Skull bracelets are all the go in this day and age. However, they are more than fancy accessories. People fancy skulls for a reason, and their popularity has been maintaining the momentum for millennia. If you have no clue about the significance of the skull but would like to find out, this post is exactly the right thing.
Skull Bracelets – Meaningful Accessories
When you put on a skull bracelet, you need to make sure that it sends the right message because it is more than a piece of jewelry. You see, the skull is an ancient symbol, and throughout its long and eventful history, it managed to gain a lot of meanings. Oftentimes, those are diametrically opposite meanings, and life and death are a prominent example of those.
One of the reasons people fancy skulls is because they stand for strength, protection against misfortunes, as well as overcoming hardship. Since time immemorial, skulls have been considered an amulet. People of the past used real human and animal skulls to ensure protection against diseases, evil spirits, and enemies. For the time being, this tradition is still going strong. Bikers are the ones who keep it alive. To them, skull jewelry is a manifestation of the fact that they are not afraid of adversity and are ready to withstand it. On top of that, they wear skulls believing that they can help cheat death.
In Mexico and some other countries of Central America, there is a tradition to celebrate the day of the dead. On this day, people do not grieve. On the contrary, they throw a party in honor of the deceased relatives. They believe that on this very day the souls of their late loved ones return to Earth. One of the symbols of this event is a sugar skull, which personifies heartwarming memories of the ones who are dear to our heart but no longer with us. Sugar skulls are always highly artistic, vibrant, as well as embellished with flowers, leaves, and intricate patterns.
The skull has religious connotations as well. Apparently, it lies at the feet of Christ on crucifixes. According to legends, the blood of the crucified Christ washed the dust off Adam’s head and thereby washed off the sins of mankind. In Buddhism, skulls are used in amulets and talismans to symbolize the sacredness of life.
Motifs of Skull Bracelets
Skull is in the top echelon of the most powerful symbols. Large or small, skulls always engage attention. That being said, sometimes skulls need something extra to convey new meaning. When paired with a different symbol, your skull bracelet is able to more accurately reflect your personality, traits, or attitude.
A skull and rose bracelet represents the contrast between life and death, beauty and decay. This duo of symbols speaks of duality and serves as a reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil, beauty and ugliness. It is also a visualization of the belief that new life inevitably occurs after death. One more meaning of the skull and a rose is a worry-free life. People who choose this design enjoy their life here and now, and they don’t want to think of anything bad that may happen tomorrow.
If you opt for the infamous pirate symbol (the skull and crossbones), you showcase such things as fearlessness, the power of spirit, and the desire to find success and happiness. People who wear this symbol are not constrained by laws and live their lives the way they want to. On top of that, since the skull and crossbones is a pirate symbol as well as part of the military insignia, it often denotes masculinity and valor.
The skull engulfed in flames gives away a strong personality who does not stand still. An owner of such a bracelet considers life to be one big adventure.
The skull alongside a clock personifies the fleetness of life. It as if says that the clock is ticking, so we should live our lives now before it is too late.
A skull bracelet for men depicting the skull wearing a crown represents power and success. People who pick such a symbol want to win no matter the cost.
Another popular motif is a snake curled around the skull or crawling through the eye sockets. Its purpose is to remind us of the fleeting of human life. At the same time, in Japanese culture, the skull with a snake is a talisman designed to bring good luck and easy money.
Besides human (or humanoid skulls), it is not uncommon to spot animal skulls in bracelets and other pieces of jewelry. The skull of the bull, for example, can represent the ferocious temper of the one who flaunts it. Those who opt for this theme are willing to pursue their goal regardless of obstacles. At the same time, the theme is suitable for family men who put their loved ones above all, breadwinners, and keepers of the hearth.
The skull of a deer symbolizes longevity, the balance between life and death, as well as a transition from the physical state to the spiritual. The skull of a ram speaks of perseverance and determination. A bracelet featuring a dragon skull can say that its owner is a dreamer.