It’s common to see men wearing rings with skulls. Some people may be frightened by skulls, others may regard this eccentric accessory with curiosity, while others admire it if they understand its true meaning.Are there hidden reasons behind precious metal rings adorned with skulls, or are they simply a controversial accessory?

What does the skull ring symbolize?

Biker symbol

Skull rings are much more than just bold ornaments. For many people around the world, especially those who love motorcycles, they symbolize fearlessness in the face of death and danger.

At least, that’s the importance motorcyclists attach to the attributes of the skull, a symbol popularized by the biker subculture in the 20th century and accessible to all. For bikers, the skull is both protector and patron.High speed is a way for all motorcyclists to assert themselves, but it also entails dangers. So when the rider of a motorcycle wears a ring representing death (i.e., a skull), it means he won’t let the reaper take him away. In this way, the skull becomes a protection against death.Another established meaning of skulls is immortality. Skulls were known long before the emergence of biker culture. Ancient civilizations believed that skulls and bones were links between the world of the living and the world of the immortal. Unlike flesh, skulls do not decompose and are therefore eternal.This is why human and animal skulls became accessories and were used in many tribal rituals and ceremonies. Even today, the attributes of skulls and bones are used in certain occult and esoteric rituals.

Pirate symbol

There’s no denying that a skull is a symbol of death. It is often placed on hazardous substances, high-voltage equipment and other potentially harmful objects. This is the same symbol that caught the attention of the pirates, who then used it on the Jolly Roger flag to inspire fear in their opponents.

Germanic symbol

Admittedly, the image of a skull proved highly effective in intimidating enemies, leading many military units to decorate their uniforms and banners with the symbol. The most famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) military skull is the Totenkopf (skull and crossbones), which was adopted by the Prussian army before becoming widespread among the insignia of Nazi army units.Perhaps this is why, in most people’s minds, skulls are associated with something evil, sinister and revolting. Because of their bad reputation, skulls and bones can upset some people when worn as jewelry.Indeed, no one wants to be associated with someone who exudes a sense of danger. However, skulls have a power of attraction. They can become a kind of magnet, repelling bad people and attracting good ones.So with skull-embellished jewelry, it’s easy to spot motorcycle enthusiasts, rock fans and mysterious goths, even when they’re in civilian clothes.

Who wears skull jewelry?

Military

As we’ve already mentioned, the first use of skulls dates back to the 19th century, when they appeared on Prussian army badges. Until the mid-20th century, skulls remained exclusively military decorations.

Motards

In the 1950s, the founders of the biker movement, ex-soldiers themselves, began wearing this symbol to express their opposition to the socio-political system at work in post-war America. Bikers’ love of skull jewelry was reinforced when they discovered Mexican skull rings, in which skulls were one of the main motifs.In contrast to the dark meanings attributed to skulls by the military, Mexicans venerate and celebrate death and everything associated with it. When these two opposing meanings met, bikers realized that the skull could become their protector and guardian.

Gothic

Silver skulls are very popular among Goths, that mysterious subculture that exploits gloomy imagery and interest in the esoteric. For some members of this community, jewelry is a reminder of the darker side of life, filled with suffering and darkness. For others, it’s a bold style attribute and a way of showing they belong to the gothic world. For both, skull-shaped bracelets, necklaces and rings allow you to permanently wear a powerful esoteric symbol that embodies both the meaning of life and death.

Rock musicians

Dark symbolic jewelry is extremely popular among rock musicians and creative minds. By wearing a skull and crossbones, a person boldly and openly declares that his or her life values are unique and that he or she is ready to resist despite the judgment of others.Many world-famous musicians are devotees of skull and crossbones accessories. For example, Keith Richards’ silver skull ring has become a cult item and has inspired numerous imitations.Even other celebrities don’t hesitate to wear them. Richards’ close friend Johnny Depp sports a sterling silver skull ring from a famous jewelry brand, named Keith in his honor.Virtually every rock star adds skull accessories to their wardrobe. They include Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Steven Tyler and many other rock veterans.

Trend towards skull and crossbones

Eccentric and unusual skull-and-crossbones accessories are also popular with many unconventional subcultures, such as people who seek to express themselves in any way they can, including extravagant jewelry. However, since the late 20th century, skull ornaments have begun to emerge from the underground and appear increasingly on fashion catwalks and magazine covers.Today, wearing a skull in your hand is no longer a sign of belonging to informal subcultures. Rather, it’s a fashion statement.For fashionistas, a skull can represent precious memories, life-changing experiences, vitality, inner strength, philosophical reflections or all of these meanings at once.One thing is certain: massive, eye-catching and eccentric skull jewelry can meet the expectations of many men, regardless of their worldview and philosophy of life.

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