Goths are a subculture known for their dark, macabre style and interest in all things related to death. With their affinity for skulls, coffins, and black clothing, it’s easy to assume that Goths have an obsession with death. But do Goths actually believe in death any more than the average person? The answer is complicated and depends on the individual. This article will explore Goth beliefs about death and mortality.
What is Goth subculture?
The Goth subculture emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, rising from the post-punk music scene. Goths are fans of Gothic rock, deathrock, and other dark music genres. Common bands liked by Goths include The Cure, Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Sisters of Mercy. In terms of fashion and aesthetics, Goths wear dark clothing, heavy black eyeliner, backcombed hair, and silver jewelry. Their style mixes punk, Victorian, medieval, and horror motifs. Besides black, Goths may incorporate blood red, purple, and white into their look.
Goth culture values individuality, artistic expression, and transgression of social norms. Most Goths have an appreciation for the strange, spooky, and macabre. However, their worldview extends beyond an obsession with death. Goths enjoy dark aesthetics, but may have diverse philosophical beliefs.
Goth interests related to death
While not all Goths are fixated on death, the subculture does show an interest in many death-related topics:
Macabre fashion
Goths wear black clothing, skull/coffin accessories, and vampire-style makeup as part of their self-expression. Rather than viewing death as tragic, they see it as beautiful or romantic.
Vampire mythology
Many Goths are fascinated by vampires and other Gothic horror creatures. These represent overcoming death via the undead.
Victorian mourning culture
Victorian-inspired black veils, mourning jewelry, and mausoleums influence Goth style. Victorians saw elaborate mourning rituals as respectable.
Cemeteries
Cemeteries make appealing backdrops for Gothic fashion shoots and events. Gravestones and mausoleums have artistic appeal.
Skulls and skeletons
Memento mori artwork involving skulls and skeletons reminds Goths of human mortality. In Goth culture, skeletons symbolize triumph over mortal flesh.
Unusual taxidermy
Some Goths decorate with taxidermied animals in strange poses or combinations. These blur the line between life and death.
Edgar Allan Poe
Goths revere Edgar Allan Poe’s Gothic horror stories like “The Raven” and “The Fall of the House of Usher” exploring macabre themes.
H.P. Lovecraft mythos
Many Goths enjoy the cosmic horror creatures in Lovecraft’s mythos that cause madness or allowed dead spirits to linger.
Tim Burton films
Burton’s imaginative Gothic fantasy films like Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, and The Nightmare Before Christmas attract Goth fans.
Religious beliefs about death
Since Goths have diverse spiritual views, they do not share one perspective on death. Here are some common Goth beliefs about the afterlife:
Christian
Some Goths identify as Christian and believe in heaven, hell, and salvation of the soul after death. However, many disapprove of institutional religion.
Atheist/agnostic
Plenty of Goths believe there is no God or afterlife. They focus on making the most of this mortal life.
Pagan
Pagan Goths may believe in reincarnation or ancestral spirits lingering after death. Wicca, Norse paganism, and occultism attract those seeking alternative spirituality.
Vampire religion
A small subsect practices vampire religion involving achieving immortality through metaphysical energy and literal blood drinking.
Syncretic
Other Goths blend Christian, occult, vampire, and atheist ideas. They take a creative, customized approach to mortality.
Symbolic vs. literal interpretations of death
When it comes to skulls, vampires, and other death imagery, most Goths see them symbolically rather than literally. For example:
Wearing black
Although black clothing represents death in mourning, Goths see it as stylish for everyday wear.
Coffin furniture
Coffin-shaped beds and chairs appeal for their creepy aesthetic, not because Goths plan to inhabit coffins.
Vampire fangs
Plastic vampire fangs are a costume accessory and signal of Gothic identity, not proof that vampires exist.
Rituals
Occult rituals with skulls and candles provide psychodrama, not attempts at necromancy.
Macabre jokes
Dark humor about death reflects coming to terms with mortality, rather than diagnosable suicidal ideation.
However, a minority takes fascination with undeath to the extreme through:
Self-harm
Some disturbed individuals cut themselves to experience a brush with mortality.
Flirting with suicide
Glorifying suicide as romantic is unhealthy. Most Goths believe suicide is a tragic waste of life.
How Goths cope with grief
When actual death strikes their community, Goths deal with grief and loss in their own unique way:
Supportive community
The subculture comes together to support members dealing with tragic loss of loved ones.
Funeral attire
Goths may wear their traditional black, Gothic outfits to funerals rather than standard mourning clothes.
Macabre humor
Joking through pain helps Goths process grief. Humor makes loss more bearable.
Release through music/dancing
Goths express sadness through cathartic Gothic rock music and dancing at clubs.
Memorial events
Special Goth nights may memorialize recently deceased members of the subculture.
Visiting graves
Goths decorate graves of departed friends/family with Gothic accessories as tributes.
Acceptance
Having contemplated mortality through art, Goths may be better equipped emotionally to handle loss.
Do Goths have a death wish?
Some misconceptions paint Goths as depressed, suicidal, and fixated on hastening their own demise. However, these stereotypes are false:
– Most Goths have an overall positive outlook on life.
– Their obsession with death is more aesthetic than suicidal.
– Self-destructive behaviors are no more common in Goths than other subcultures.
– Goths come from all walks of life and value creativity, intelligence, and nonconformity.
– They enjoy roleplaying with dark imagery rather than violent extremism.
– As a non-violent subculture, Goths do not condone harming others.
– Most Goths balance work, social lives, and hobbies beyond just Gothic pursuits.
– They have the same life goals as anyone: love, family, careers, travel, pursuing dreams, etc.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Gothic subculture revels in the macabre, it does not typically signify a death wish. For most Goths, their fixation on death is symbolic and aesthetic rather than suicidal. Their distinctive way of engaging with mortality through art, humor, and community enriches their lives rather than reflecting despair. Goths come from diverse spiritual backgrounds and do not have one unanimous view on death. However, celebrating dark aspects of life points to embracing all experiences with openness, not just morosely dwelling on mortality. Ultimately, the Gothic perspective allows people to acknowledge death in a creative, liberating way.