[gothic-l] Gothic Culture

[M. Carver]

Hails Lucy,

Of course it is always a big question these days, and an important
distinction to make, especially when one is introducing the topic of the
study of East Germanics to the layperson, who is only familiar with the word
Gothic as it relates to popular culture terminology found in literature,
film, music, fashion and subculture, and there is very definitely no direct
connection, no similarity. We could assume that the Goths looked very much
like any of their Germanic cousins, perhaps altered physically or in
clothing according to the other peoples they were in relation with, such as
the Scythians, Alans, Huns, Romans, Spaniards, etc. There is no evidence
that they popularized the dying of clothes & hair black (an expensive dying
process) or invented lotion to keep their skin pastey-hued. I would assume
such things to be connected more with later "gothic" romantic literature of
18th and 19th century.

For more discussion on the subject, go to the Gothic-L archive:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gothic-l/message/4918
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gothic-l/message/4919


Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Matþaius

PS do you have any idea on the etymology of your name, or its nation of
origin?

> I wonder if anyone can help me.  Looking at modern "alternative" groups who
> call themselves "Goths" or "Gothic", it has made me wonder why, when the
> term "Gothic" is used, present-day folks think of very pale-skinned people
> with dark hair wearing eye makeup resembling the markings of a panda and
> dark lips to match, dressed all in black and generally shunning the
> sunlight.  The term also seems to invoke visions of horror and vampires.
> 
> Is there a reason for this?  Were the Goths (of any given geographical area)
> really like that, or has history been twisted to suit the tastes of the
> moderns?
> 
> I appreciate any help anyone can give me.
> 
> Gothically,
> 
> L. A. Gothro



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