Why are skulls so popular in fashion? Is it bad to wear skulls? What do skull-shaped jewelry mean? If you want to know these answers, you are in the right place.
Fashion is fun, intriguing, and sometimes confusing. Today, we delve into skulls and explore the reasons for their popularity.
So, keep reading to learn everything there is to know about skulls and their popularity in the fashion scene.
Why are skulls so popular in fashion?
Flexibility, timelessness, and meaning.
You may not know it, but skulls have been used as good luck charms in several cultures. Skulls are believed to have the power to ward off diseases while protecting those who wear them from various forms of evil spirits.
In the Elizabethan era, for example, skull rings fashioned from jawbone were made to disappear just under the finger, creating the illusion that the finger pierced the setting. Since that time, skull rings have gained popularity in most cultures and across ages that embrace the enchanted style and design of skull rings.
Interestingly, the skull symbol is one of the most common signs used in the fashion industry. It is the permanent trendy icon that can be worn in different ways, hence common features with tattoos, accessories, piercings, clothing, jewelry, etc.
Overall, the popularity of skulls in the fashion industry is linked to the universal appeal of the skull, as well as its versatility, in terms of style and meaning. Keeping this in mind, it goes without saying that skull jewelry is not going out of style anytime soon, as these accessories remain an iconic fashion item that has never existed.
But as expected, the skull does not represent the same thing. There are many things about skulls, and although the pop fashion scene seems to be all for it, some eras, beliefs, and cultures are not particularly excited about skulls in fashion.
Even with all the associations we are forced to make and think about skulls in fashion; we must agree that there is something about a skull that is rather unsettling. Think about the construction and general geometry of a skull, the link created between the skull and that area of our brain, and the image that results for your mind - no matter your level of civility and liberalism, every time you see a skull, you recognize the face, albeit unconsciously. Naturally, our mind is programmed to recognize the face every time we see a skull, and this natural predisposition means that the brain is unable to detach the image of the skull from the human face. This level of familiarity is largely intriguing, but there is also the inevitable connotation of skulls with death and the afterlife, and these repel us.
And these connotations only scratch the surface. There are many more things that are linked/correlated to skulls, which explains why some people (beliefs/religions) think skulls are bad, while others have no problem with it. Below, we will examine these beliefs and the reasons behind them, but before that, let's take a look at history
Is it bad to wear skulls?
As mentioned above, there are negative and positive beliefs about skulls. But even the Church is not so opposed to skulls, with crucifixes and other skull jewelry, skulls on a tombstone, with crossed bones and in cemeteries.
Some seem shocking. However, the use of skulls on tombstones and crucifixes by the Church is explained by the fact that skulls (tombstone art) are meant to remind the living of their mortality and the fact that they must lead a good life while preparing for their death.
The crucifix, for example, is meant to represent triumph, hope, and merciful hope.
But to answer your question, we would say that wearing a skull is considered a good or bad thing depending on the message the symbol is meant to convey.
For example, skull-shaped jewelry worn by some bikers is meant to intimidate and scare. So, the overall message must be considered before classifying skull-shaped jewelry as good or bad.
It is also worth noting that despite the meaning of the skull (addressed above), the excessive use of the skull in fashion makes the skull just another symbol to create stunning jewelry.
What do skull-shaped jewelry mean? History and beliefs about skulls
By and large, skulls are associated with death and mortality, which is the main reason for their popularity in horror movies and at Halloween.
And since most of us have an inherent fear of death and the unknown, it makes sense that some people find skulls (in jewelry/fashion) offensive. The reason is that skulls remind us of the thing we fear the most, and you can't blame them.
What you may not know is that behind the glorification of skulls by the fashion industry, the skull and its use have origins that date back to the beginning of the human race, our first species.
More specifically, history tells us that some ancient tribes had murders where, if an individual was killed or after they had left this life, the living made bones to wear their loved ones, but they kept the skulls.
A cycle of life/rebirth
People also used to wear human bones, the larger bones worn representing a higher level of respect accorded to that person. Larger bones also mean that the celebrated tribe member was more skilled. In these cases, individuals wore the bones through holes in their skin, and the bone pierced their skin. In other cases, they connected the bones together and wore them as jewelry.
As you can see, there are many things going on around bones and skulls, and it makes sense that some people are opposed to them.
Beyond respect and the "celebration" of life, the skull holds great significance in today's world.
Hardness/ Respect/ and bravery
The use of the skull symbol as a representation of the level of hardness and bravery dates back to the Elizabethan period throughout Europe. This period saw the rise of skull rings or jawless skull rings.
These rings were worn to show that one was accepted into the underground world of society. They were inspired by the symbolism of skulls from previous centuries. This use of skulls is the reason for the popularity of skull symbols among biker gangs and religious groups who wear these jewelry as a sign of belonging.
Moreover, it is worth noting that despite the association of these skull rings with danger, the jewelry was actually worn to represent bravery and toughness, with the wearers being able to testify to their courage in adversity.
Skull finger rings where the jaw disappears to create the illusion of a finger piercing the wearer's mouth are a common style of skull finger rings today. It has been adopted by many cultures and eras, and its popularity continues to grow.
Fear
You probably know the Jolly Roger flag used by pirates.
The main reason for using a skull as the main emblem of the flag is related to the fact that the skull would instill fear in the hearts of others.
The Jolly Roger flag represented a posed threat, hence its use by some tribes as an indicator of land boundaries to keep intruders away. In other cases, the skull, along with the bones, was used as a warning system, alerting others to their existence/presence.
Immortality/mortality
But the skull does not always have a negative connotation. Some societies, for example, believed that the skull symbolized the guarantee of the immortality of the soul and the guarantee of an afterlife. And for crystal skulls, which maintained the face, these skulls symbolized life rather than death.
Others believe that the skull symbolizes the afterlife and spirituality. And when you take it up a notch, adding wings to the skull as a symbol of freedom and the experiences that await in the afterlife.
If you are religious or Christian, you will be surprised to find that the skull is linked to religion and Christianity - images of saints with the crucifix and the skull are designed as a reminder for sinners, a reminder of the afterlife, despite the choices they have made.
Celebration of life
Dia de Los Muertos/ Day of the Dead. Mexico and Mexicans celebrate this day every year (November 1st and 2nd). But why do they choose to dedicate a day to death when the rest of us fear it?
Well, the reason for their celebration is that it is the day when they not only remember but also pray for the souls of their dead, to help these souls reach the afterlife in peace.
The sign of the skull plays a crucial role in this celebration. It is interesting to note that the skull is adorned with brightly colored flowers, and they are all brightly colored, while the favorite foods/drinks of the deceased are prepared to represent them.
During these celebrations, sugar skulls are made and offered on altars.
Besides Mexican culture, ancient groups like the Aztecs and Egyptians considered the skull as a symbol of the cycle of death and rebirth.
Good luck, charms
Finally, several cultures consider skulls as a sign of good luck. They are believed to protect against all evil spirits and ward off diseases.
On which finger to wear a skull ring?
We will start by noting that there is not really a single way to wear a skull ring. But wearing the skull facing inward or outward depends on the reason you are wearing the ring.
For example, it would be a good idea to wear the ring with the skull facing inward if the ring is a sign of personal expression and an accessory meant to define your style and be part of your overall outfit.
Essentially, the skull is a fashion symbol, but also proof of your bravery, toughness, and dashing appearance.
On the other hand, if you wear it for sentimental reasons, for example from a friend or a member of an important group, or in tribute to a deceased comrade, you can wear it facing outward.
As for the finger on which you wear it, it is a matter of preference. But if you are a member of a group and they have a specific code, you might want to adhere to their general code for wearing the skull ring.
Conclusion
The reasons for the popularity of skull rings are numerous, and the meaning of skulls is quite flexible, with universal appeal. Therefore, skulls will never go out of style - skulls were an iconic emblem before fashion existed, hence their popularity.
There is also the fact that skull-shaped jewelry can be worn in many ways, and they are visually appealing.