Actually...
History and background
...The words Goth and Gothic have had many, largely unrelated meanings in the past.
The name of the Germanic Visigoth tribes that overthrew the Roman Empire. From this source arose the concept of a Goth as an uncivilized person, a barbarian.
...a style of architecture in Western Europe which was popular from the 12th to the 16th century.
...a style of horror/mystery literature that is dark, eerie and gloomy.
...Goth, as a modern movement, started as one component of the punk rock scene. As the latter faded, Goth survived by creating its own subculture.
...The first use of the term Goth in its present meaning is believed to have been on a British Broadcasting Commission (BBC) TV program. Anthony H. Wilson, manager of Joy Division described the band as Gothic compared with the pop mainstream. The name stuck.
...Their use of black clothing was originally "something of a backlash to the colorful disco music of the seventies." It also stuck.
....The movement first became established in the Batcave, a nightclub in London, England, in the early 1980's.
....Spreading to the U.S., it first became popular in California.
....Goth is featured in The Crow horror movies (1994, 1996). Other Gothic movies are the original Nosferatu, the color remake Nosferatu the Vampyre, and the Cabinet of Doctor Caligari.
....Popular music bands are the Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, the Sisters of Mercy, Dead Can Dance, and many others.
Many Goths reflect popular culture and are probably nominal or devout Christians. Atheism, Agnosticism, the New Age, Gnosticism, Shamanism, Wicca, other Neopagan traditions, and other minority faith groups are represented more frequently than in the general population.
Goths often wear Christian crosses or Christian crucifixes, which many regard as a pre-Christian religious symbol. Others wear New Age/ancient Egyptian Ankh symbols. Some do this as expression of their religious beliefs, some for satire, and others because they like their appearance.
AlienNation said:
And yes... goth isn't a religion, just a lifestyle/community like hip hop, punk, etc.
This is correct
Goth or the Gothic lifestyle is CULTURE not a religion.
lol.
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