage one to challenge themselves in hopes of improvement, going through growing pains is a non-negotiable.
While you can turn to friends for support and words of encouragement, an emblem that can serve as an anchor is a Memento Mori butterfly tattoo, known for being an optimist.
Despite being labelled as unisex, this piece feels more appropriate for females, as butterflies often depict the challenges of womanhood.
Memento Mori Traditional Tattoo: A Call For Creative Minds
@badlittleyou
Though most variants shaping up the blueprint of Memento Mori tattoos gravitate towards simplicity and minimalism, one that moves in its own lane is a Memento Mori tattoo draped with a traditional theme.
With a traditional Memento Mori tattoo, one can truly make use of their creative potential, adding floral patterns, skulls, and emblems that pair well with the phrase.
The upkeep of this piece might be a bit more pricey than that of the average design, but should be worth it if you prioritize the visuals just as much as the sentiments.
Memento Mori Tarot Card Tattoo: Practicing Gratitude
@gigiebear
Due to the nature of life, partaking in self-reflection tends to be easier said than done at times. But if you feel that a source of reminder might help iron things out, take a Memento Mori tattoo under your wing.
If the phrase falls short of meeting your bar, consider wearing a Memento Mori tarot card tattoo, which mirrors the physicality's of the former to offer more framework and appeal.
Over time, pairing this design to form a sleeve tattoo should also be a walk in the park, especially since it won’t overshadow the characteristics of another.
Memento Mori Wrist Tattoo: A Beginner’s Recipe
@rikamortis
The wrist isn’t just the most accessible area for a tattoo. It also minimizes pain, while also keeping the stencil limited to a compact size.
Those seeking a pain-friendly yet delicate Memento Mori tattoo can easily indulge in this concept, which runs on simplicity. However, for a slight enhancement in the visuals, floral patterns can be added.
You can even express your perception of the design, using the Creation of Adam if you’d like to exercise your faith through this piece.
Memento Mori Neck Tattoo: Loud And Proud
@playink_jay
For visibility, you have to wear your Memento Mori tattoo on a surface where it appears more noticeable. But if you’re immune to pain, a neck tattoo shouldn’t be that bad.
Since Memento Mori is about making the most with the time you have left, there’s no doubt that it comes with challenges. To depict the adversity, however, the pain found in a neck tattoo should suffice.
Despite being compact, the circumference of the neck offers multiple options to place the piece, from the side of the neck to the back.
Memento Mori and Moth Tattoo: Making The Most Of Living
@roses.in.gloom
Since life is a ticking time bomb, you might have to act fast to check all the pending tasks on your bucket list. But to represent that notion with a Memento Mori tattoo, consider adding a moth next to it.
When fused together, the piece makes one wary of the finite time we have in this universe, while urging users to act fast on their instincts.
Though the moth isn’t nearly as hefty as some of the emblems the phrase joins forces with, it is effective in providing the spotlight to the phrase.
Memento Mori Skull Tattoo: Preparing For Death
@rbitrary
You can’t escape death, nor live forever. But don’t be disheartened.
Instead, accept the inevitability of death, while also being assertive about your purpose in this life.
And if all else fails, try to use a Memento Mori skull tattoo to your advantage, which won’t just help you come to terms with how limited our lives are, but also make you more certain about the things you’d like to do.
Memento Mori Throat Tattoo: Engraving A Winner’s Mindset
@sleepydave.tattoos
With tattoos, nothing is out of the question, especially when the subject in question is that of a Memento Mori.
That said, if you’re currently skimming through your options, desperately seeking a design that harbors the pain and pressure underneath the phrase of Memento Mori, consider wearing a throat tattoo.
Despite being highly sensitized to the blows of a needle, a Memento Mori throat tattoo can be a clever way to depict a double entendre of the philosophies carried by the saying.
Mac Miller Memento Mori Tattoo: Doing Yourself Right
@jillians.ink
While Mac Miller will no longer release new albums or grace us with his presence, his spirit will always live forever thanks to the work he left behind.
One shining example is his depiction of the phrase “Memento Mori” found in the music video for “Self Care.”
Despite it not looking any different from the average Memento Mori tattoo, this piece urges one to take care of themselves, while prioritizing what they love over what society expects them to make time for.
Memento Mori Patchwork Tattoo: The Perfect Addition
@tintahanan_tattoo
Memento Mori tattoos are pretty firm on their beliefs. However, from a design standpoint, they’re quite compatible and open to collaboration.
Moving on, if you’d like to add a Memento Mori tattoo to your existing tattoo collection, consider wearing it as a patchwork tattoo.
Elegant yet subtle, this piece tends to fit in without taking the light away from other designs.
Memento Mori Cross Tattoo: Finding Strength In Religion
@obinho_tattoo
Sometimes, when going through substantial change, it’s best to invest every ounce of energy that you can, while also making time for the level-up. However, to keep bad vibes at bay, practice your religious views more often.
Likewise, if you do sign up for a Memento Mori tattoo, but you need another companion to help you through hard times, wear a Cross tattoo alongside it.
If you believe in the afterlife, this combination can also be a good way to support your faith while wishing well for the deceased.
Memento Mori Skeleton Tattoo: A Double Entendre
@dptattoos
Memento Mori Hand Tattoo: No Pain, No Glory
@adrienneebaby
Memento Mori Chest Tattoo: Dealing With Adversity
@luigi_carbone_ink
Memento Mori Above the Knee Tattoo: The Time Is Now
@inkaftergrace
Memento Mori Forearm Tattoo: An Accessible Companion
@emmxrz_inkz
Memento Mori Yin Yang Tattoo: There’s No Good Without The Bad
@mari_tattss
Memento Mori Thigh Tattoo: Moving With Purpose
@babylon.tattoos
Memento Mori Geometric Tattoo: The Perfect Sidekick
@artcoholic_tattoo
Memento Mori Tattoo On Bicep: Away From The Public Eye
@midday_p
Memento Mori Grim Reaper Tattoo: A Glimpse Of The Afterlife
@derekcillaartwork
Memento Mori Dragonfly Tattoo: Adapting To Change
@llauramichelletattoo
Frequently Asked Question
Now that we’ve gone through all the designs that make and break a Memento Mori tattoo, here are some questions that will help with the fundamentals.
Q: What do Memento Mori tattoos imply?
Ans: In a nutshell, Memento Mori tattoos encourage users to make use of their time, as the years they spend on this Earth are limited.
Q: How appropriate is it to wear a Memento Mori tattoo?
Ans: Due to simply being a quote tattoo, a Memento Mori tattoo is ideal everywhere, even in work settings. That said, to ensure a smooth journey in professional scenarios, consider wearing the piece in secluded regions.
Q: Does a Memento Mori tattoo fade easily?
Ans: More often than not, quote tattoos, especially when depicted with fine-line needles, tend to fade rather quickly in contrast to stencils depicted with thicker needles.
To increase the lifespan of your ink, however, consider moisturizing the area, while also protecting the tattoo from the sun. You must also have the tattoo retouched once every 4 months to ensure a smooth journey.
Conclusion
All in all, if you often seek lessons in your tattoo, a Memento Mori tattoo should definitely be on top of your list. While it saves your skin from tons of pain, it also provides lessons on life, urging one to be assertive with the finite time that they have left.
From the wrist to the bicep and the back, a Memento Mori tattoo carries the kind of flexibility that can’t be mimicked. It is also quite compatible, albeit pairing best with floral patterns, like-minded stoic emblems, and creatures of nature.
To best pull off a Memento Mori tattoo, you must first resonate with the saying. Upon fulfilling the first task, align the piece with a body part that makes the artwork look effortless.
