They say that flowers are for ladies. Like, it doesn’t befit the stern sex to adorn themselves with flowers. Can you imagine a biker or Gothic enthusiast hanged with roses and lilies? No? Well, try again because plant and floral motifs are prominent in these subcultures. These symbols grow out of cultural traditions and religious beliefs that put an emphasis on the significance of things than their appearance. Let’s look closer at some of these motifs.
Rose Symbol in Gothic and Biker Jewelry
Roses are among the most widespread and versatile symbols in jewelry, especially when it comes to the Gothic style. Many believe that the rose is a romantic symbol, which is true, but it has more to it than this.
In fact, the rose represents a duality of things, especially the contrast between death and life. A rose starts as a delicate bud, then it blooms and eventually writhes. This cycle is a showcase of the fragility and transience of our existence. When interpreting the meaning of the rose, it is important to consider its color. While a black and purple rose signifies death, mourning, and loss, its white counterpart stands for life and resurrection. However, in some cultures, it is common to bring white roses to funerals, so their meaning is quite the opposite.
At the same time, the rose can mean an entanglement of feelings, a connection between them. Love can’t exist without pain, suffering stems from pleasure, lust is just the other side of abstinence… Roses have thorns, which can prick and wound. These thorns represent jeopardy and sacrifices of love. But the rose has gentle petals as well, and they speak of passion, romantic feelings, sensuality, physical desires, and every other thing associated with love. This symbolism is especially pronounced in red roses.
Roses can also represent mystery and secrecy. Under their petals, they hide secrets, including unknown aspects of one’s personality or identity. These unknown things are alluring and intriguing. They induce us to go looking for answers and revelations. These secrets can concern both a stranger and oneself; in the case of the latter, they nudge to search for self-comprehension. Blue roses boast the strongest air of mystery. Along with that, they can represent fantasy and impossibility.
What about the meaning of the rose in biker jewelry? It is slightly different:
- loyalty and devotion to the fraternity, as well as its beliefs, ideas, and rules.
- affection and commitment between partners, or admiration for one’s leader or mentor.
- bravery and honor in the face of challenges and adversity.
- pride and glory as a result of overcoming obstacles as well as recognition of one’s success and achievements.
- living in the moment and enjoyment of freedom.
We have a blog about rose jewelry, make sure to check it out to learn more.
Meaning of Lilies in Biker and Gothic Jewelry
Lilies are one of the most elegant and enchanting flowers. It comes as no surprise that they are steeped in history and symbolism. Although their meanings vary for different cultures, all of them agree that lilies are purity, innocence, rebirth, and spirituality, as well as love and passion.
One of the most common types of lilies in jewelry, especially biker and Gothic pieces, is fleur-de-lis. ‘Lily flower” in French or heraldic lily, is a flower with three upright petals bound together at the base. Fleur-de-lis is one of the most widespread symbols in France since it represented the royalty, nobility, and power of reigning monarchs. The symbol could be seen on family crests, jewelry, attributes of power, across palace interiors, etc.
Christianity reveres fleur-de-lis as well since its three petals imply the Holi Trinity. Apart from that, Christianity endows lilies with such meanings as faith, valor, and wisdom.
Despite the fact that fleur-de-lis is historically a royal and religious symbol, it is sought-after in motorcycle and Goth/Gothic communities. Incorporated in jewelry, it conveys a sense of dignity, honor, and courage. On top of that, it stands for loyalty and devotion to one’s group or cause. It can also represent a rebellious spirit and challenge to convention.
Marijuana in Biker Jewelry
It has many names - marijuana, cannabis, hemp, weed, just to name a few. Honored by multiple cultures across the globe and historical periods, today it is rather a controversial symbol. Due to its wide application (medicine, food, fiber, fuel, recreation, etc.) multiplied by ambiguous reputation and variegated cultural aspects, we’ve got a wealth of marijuana interpretations.
More often than not, when we talk about the marijuana symbol, we imply its leaf. In jewelry, marijuana may represent a lifestyle choice and a personal system of beliefs. It can be an emblem of individuals who love nature and adventure. Thanks to its medicinal properties, marijuana leaf can mean healing. Besides, due to its power to alter the mind, it can stand for spirituality, awakening, relaxation, connection with one’s higher self, purification of thoughts, etc.
In biker jewelry, marijuana symbolism conveys a sense of identity, solidarity, defiance, freedom, and rebellion.
When choosing marijuana jewelry, you should consider its color.
Cannabis leaves are green, and this color evokes an association with nature, life, growth, and harmony. At the same time, the medicinal benefits of the plant make it a symbol of health and wellness.
If you come across jewelry featuring black marijuana leaves, its meaning is the opposite – death and decay. Simultaneously, it may stand for rebellion, power, strength, and mystery for good measure.
Cannabis leaves with a golden hue refer to fame, popularity, wealth, success, and luxury. They also praise the recreational and enjoyable aspects of the plant.
Sakura Jewelry
Sakura, one of the much-beloved symbols of Japan, is a hot topic in jewelry. One may assume that it resonates mostly with ladies due to its beauty and delicacy. In fact, this symbol is able to cater to anyone due to its powerful significance.
Its standout meaning is the fleeting nature of life. Sakura displays its blossoms only for a short time. Soon after, it withers, its petals fall to the ground and are carried away by the wind. Sakura flowers are a sui generis reminder that life is precious and fragile. It tells us that we should live a full life and cherish every moment. In addition to this, sakura can express a sense of awareness, mindfulness, and gratitude. Those who choose this flower for their jewelry as though display acceptance of their own mortality and imperfections.
Another admirable meaning of the sakura is the renewal of life. Its blossoms herald the coming of spring. The blossoming coincides with the beginning of the fiscal and school year in Japan, making it a symbol of new starts and fresh chances. Men who rely on the symbol of Sakura in their jewelry attempt to express hope, optimism, and growth, as well as readiness to face change and overcome hurdles.
One more meaning worth mentioning is spirituality. The sakura flower has a deep link to Buddhism. It embodies the idea of “mono no aware”, which means “the sadness of things” or “the awareness of impermanence”. Besides that, it showcases the enlightenment that comes from understanding the reality of existence. By choosing sakura jewelry, you give yourself a chance to communicate wisdom, compassion, and peace.
Vine Jewelry
Vine is known for its lust for life. It grows and spreads rapidly, constantly trying to reach new places and sources of nourishment. No wonder it evokes associations with growth, adaptation, and the ability to thrive in any situation. Also, it can symbolize expansion in a war other than physical. For example, it embodies broaden of horizons, exploration of new possibilities, and the pursuit of goals.
Interconnectedness and interdependence are one more curious meaning of the vine symbol in jewelry. Vine is the kind of plant that links different aspects of nature, such as plants, rocks, soil, and water. Thus, it represents the balance and harmony of all things. In the same vein, vine jewelry is capable of displaying a strong bond, such as with family, friends, or a lover.
Echoing the ideas and meaning behind other symbols on our list, vine symbolizes spirituality. The plant is an attribute of divine beings such as the Celtic goddess Brigid or the Welsh goddess Ceridwen. Vine jewelry chosen consciously represents inspiration, healing, and prophecy bestowed by the divine. At the same time, it embodies intuition, power, and regeneration that come from within.
Blossoms and Their Significannce
The blossom is not only a charming floral symbol in jewelry but also a multifaceted one. Standing for beauty, it reveals the creativeness of nature, its many shapes and forms that fascinate us. If you’re an avid admirer of nature’s creations, blossom jewelry is able to manifest your gratitude for the beauty of the world we live in. Simultaneously, blossom can represent the beauty that comes from within, as well as the pride and self-esteem that arise from it.
Nature brings life. It is a natural thing to grow and reproduce, and this is exactly what blossoms do. Hence, they embody the rebirth and renewal that occur with each season. But nature is as unstoppable with giving life as it is with taking it, and blossom reflects that meaning as well denoting a cycle from birth to death. Blossom jewelry is a choice of those who are willing to accept the impermanence and flickering of life. Its delicate look instills optimism and hope for the future.
You might also want to pick blossom jewelry for its meaning of elation. Living, loving, and being loved is the purpose of existence and its ultimate delights. A blossom incorporated into a ring or pendant can manifest your gratitude for the gifts of life. It can also denote that you’re not going to celebrate this life alone. Instead, you strive to share life’s joys with others.
The Meaning of Cactus in Jewelry
A cactus learned how to survive in a harsh environment deprived of water and nutrients, under the rays of the scorching sun. Despite the adversities, it blesses us with gorgeous flowers that juxtapose its prickly look. Its thirst for life is admirable. Because it thrives where everything else dies, the cactus got to cement its status as an amulet.
First of all, it is endowed with protective properties. Its spines and glochids aka thorns and needles help deter animals and people from harming it. When incorporated into jewelry, they will act in a similar way protecting their wearers from evil and hostile individuals. If you are able to stand up for yourself and consider yourself a resilient person, cactus jewelry will do as well.
Thanks to its ability to survive in adverse conditions, the cactus became a symbol of strength, endurance, perseverance, and determination. It doesn’t just survive, it lives a long life that can span a couple of centuries. Due to its long lifespan, the cactus is revered as an emblem of longevity. If you lack health and vitality, a cactus charm or amulet may be a solution.
The Significance of Lotus
Lotus is the most respected flower in Eastern culture. It boasts associations with deities, gods, millennia-old religions, and noble rulers. It is not just its beauty that made it sacred in the East but also a unique life cycle.
A lotus closes its petals and sinks into the water at night only to reemerge in the morning. It as if dies and resurrects over and over again. This peculiarity is a perfect representation of the cycle of life. Besides physical rebirth, the plant embodies mental and spiritual rebirth, especially as a result of overcoming challenges.
The aquatic flower grows in muddy water and, at the same time, it reaches up to the sky. The flower deservingly turned into a symbol of enlightenment and wisdom. Just like a lotus, you should have an aspiration to grow, reach for the light, and transcend the illusions of the world. Despite the fact the lotus arises from mud, it gets to preserve its beauty and perfection. It closes its petals before sinking into dirty water to retain its purity. Jewelry featuring lotus can motivate you to be just like the flower – pure and flawless despite your modest origin and harsh circumstances.
In the Buddhist doctrine, the lotus is a symbol of harmony, life balance, and spiritual growth. You can often see the silhouettes and images of the flower on various religious attributes.
Daisy in Jewelry
A daisy is a small flower. It has simple white petals gathered around a yellow center. There is nothing fancy about it. Yet, it is loved around the world. The Mexican festival Day of the Dead uses daisies for altar decoration, and they are part of the well-known sugar skull design. More often than not, daisies are drawn around the eye sockets and added to flower crowns.
How did such an unassuming flower get to put itself on the radar? Well, it is cheerful and fun. Its sunny yellow color is able to improve one’s mood and put a smile on one’s face in no time. At the same time, its white petals are purity itself. They are reminiscences of the times when we were innocent and sincere, such as in childhood. If you want to put an emphasis on someone’s playfulness, virtues, and chastity, daisy jewelry is the best gift.
Finally, just like every flower, daisies symbolize rebirth. They show their petals during the day but hide them at night. Every day, it is a new flower. It has a fresh start over and over again. Daisy jewelry is an excellent choice for those who are going through a transformation and have high hopes for the future.