Skulls are a major part of fashion. The attraction to them within all niches of fashion is amazing. A little research into the numbers will reveal it to be
far more than a random occurrence. With skulls everywhere, in every
niche of fashion, you’ve got to wonder why. What is that Death’s Head
saying?
The popularity of the skull belt buckle
surpasses all other belt buckles. One would think that in our
American culture that Western belt buckles would be the hottest
sellers. But nothing exceeds the popularity of the skull. Especially
popular is the rhinestone skull belt buckle. The glitzy fashion
industry has glorified the skull and drawn attention to it with
millions upon millions of rhinestones. Seemingly a strange
combination.
Fashion statements may have subliminal deep rooted meaning.
Fashion has always used the phrase “Make a Statement”. However
there may be much more to this statement than meets the eye. Do these
designers think this through or is it something deeply rooted even in
their own subconscious.
Especially common is the skull belt buckle. Being a belt buckle it
is of course placed at the waist, directly above a place of
significance. A sign post of sorts. I think maybe the placement
itself may carry some symbolism. So what does it mean?
Skulls symbolize many things to many
people. To most they are a warning of danger. A skull and crossbones
on the flag of a pirate ship (called a Jolly Roger) told all that the
ship encountered of their impending death. The same symbol on a
bottle warns of poison. Along the same lines many cultures would
place the rotting heads of their captured enemies on sticks outside
of the encampments to warn off anyone who might be considering and
attack.
However the skull is not always a
symbol of danger. In many societies the skull has symbolism
associated with the afterlife and spirituality. A skull with wings is
often used to symbolize life after death. This is commonly seen on
biker and Gothic tattoos. There are many cultures that use the skull
to symbolize the bliss of the afterlife. Even Christianity uses it
throughout. The Christian concept of Christ dying on the cross can
be linked to crossed bones. Skulls are associated with such penitent
saints as st Francis of Assisi, St Jerome and St Mary Magdalene. So
there is the connection even in Christianity of the skull and
afterlife.
It can also be a symbol of good luck.
The association of the skull with good luck is very old. In
Pre-Columbian America, the skull was given an honored place in the
religion of the Aztecs and related tribes of Mexico. Their
descendent’s, both Indians and people of mixed European and native
American heritage continue to venerate the skull and the skeleton
during the national ‘Dios de Los Muertos’ceremonies, when skulls
made of sugar are eaten and offerings are placed on the graves of
deceased relatives and friends. Mexicans looked upon death as one
more misfortune to contend with, but they also regarded it as the
ultimate liberation.
The skull can also symbolize reverse
bad luck. Hard-core gamblers, the lucky 13 crowd, bikers, and Goths
have also adopted the ‘reverse bad luck’ of the skull. In this
context the skull, along with dice rolling sevens and black cats,
symbolizes luck in adversity.
Also a symbol of the knowledge gained
beyond the afterlife. Commonly the snake, associated with knowledge,
is seen slithering through the eye socket of the skull. Entwining
knowledge with the afterlife.
The skull in fashion can mean so many totally
different things to so many different people. It has much more
meaning than just a pretty ornament. You have to wonder the intent
when strapped around the waist of a beautiful woman. What about the
one worn by the rebellious teenager or the biker. Is one meaning
intended or a combination of all. A thought as intriguing as it’s
subject
