Fascination with death has always captivated human beings. Ignorance of what happens in the afterlife gives free rein to the imagination. Everyone, depending on their religious beliefs, convictions or personal experience, has their own theory on the subject. However, it’s generally uncertainty that predominates! Faced with these questions and this inescapable inevitability, human beings have decided to domesticate death by giving it a symbolism. The most common representations of death are the famous Great Grim Reaper and of course: the skull!
The skull has inspired many painters and writers, who have incorporated it into their works to better illustrate their message. In addition to art, this symbol has also been widely used in the fashion and jewelry industries, as well as in commercial celebrations such as Halloween and Christmas. The symbol is often associated with rebellion or questioning precepts and conventions. Today, we’re finally going to clarify the symbolic significance of the skull! 💀 🔥THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS🔥
1) “Pirate Skull”
symbol
The representation of a skull and crossbones boils down to a fleshless skull dominated by two large, wide-open eye sockets, accentuating its frightening side. The skull inspires fear: the sight of it irrevocably arouses a dull anguish tinged with questions!
The pirates who plied the seas in ancient times didn’t choose the symbol of the skull and crossbones by chance. The purpose of the pirate flag? To intimidate opponents and instill fear! When a ship had the misfortune to come across their black-flagged craft, they knew immediately what to expect. Nowadays, the pirate flag is proudly displayed on fashionable clothing, like this magnificent Perfecto Tête de Mort in buffalo leather that appeals to the most daring. 💪
2) “Viking Death’s Head”
symbol.
The Celtic Warriors used to decapitate their enemies in order to recover their skulls. They attached great importance to the skull, as the spirit, power and bravery of their opponents resided within it! By collecting the skulls of defeated fighters, they thought they would increase their strength and courage. 😤
The Viking Warriors acted in the same way, and worshipped enemy skulls. Their pride lay in drinking from one of these skulls to acquire the strength of the other, complementing their own. Viking warriors were admired by their peers thanks to their somewhat special crockery. A little anecdote sheds light on this connection: the Scandinavian word for toast is “skål”, which translates as “bowl”. But “skull” means “skull” in English! Every time two mugs clash in Nordic countries, this tradition is recalled. Toast like a true Viking with this Viking Skull Mug!
3) “Mexican Skull”
symbol
Death is the cause of festivities that take place every year in Mexico at the beginning of November for 48 hours. This is the “dia de los muertos” or in French: la Journée des Morts. Far from being a time of sadness or melancholy, these celebrations are dedicated to festivities, song and dance. Altars are erected in tribute to the departed, and many offerings are left to share a banquet with them: sweets, sugar skulls and even tequila! 🥂
October 31 marks the arrival of the children’s souls. It’s an opportunity for youngsters to dress up as spooky creatures such as mummies, zombies or the undead. Girls and boys take to the streets with a pumpkin 🎃, just like the Halloween party! Instead of the famous “trick or treat”, young Mexicans say “calaveras, calaveras” to get candy and coins. “Calavera” means “skull and crossbones” in Spanish.
Today, the famous Mexican skull and crossbones has become a highly prized symbol internationally. It’s omnipresent in tattoos, clothing, necklaces, bracelets or rings. Many jewelry pieces feature the Fête des Morts, like this magnificent Mexican Skull Ring in solid 925 silver!
4) “Human Skull”
symbol
Under the influence of pirates, the skull and crossbones became synonymous with rule-breaking, disobedience, disorder and every man for himself. Displaying a skull and crossbones on a garment or vehicle is for some a way of assuming their rebellious side and refusing the dictates of a society where they create a place for themselves apart. However, this doesn’t mean they marginalize themselves from social life and human exchanges! By proudly displaying their skeleton banner, they assert their difference without opposing others. Their aim is not to question things, but to live out their desire for freedom, just like those bikers who travel the roads, notably the famous Route 66 that crosses the United States from east to west. 🇺🇸
This lifestyle also manifests itself in jewelry adorned with skulls. There are many models with the effigy of a skull, often accompanied by other associated symbols. They’ve been adopted by bikers, rock fans, punk, rap and gothic fashions. The skull is an integral part of any self-respecting collection!
Historically, the message conveyed by the skull and crossbones was clear: a human skull surmounted by two crossed shins signified the presence of imminent danger. Thus was born the legend of the sea pirates, but also that of the road pirates, such as the Hell’s Angels (bikers with a sulphurous reputation). The mere presence of a skull and crossbones on a banner was enough to ward off the curious and dissuade the more reckless.
5) Symbol “Skull Tattoos”
Tattoos representing skulls are becoming increasingly common. Those featuring skulls are often intended to assert a certain state of mind. It’s also a kind of acceptance of the inevitability of reality, the better to tame it, no doubt. Every life ends in death, but rather than fearing this inevitable outcome, tattooing it on your skin allows you to prepare for it psychologically without dreading it further. 🙏
Depending on your desires, interests and beliefs, an ephemeral tattoo depicting a skull and crossbones can blend perfectly with your skin! Easy to apply, these temporaries have the advantage of being replaceable according to mood.
6) Symbol “Skull and Works of Art”
Appearing during the Middle Ages, the skull was used to symbolize the salvation of the soul. Once tamed, it began to feature increasingly in artworks, testifying to the passage of time and life after death. Numerous painters, such as Dali and Picasso, helped popularize the use of the skull and crossbones in pictorial art, followed by sculptors.
Modern times, combined with the evolution of technology, have made the skull a common representation present in two or three dimensions. A perfect example: these magnificent Tables with Skulls in 5 pieces! 😍
7) Symbol “Skull Jewelry”
The adopters of Gothic culture have made the skull and crossbones their emblem. Synonymous with rebellion and living on the bangs of society, they display it everywhere on their fashion accessories: bracelets, rings, pendants, necklaces… even gadgets are an opportunity to clearly show their state of mind! For example, this Gothic Leather Bracelet with spikes, combining the softness of lambskin with the ominous aggressiveness of spikes. Surfing on this trend, designers and fashion creators have rushed into this breach, which is great news for all skull fans! 💀 🔥THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS🔥
