Harvest and Mortality

Scythe Tattoos

A symbol of life's cycles, transformation, and the inevitability of time.

TATTOO MEANING

What the Scythe Tattoo Represents

A scythe tattoo represents more than a tool. It embodies life's cycles, transformation, and the understanding that time cuts through all things. But what does your scythe mean? The symbol carries deep meaning, from harvest cycles to mortality. This guide helps you understand scythe tattoo meaning, history, and how to design one that reflects your understanding of life's impermanence without relying on clichés.

HISTORY & SYMBOLISM

The Origins of the Scythe Tattoo

Scythe tattoos emerged from agricultural traditions where the scythe served as a practical farming tool used to harvest crops, evolving into a powerful symbol of life's cycles. During the medieval period, the scythe became artistically connected with death, particularly during the 14th century when the Black Death ravaged Europe. By the 15th to 17th centuries, artists combined skeletal imagery with scythes, possibly influenced by Greek deities like Chronos, god of time, and Cronus, god of harvest. The modern Grim Reaper image, featuring a hooded figure with a scythe, fully emerged in the 19th century, though its components developed much earlier. Today, scythe tattoos bridge these meanings, representing not just death, but harvest, transformation, time's passage, and the understanding that all living things must eventually end.

MODERN SIGNIFICANCE

Why Scythe Tattoos Matter Today

People choose scythe tattoos to represent life's cycles, transformation, time's passage, or the understanding that endings enable new beginnings. The symbol resonates with those who value philosophical reflection, understand that death is part of natural cycles, or find meaning in the idea that harvest follows planting. Scythe tattoos also serve as expressions of acceptance, representing the understanding that time cuts through all things and that awareness of mortality can inspire meaningful living.

Aesthetically, scythe tattoos offer striking visual impact through the distinctive curved blade and handle. The tool's form creates powerful imagery that works in realistic styles capturing metal detail and craftsmanship, bold traditional designs emphasizing symbolic power, or stylized interpretations focusing on essential forms. Whether you want a detailed scythe or minimalist silhouette, scythe tattoos carry meaning that honors both harvest cycles and mortality.

Scythe Tattoo FAQ

Common Questions About Scythe Tattoos

What does a scythe tattoo symbolize?

Scythe tattoos symbolize life's cycles, transformation, time's passage, and the understanding that all living things must eventually end. They represent harvest, the cycle of life and death, and the idea that endings enable new beginnings. The symbol also represents time's inevitability and the understanding that awareness of mortality can inspire meaningful living.

What's the connection between scythes and harvest?

Scythes began as practical farming tools used to harvest crops, representing the cycle of planting and reaping. This agricultural connection evolved into symbolic meaning, where harvest represents the cycle of life and death. Scythe tattoos can incorporate harvest elements like wheat or fields to emphasize this connection to natural cycles.

Can scythe tattoos include other elements?

Yes. Scythe tattoos can incorporate clocks for time's passage, flowers for beauty amid decay, wheat for harvest symbolism, or skulls for mortality. These elements add philosophical depth and storytelling. Work with your artist to integrate elements that enhance rather than overwhelm the scythe design.

What style works best for scythe tattoos?

Black and grey realism showcases blade detail and metal texture beautifully. Illustrative styles allow for creative interpretations while maintaining scythe essence. Traditional styles emphasize bold lines and symbolic power. Fine-line styles work well for minimalist designs. Choose based on whether you want realistic detail, symbolic impact, or artistic expression.

How long does a scythe tattoo take?

Time depends heavily on size, position, detail level, style complexity, and your pain tolerance. A detailed scythe tattoo typically requires 4 to 8 hours, though actual times can vary significantly. Smaller, simpler designs may take 2 to 4 hours, while large, hyper-realistic pieces with intricate blade detail and additional elements can take 10 to 15 hours or more, often spread across multiple sessions.

How much does a high-quality Scythe tattoo cost?

Tattoo pricing depends on your design, size, placement, and level of detail. For simpler pieces, we may quote a flat rate, for larger or more complex work, we usually charge hourly based on the artist’s rate.

Great tattoos aren’t cheap, and you don’t want to be cheap with your body, cover-ups and removals can be expensive (and not always possible). The best way to get an accurate quote is to chat with one of our artists. Share your idea or come by for a walk-in consultation and we’ll walk through your idea, timeline, and pricing together.

Still exploring your options?

Scythe is just one of hundreds of tattoo subjects and themes we've documented. Take your time finding the perfect match.

or

Ready for a Scythe Tattoo?

Keep scrolling—we'll guide you through styles, placements, and meanings below

↓ Scroll Down

Your Journey to the Perfect Scythe Tattoo

46 Tattoo is a Toronto studio offering fully custom tattoos, helping you choose the right style, placement, and artist for your design. We'll guide you through every step of creating meaningful ink that lasts a lifetime

1

Choose Style

Find your aesthetic

→

2

Pick Placement

Choose location

→

3

Find Artist

Book consultation

Need help deciding? Talk to an expert for free →

Design Considerations

What to consider when designing a Scythe Tattoo

Blade detail and craftsmanship

Scythe tattoos require careful attention to blade detail and metal texture, especially for realistic styles. The curved blade needs careful shading to create depth and metallic appearance. Artists use various techniques to create metal texture and the sense of a sharp, functional tool. Discuss blade detail expectations with your artist.

Handle and composition

Scythe tattoos can feature full handles or focus on the blade alone. Handle placement affects composition and meaning. Full scythes create comprehensive symbolism, while blade-focused designs offer focused meaning. Work with your artist to balance blade and handle elements.

Harvest elements

Scythe tattoos can incorporate harvest elements like wheat, fields, or seasonal imagery to emphasize the cycle of life and death. These elements add layers of meaning connecting the scythe to natural cycles. Work with your artist to integrate harvest symbolism if desired.

Additional elements

Scythe tattoos can incorporate clocks for time's passage, flowers for beauty amid decay, or skulls for mortality. These elements add philosophical depth. Work with your artist to integrate elements that enhance rather than overwhelm the scythe design.

Size and detail

Scythe tattoos need at least 4 inches to maintain recognizable detail over time. Smaller designs may lose fine features like blade texture and handle detail. Larger pieces allow for more intricate compositions with additional elements.

Style selection

Realistic styles showcase blade detail and metal texture beautifully. Traditional styles emphasize bold lines and symbolic power. Illustrative styles allow for creative interpretations. Minimalist styles offer essential forms. Choose based on whether you want realistic detail, symbolic impact, or artistic expression.

Step 1: Choose Your Style

Explore styles that work best for Scythe tattoos, each chosen for flow, readability, and long-term wear.

Black & Grey Realism

Depth. Detail. Contrast.

Illustrative

Artistry and Expression

American Traditional

Bold. Clean. Classic.

Fine Line

Delicate Precision

View All Styles →

Step 2: Choose Your Placement

Choose a placement that supports clarity, aging, and the meaning behind your Scythe tattoo.

Forearm

Tattoo work on the inner or outer forearm.

Chest

Tattoo work across the chest, sternum, and upper torso.

Shoulder

Tattoo work on the shoulder cap or upper shoulder area.

Thigh / Upper Leg

Tattoo work across the upper or lower thigh.

Bicep

Tattoo work on the inner or outer bicep.

View All Placements →

Step 3: Choose Your Artist

Choose an artist whose style, technique, and experience bring your Scythe tattoo to life.

Emily Forte

Artist - American Traditional Expert

Geoffrey Wong

Owner - Black and Grey Expert

Spencer Skalko

Artist - American Traditional Expert

Taivas Jättiläinen

Artist - Illustrative Expert

Match Me With The Best Artist →

Start to Finish

Let’s Bring Your Idea to Life

Clean work, honest guidance, and a transparent process. At 46 Tattoo, your skin, your idea, and your trust are treated with real respect.

Book Your Free Consultation

Share Your Idea

Just send us your tattoo idea — even if it’s rough! From there, we’ll follow up to book your free consultation or you can choose a time directly through our calendar.

Not sure what you want? That’s okay too. We’re here to help guide you toward something that fits your vision and looks great long-term.

Free Consultation

Book a free 15-minute consultation— online or in person (we recommend stopping by to say hi!). We’ll go over your idea, size, placement, and pricing — no pressure to commit. Our goal is to understand your vision, answer your questions, and guide you toward a design that looks great now and for years to come.

We’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Lock In Your Appointment

What Happens: Once you're ready to book in, we’ll take a deposit and lock in your session. From there, your artist will collaborate with you to finalize the design—incorporating feedback and making sure it aligns with your vision.

Time: Whenever you’re ready to book—no pressure

Cost: $100 deposit (applied to your final price)

Custom Design Creation

What happens: Your artist creates a design tailored to your anatomy, style, and vision. We’ll work closely with you—sharing drafts, gathering feedback, and making thoughtful adjustments—until the design feels just right.

Time: ~1-2 weeks

Cost: Included in your tattoo price

Leading Up to Your Appointment

A little prep can make a big difference. Here are a few simple tips to help you get ready:

Eat well and stay hydrated
Moisturize the area for a few days
Avoid sunburn, alcohol, and blood thinners
Review your appointment details — and reach out with any questions

Want more help? Check out our guides.

Time: Start prepping 2–3 days before your session

The Day of Your Appointment

Show up feeling good — we’ll take it from there.

Bring valid ID (you must be 18+)
Arrive on time — or a little early
Come well-fed, rested, and freshly showered
Bring water, snacks, and a friend if you like
Your artist will walk you through every step — from setup to aftercare

Time: Arrive on time

After Your Appointment

You’ll leave with a beautiful tattoo — and everything you need to take care of it properly.

Keep the area clean and moisturized
Avoid sun, soaking, and scratching
Healing takes 2–4 weeks, depending on your skin and placement
Got questions later? Just reach out — we’re always here to help

Time: 2–4 weeks

Cost: Aftercare is included — touch-ups are free within 6 months (if needed)