The skull is one of the oldest and most powerful of all symbols. It has been used to symbolize both sides of the spectrum and therefore has diverse meanings to different people. For some, it represents death and even evil, but others view them very differently. For some, skulls symbolize protection, strength, power, fearlessness, wisdom and guidance, overcoming death, surviving through a difficult time, or even immortality.
We assign meaning to objects to represent ideas or qualities. The meanings vary according to cultures and society although some may be universal such as the heart to represent love. Skulls have been used:
-To invoke fear or caution
-To represent vanity
-To symbolize life after death, transformation or change (the Death card in the Tarot).
-As a symbol of nonconformity, free-thinking, rebelliousness, toughness, courage, bravery in the face of death and danger (flags, signs, or in tattoos).
-To represent the seat of power and the house of the soul (Celtic culture)
-To celebrate the memory of the dead.
-As a good luck charm (ancient and primitive cultures believed used them to ward off evil or illness and wore them to insure protection and well-being).
The symbolism of skulls that appeal to many the most is its humble reminder of our temporary existence in this physical world. This isn’t something negative or depressing, rather it invokes a mindfulness of our own mortality and the importance of living in the moment. A skull crowned by a wreath of roses is referred to as a ‘carpe diem’, a reference to the Latin phrase in a poem by Horace, which is translated as ‘seize the day.’
“Remember that you are mortal, so seize the day.”
The image of the Skull and Crossbones is recognized in the popular imagination of the world first and foremost as the flag flown by pirates on the high seas going about their business of violence, stealing and murder. It was mainly a device meant to strike fear into the hearts of those who saw a ship flying the dreaded flag bearing down on them.
Embrace your gothic side with this handmade piece! It’s made of warm copper and depicts a skull holding a rose in its mouth. The measurements are as follows:
2.8cm long
1.1cm wide
The piece will be sent with an adjustable black cotton strap but it also looks great with any metal chain (silver, gold, bronze…etc)
If you have any questions feel free to ask!
Happy buying 🙂