Some tattoos speak of love.
Others scream rebellion.
But some… whisper from the grave.
In the third episode of The Spooky Tales, we explore one of the most emotional and haunting practices in modern tattooing: cremation tattoos — where ashes are mixed into ink, and memory becomes permanent.
Carrying Grief Beneath the Skin
Imagine losing someone you love. The grief is heavy. The absence, unbearable. Now imagine turning that grief into something permanent — a tattoo that doesn’t just represent them… but contains them.
That’s exactly what some people are choosing to do. Cremation tattoos allow you to mix a small amount of a loved one’s ashes into tattoo ink, creating a deeply personal and symbolic tribute.
Meet Kerri Parnell: The Artist Behind the Ritual
One of the pioneers of this practice is Kerri Parnell, a tattoo artist based in Winnipeg, Canada. She founded Cremation Tattoos, a studio dedicated to helping people honor their loved ones through this sacred process.
Kerri works closely with funeral homes to ensure the ashes are properly sifted, sterilized, and safely mixed into ink. Her studio is more than a workspace — it’s a place of healing.
“I’m so grateful I don’t have to carry him around anymore. He’s part of me now.”
— A client of Kerri’s, after tattooing her husband’s ashes into her skin.
A Modern Echo of Ancient Rituals
While cremation tattoos may sound new, the idea of using ash in tattooing is ancient. Indigenous cultures have used wood ash in tattoo rituals for centuries — as a symbol of purification, rebirth, and spiritual connection.
Today’s cremation tattoos are a modern echo of those sacred traditions — blending grief, ritual, and art into something profoundly meaningful.
The Risks and the Rules
Of course, this practice isn’t without controversy. Some regions have regulations that prohibit mixing ashes into ink due to health and safety concerns. Some artists refuse to do it altogether.
But for those who choose it, the emotional impact often outweighs the risks. It’s not just a tattoo — it’s a final goodbye, a permanent connection, and a way to carry someone with you… forever.
Final Thoughts
Cremation tattoos are not for everyone. But for those who feel called to them, they offer something rare: a way to turn loss into legacy, and grief into art.
So what do you think?
Is it a tribute? A ritual? Or something more?
