Skull and Crossbones at Halloween
Frightening images of a skull and Halloween go together well, and none is more evocative than the skull and crossbones. When most of us think of the skull and crossbones, we envision the symbol consisting of a human skull and two bones crossed together either behind or under the skull. Today it is generally used in warning labels on poisonous substances, with the crossbones behind the skull. Traditionally the crossbones behind the skull indicate poison while the crossed bones under the skull indicate pirates or piracy, such as featured on the Jolly Roger, one of the many flags of European and American pirates. Historically, actual skulls and bones were long used to mark the entrances to Spanish cemeteries for many centuries eventually leading the symbol to its association with the concept of death. Today, it suggests something secretive and daring, perhaps risky, and not part of mainstream society. The skull and cross bones is used by many groups and societies, like the British Army, the United States Marine Corps, the Skull and Crossbones Society, as well as Kappa Sigma, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Phi Kappa Sigma fraternities.
The Skull and Crossbones Society is one of the oldest of Yale University's secret societies, and by far the most secretive. The society has long been an inspiration for speculation and imagination, as members were sworn to secrecy and were to remain tight lipped about essentially trivial secrets. The group fastened a picture of its symbol to the door of the chapel on campus where the group met, ìa cold-looking nearly windowless Greco-Egyptian building with padlocked iron doors. According to www.skullandcrossbones.org, generations of Bush men (as in George W., George H., and so on) attended Yale and were all "Bonesmen" during their time at the university. Many other significant, historical public figures (and some not), also attended Yale and were members of the secret Skull and Crossbones Society.
So there you have it, a short synopsis of the skull and crossbones symbol. Now the next time you see a Jolly Roger or pirate toys, you'll dig this article out of your short term memory and display your knowledge to anyone that will listen (or not)! The skull and crossbones is still in use today as the only standard symbol for poison, but this may change due to its association with popular pirate toys that attract unknowing children to its dangers.
For the most part today, the skull and crossbones is a just a symbol, aside from its pirate popularity, that will continue on to mystify several generations to come. The skull and crossbones glows in the dark at Halloween on costumes and pirate flags, and speaks to us of dangerous and secretive things.