World Goth Day
Dig out that thick black eyeliner and safety-pin-riddled pants and let your inner goth out for a day. If you don’t feel like dressing the part, explore Gothic media.
We’ve all seen them, those strange characters that wander our city streets dressed as though they’re on their way to a funeral, or a punk rock show… Or quite possibly both.
Their very presence exudes a sort of darkness, steeped in the love of all things morbid, and a seeming love affair with death.
Their anthems come from the likes of Siouxsie and the Banshees, Type O Negative, and Bauhaus, bands who seem to be able to perfectly encompass all the things strange.
World Goth Day encourages us to celebrate these fine fellows, and maybe take a dip into their world ourselves, after all, while the light is lovely, can it not also be blinding?
How to Celebrate World Goth Day
World Goth Day is a great time to explore the question that plagues those who do not understand the Goth sub-culture.
It can be a time for people to really get a grasp on its representations and why it is so well loved still, even to this day. Those who believe gothic culture is evil or has poor intentions, can be educated on its history and be allowed to feel the magic of this style.
What are these souls searching for, what are their dreams, what do they want to tell us and most importantly, who are they and what beauty do they find in the dark? Take some time to explore it on your own, research the history of Goth Culture and the songs, music, movies, and literature that are its hallmarks.
You won’t be disappointed, and maybe the next time you see these dark souls, you’ll understand just a little of what they see.
Wear a little black, add a touch of gothic make-up to your style for a day and appreciate the awesomeness of what is Goth subculture.
You will find that gothic style music tells plenty of stories relating to its history and to the magic that fuels it. Today, we are seeing an evolution of the gothic culture, and we can see a bigger rise in new subcultures such as cybergoth, steampunk and trad goth.
World Goth Day celebrates all these souls, and the part of them that celebrates the darkness within us all through music, art, and media.
The History Behind Gothic Design
The very thought of gothic tradition may stir up some type of wonder about the exact origin, however the name goth is actually a subculture, which began in England in the 1980s, as did many things of course, such as Wham!
And ET, but we’ll save those for another occasion. The goth subculture became famous through the development of gothic rock, a post-punk genre, and both came from the music scene.
The aesthetic and excitement behind the goth was of course black clothing and hair, piercings and lots of black lipstick. Add this to a very pale face and you will be sure to look positively goth-like! Rock on!
As it progressed of course, the aesthetics became much more of a focus than the meaning behind it. Fashion designers jumped on the bandwagon and gothic fashion became a dark take on Victorian fashion. So why does it always have to be black?
Black symbolises death and the deep dark night, however you will find in more modern gothic fashion, an incorporation of colour can be seen, particularly through women’s dresses and fashion. A little touch of blood red lace or deep purple will give a gothic allure and make the fashion piece even more exquisite.
The designs are relatively intricate and there are certainly some great fashion statements to be seen.
History of World Goth Day
The history of World Goth Day stretches back in odd and meandering paths to history. Musically it can be traced back to 1967 when someone referred to the music of the Doors as “Gothic Rock.”
This term was soon being bandied about, used to describe music like Velvet Underground’s “All Tomorrow’s Parties”, and Siouxsie and the Banshee’s described as one of “Goth Rocks Architects”.
But why “Gothic”? It’s an odd term considering that it originally referred to the Visigoths whose claim to fame was sacking Rome.
So how did Goths become Goths? Well, we can trace the term back a bit further to 1764, where Horace Walpole wrote a story called “The Castle of Otranto”, granted the subtitled “A Gothic Story” during its second printing.
So what is Gothic in this context? It describes a “pleasing sort of horror”, and was seen to be a natural extension of Romantic literature.
This, of course, implies a sort of romance with the darker side of life, something that can be said to describe the little blossoms of gloom described at the beginning. As time progressed, we saw that gothic terminology was being used throughout the growing music scenes.
It began in the late 1960s and was first used to describe music, which was specifically seen with Jim Morrison’s band The Doors, known as the first modern goth, but other bands such as Black Sabbath and The Cure.
Gothic styles then further progressed and moved into the cinemas, with films such as Suspiria and Eraserhead in 1977 which gave a good introduction to gothic cinema, although it seemed to lose its lacklustre and today there are not many mainstream films that really highlight the gothic trend well.
However, it does remain an established and well loved style. There are many events and opportunities in every city to really enjoy the splendour of gothic design, in parades and at conventions.
World Goth Day FAQs
What’s the connection between the Goth subculture and Victorian mourning traditions?
The Goth aesthetic draws heavily from Victorian mourning traditions. In the 19th century, strict mourning rules dictated dark clothing, veils, and jewelry made of jet.
These somber fashions resonate with the modern Goth’s penchant for dramatic, dark attire.
Victorian mourning customs also emphasized poetry and art, echoing Goth culture’s embrace of melancholic beauty. This historical connection adds depth to Goth style.
Why do bats often symbolize Goth culture?
Bats became Gothic icons through literature and pop culture. Gothic novels like Dracula associated bats with mystery and vampirism.
Their nocturnal habits and eerie silhouettes add to their appeal. Bats also symbolize resilience and rebirth in folklore, fitting the Goth culture’s appreciation for darkness and renewal.
How is Goth Day celebrated differently in Japan?
In Japan, Goth Day often overlaps with the country’s thriving Lolita fashion scene. Many participants blend Victorian-inspired Goth styles with frilly, pastel Lolita attire.
Events include tea parties, Gothic rock concerts, and visits to historical landmarks. This unique fusion showcases Japan’s flair for reinventing subcultures.
Did Goth music influence modern horror soundtracks?
Yes! Goth music pioneers like Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees inspired eerie, atmospheric film scores.
Directors often hire Goth-influenced composers to create haunting soundscapes. The moody tones in The Crow and The Hunger owe much to Goth music’s dark allure.
How do Goths celebrate weddings?
Goth weddings are dramatic and unconventional. Black wedding dresses, Gothic castles, and vows referencing dark poetry are popular.
Some couples incorporate ancient pagan rituals or Victorian aesthetics, making each ceremony uniquely memorable.
Are there myths about Goths and their love of Halloween?
One myth claims Goths celebrate Halloween every day. While Goths love spooky aesthetics, they also enjoy year-round creativity. For them, Halloween isn’t a singular event but an ethos woven into their daily lives.
How has Goth culture influenced video games?
Games like Castlevania and Bloodborne reflect Gothic aesthetics. These games feature eerie castles, dark creatures, and brooding protagonists.
The Goth subculture’s themes of darkness and mystery heavily inspire game designers.
What’s the difference between Goths and Emos?
Goths focus on dark romanticism, Victorian aesthetics, and Gothic rock. Emos, rooted in post-hardcore music, emphasize emotional expression and introspective lyrics. Their styles overlap but come from distinct cultural roots.
Are there Goth traditions tied to food?
Gothic dining often features black-themed foods like squid ink pasta or black velvet cakes. Some Goths host themed dinners with macabre decor and dark cocktails.
This playful creativity makes meals part of their artistic expression.
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