Gothic pendants and the symbols depicted on them are dark yet enchanting with hidden meanings.
Whether you're just interested in getting your first gothic pendant, or you've been collecting and wearing them for years, have you ever wondered what the symbols mean?
The words “goth” and “gothic” have multiple meanings from the historical tribe to the architectural style. The meanings also shift in the contemporary following around the world.
A Quick History
Rooted in the traditions of the East Germanic tribe in the 2nd century A.D., Gothic culture emerged during the Renaissance. It was around this period that the architectural design known as Gothic was born.
There are many connotations of gothic, from crude and barbaric to suffering and darkness. However, other themes such as passion and love are also important. All of these ideas are reflected in the symbols that feature on a gothic pendant.
While many of the meanings of the symbols originate from various gothic traditions, they have often been adapted and slightly modified.
Let's take a look at everything you need to know about what the symbols on a gothic pendant really mean.
Pentacle
The pentacle is a star with 5 sides (pentagram) surrounded by a circle. It is one of the most common of Gothic symbols.
The 5 different sides represent the 5 elements of fire, water, earth, air and spirit. The circle symbolizes “wholeness” and “completeness”.
Sometimes the pentacle is worn upside down by Goths to represent Satan and death. While not all goths are satanists, some goths wear a gothic pendant with the pentacle on to shock people.
The pentacle originates from Pagan traditions. It was often worn by Pagans as a symbol to protect them and represented “wisdom” and “magic."
Grim Reaper
The Grim Reaper, otherwise known as the Reaper of Death, is another well-known symbol found on gothic pendants.
The Grim Reaper is normally depicted wearing a hood, so that his face is not visible. The figure is always shown carrying a scythe. This is to “reap” the souls of dead people.
As the myth goes, Death carries an hourglass. And when the final grain falls, he comes to separate the soul from the body with his blade. It is also said that he can quicken or prolong a person’s death. So, many think he can be tricked and bribed to let you stay alive.
666
The three numbers 666 are widely known to denote the Devil or Satan. They are the symbol of the beast. The symbol is often used for gothic pendants.
Some people believe so strongly in the myth of 666 that they avoid the number completely. Many goths, in contrast, embrace it.
The symbol is often depicted on pendants secretly with overlapping six signs.
Baphomet
Otherwise known as the Goat of Mendes, Baphomet originates from the Ancient Egyptian God of fertility. Baphomet is a goat-headed figure. It includes binary elements which symbolize the totality of the universe.
Although the Goat of Mendes is often used next to the Pentacle, the Goat of Mendes is mostly used on its own.
Snake
The serpent or snake is widely worshipped by Pagans and other earth-centered groups. The snake symbolizes rebirth. This is because the snake sheds its skin. Other meanings include evil, fertility, and a gateway between the spiritual and physical worlds.
It is partly embraced by Goths because of the serpents role in the Biblical story. In the story of the Garden of Eden, the snake represents sin and temptation.
While the forked tongue represents that while there is only ever a single truth, there are many lies.
Ankh
Another common symbol from Ancient Egypt used for the gothic pendant is the Ankh. It is also known as the Ansata cross.
The symbol is a looped circle on top of a cross and is shaped similar to a key. This makes sense, since the Ankh represents the key to life. While the circle represents the femininity, the cross represents masculinity.
The myth says that it has the power to awaken the souls of the dead and to bring them back to life. It is also used to mean eternal life.
It otherwise known as the key to the Nile River.
The Celtic Knotwork
The celtic knot is often used on gothic pendants to refer to mysticism. Because the knot has no start or finish, it is also known to represent endlessness.
This has been taken to mean a variety of things from the endless nature of spirit to infinite cycles of birth and rebirth.
Many people also wear it because they believe it acts to prevent sickness and bad luck.
Spiders
The spider and the spider's web is also commonly seen on gothic pendants. This is partly used because fear of spiders (arachnophobia) is common. After all, goths like to scare.
However, the spiders also has greater symbolic meanings. These range from creativity and dreams to fate and patience. There is also the belief that it has the powers of darkness.
The spider weaves his web, as we weave our own lives. Thus, the spider also represents how we are the sum of our choices and decisions.
Final Thoughts on Gothic Pendants and Symbols
Now you know about the meanings of the symbols on your gothic pendants. Yet, there are so many other symbols that feature different animals and crosses that can be found on a gothic pendant that were not covered here.
This means that no matter what your personal style looks like, you'll always be able to find something to wear when it comes to Gothic jewelry and clothing.
Gothic jewelry worn across the world. Some people may wear them because they want to be identified as atheist. Others may wear because they believe in Satan. Of course, others simply think they look cool and interesting.
Whatever your reason for wearing gothic pendants, it's interesting to know the histories and meanings.
If you like the sound of any of these symbols for your pendant, then check out our store for the latest gothic jewelry, pendants, and other Goth accessories.