Gothic Symbolism and Representations of The Gothic

The symbols of 'The Gothic' are very distinctive. One of the most common is the colour- black. This symbolises the night, evil, mystery, sadness, remorse, unhappiness and mourning. Ironically, these features are popular themes within Gothic literature. Black can also be seen to express a sense of the 'unknown' or supernatural. As shown in the 'Gothic fasion' post, black is what Goths typically wear. Secrecy could also be represented by black, keeping things in the dark or hidden away.





Pentacle. Source: ayro91.deviantart.com

 Above:This 5 sided star shape represents the elements understood by the Pagans: Air, Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. This symbol can be used in Gothic cultures to represent Satan or death.



Below: An ankh. This symbol demonstrates a strong cultural significance, and is sometimes seen as the key of life. In Egypt, this is used the soul of the dead to a new life.

Gothic Architecture




View of the South transept of Notre Dame, Paris, France. Source: brusselspictures.com



 Gothic architecture became popular during the medieval period.  It evolved from a combination of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. The most obvious and prominent feature of Gothic architecture is the pointed arch, and is component to many abbeys, cathedrals and churches of the 12th Century era. Notre Dame in Paris is one of the most famous examples of Gothic architecture, and was completed in 1935.




Notre Dame, Paris, France. Source: earthinpictures.com



This view of Notre Dame shows the popular pointed arch feature common to these Gothic inspired buildings. These arches evolved from the round arches commonly round in Roman architecture. These arches were purpose built for two specific reasons. The first reason was that the arch is able to reach higher for a given width. The second reason could be seen as a defence mechanism, as they are less visible. This is an important factor when constructing masonry walls, as Gothic arches only produce half the side-thrust of Roman arches...but that's too technical for English literature.

The interior design of Notre Dame. This picture shows how the Gothic design and layout is an interior feature and attraction as well as exterior. The colour scheme also gives a Gothic feel, with dark and dimmed lights, and the use of red for the seating. There is a sense of danger and eeriness which has been carefully created for a purpose, adding a sense of mystery. Source: worldtouristhotspot.blogspot.com



The Gothic arch feature is demonstrated in this photo. The dark colours are carried on throughout the Cathedral, with lighter colours used for 'The Temple Of Reason'. Source: europeantrips.org




'The Temple Of Reason', Notre Dame. Gothic pointed arches are part of this attraction, as are the spikes and turrets. Source: laundelles.wordpress.com



Other examples of Gothic Architecture are:



Sainte Chapelle, France. Source: norstad.org/paris2006/chapelle



Gargoyles are a common feature of the Gothic as they are supernatural and scary. They create a sense of evil and danger, almost devil-like. Source: wishlist.nu/2007/10/22/gargoyle





Royaumont Abbey, France. Source: en.structurae.de





Gothic Fashion



Gothic Fashion, 'ALL BLACK BEAUTY', ELLE, elle.com

In recent times, when the word 'Goth' is used, many of us think of a subculture of people dressed in black clothing, drained of colour. Platform shoes, cloaks, chains, piercings and tattoos. Leather, netting, lace. Thick black eyeliner, pale face.

Girl Above: Tattoos and staple piercings on her arms represent her Gothic nature. Smeared makeup creates the emotion of distress and sadness. Skull could represent death. Source: gothic-nature.com

Man Above: Pale/white face make-up with black eyeliner and eyeshadow which is stereotypical of Goths. The blue coloured contacts create a sense of mystery and fear. Facial piercings are common amongst this culture, but may be seen as abnormal or deviant to many. Source: thestoryofshopping.blogspot.com

However, it is not all doom and gloom. This group of Goths below have incorporated red and purple into their outfits. Red can been seen to have connotations of anarchy, danger and revolution. Purple can create a sense of mystery, spirituality, and in some countries even the colour of mourning the dead. The location of the photo is significant- a graveyard. This adds a ghostly sense to the photo, the rising dead. This can be contrasted with the background bursting with nature, new life and colour.