The historian of our HOG chapter put together this presentation on skulls:

"The image of the skull is very popular in the biker culture. Many of us have skulls on our bikes, our clothes, even our bodies! It is perhaps the most frequent symbol used by bikers today, but why? The most common meaning associated with the skull is that it is a "representation of death." Is this REALLY what we're projecting - that we are dead? Sounds a bit counter-intuitive, doesn't it? Let's look at that theory - and some others as well.



1) There's no question that the skull has come to symbolize our mortality. In art, going back hundreds of years, skulls were placed in paintings as a "memento mori." The loose Latin translation is a "remembrance of our own death." A warning that we all have a beginning and an end. In Roman times, slaves would shadow the returning Generals as they paraded through the streets on their way to be greeted by Caesar. They would repeat to the General, "Respice post te! Hominem te memento!" (Look behind you! Remember that you are but a man!). In other words, "don't get cocky!" Personally, this is one of the reasons I have skulls on my bike. I always want to be reminded that two wheels don't make me immortal (although it sure feels like it sometime!).



2) Taking a step away from the macabre, I researched the "winged skulls." I have these on my helmet and gloves. It appears that this symbol first became prevalent on tombstones. The wings give the skull an "angelic" appearance - and no wonder. Placing the winged-skull on the grave was to imply a life after death, where angels would transport our loved ones to a better place. And speaking of angels, many squadrons in WWI and WWII named themselves "Hell's Angels." They marked their planes with winged-skulls, perhaps in hopes of transcending death, literally out-flying the grim reaper. Some people believe the MC of the same name was started by some of these combat vets.



3) Yet another interpretation of the skull is that of an "apotrope." Something with "apotropaic" powers has the ability to ward-off or turn-away evil. In this sense the skull "protects" us from death. Those who have skulls tattooed on them may feel a connection here. Superstitious you say? Well, how many of you have gremlin bells on your bike? I thought so.



4) Sometimes our beloved skull has been quite contradictory in its meaning. The age old "skull and crossbones" has been used for centuries to instill a "fear" of death. It has been used by pirates, *****, drug makers and chemical manufacturers. Across all languages, even if one doesn't know how to read, the crossbones mean only one thing: "stay away or you will die." However, pirates attributed a dual meaning to this. It also symbolized the inevitability of their own demise. The pirates saw the "bones" as both LIFE (their ruthless occupation), and DEATH (the despair in knowing that they would all die as a result of their life's choices).



5) Coming full circle, some ancient societies thought the skull had the altogether opposite meaning of death. The legend of the crystal skulls actually represented "life," "knowledge," and/or "enlightenment." Those who made the skulls were considered master artisans with unparalleled gifts. Later in years, those treasure seekers who sought the crystal skulls hoped to potentially achieve immortality. In fact, the latest installment of the Indiana Jones movies associated them with aliens from a far-advanced civilization. Who knew?



In closing, we see skulls covering allot of philosophical and psychological ground. Are they a "representation of death?" Not so fast. Let's revisit what they symbolize:



1) Death and our own mortality,

2) Life after death,

3) Protection from death,

4) Fear of death, and

5) Life and immortality.



So maybe it's the inevitable cycle of life and death that attracts us? I suppose for all of us who wear the skull, we have to know for ourselves why. Maybe we just think they look cool - and that's ok too."

 

Now that's the webster's definition - mine wasn't gonna be quite as elaborate, but pretty much a summary of the same points. IMO - to each their own & it you don't like skulls - don't look/buy them...they're another iconic symbol of bike ownership & do have meaning.

 

i'm going to replace all the skulls and flames with bunnies, kittens, and little baby seals.

 

I like them...and have them on mine. The nice thing is that when I grow tireds of them I can change them. (I like the kitten idea)

 

Kudos to your HOG historian for putting something like that together.

I'd revise a couple of points and add one major thing he left out.

The one major thing he left out was the appropriation of **** regalia into biker culture. This includes the German helmet, the SS skull, and the Iron Cross (later renamed a "Maltese" cross--but the real Maltese cross looks nothing like the "Maltese" crosses you see in bike accessories catalogs--google it).

Some returning vets from WW2 used this stuff to show what badasses they were in the war. (There was only one real way to get that stuff, after all).

And then as biker culture became a counterculture for the next generation, the use of **** insignia became widespread, for shock value. There are some on this board who have shared their memories of when and how this caught on.

The memento mori theme in art history has nothing to do with Roman antiquity: it's medieval.

In a Roman triumph, the slave put on the triumvir's chariot by the senate would have said something like "momento mori" or "respice post te; hominem te memento" (acording to Tertullian, a later writer) or "homo modo es; sic transit gloria mundi" (you are but a man; all glory is fleeting). And not to quibble too much, but the triumvir was greeted by no one but Jupiter--that was the point: achieving the height of mortality. After the triumphal procession down the Via Sacra and through the Forum, the triumvir would walk up the steps of the Capitoline hill and into the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, alone, and sacrifice a bull in the company of the god (as they believed).





The gremlin (bell) is a good example of an apotropaic device that all can understand

 

Got my skull tattoo in 1958. My black Davidson has a couple of skulls and xtra chrome. Of course, all in good taste. What were you doin' in
September 1958 ?

 

"i'm going to replace all the skulls and flames with bunnies, kittens, and little baby seals..."

That made my day.

In 1958 I was ducking sister Mary Margaret in the 8th grade. Somethin' about lighting off that cherry bomb in the classroom that fall sorta set the tone for me and her for the rest of the year...

 

Dr. Laura has a Tri Glide covered in skulls.

In 1958 I was pooping in my diapers.

 

So what is "in" with the hardcore crowd these days? "Live to Ride, Ride to Live" making a huge comeback? Flames? SS lightning bolts or iron cross?

Don't just point out the problem, bring a solution. Although I think I will just keep my limited skulls and obligatory HD chrome goodies......others might need to know!

 

I love my skulls and can't wait to get my tins painted with some smoky looking skulls on them.