Gothic culture - Odd dress code

My name was tagged in this picture by one of my social networking site friend. He was from a little Asian country and following all the comments I realized that there are many who are not aware of Gothic culture. My friends was well aware of it and he could give a good insight about Gothic culture to his friends. I also then began to find out as to what does exactly Gothic mean? Who are Goths, and what do they believe? How long has Goth been around, and what is its future? So hope some of you guys also will learn something new today. 

The use of word "Gothic" believed to identify a group if European tribes from ancient history. Island of Gottland off the Denmark coast is identified as the place of origin. 

However there is a phenomenal difference between ancient Gothic culture and the modern gothic culture. Even though Ancient Goths were religious people these nomadic people were reputed to be extremely violent.  

Today, "gothic" is used to describe a subculture based largely on a certain style of art, literature, and music. Some forms of gothic art and literature date back to the 12th –15th centuries, however gothic music as we know it today is a relatively new development and is responsible for having the greatest impact on the development of gothic subculture.

Modern goths differ from ancient Goths in that they are not part of a dominant culture; they are a part of a subculture. Where ancient Goths had a set religious system, modern gothic subculture is not linked to any particular religion. There are some pagan goths, however many more goths are Christian, Jewish, Catholic, or Aethiest. Modern goths tend to be varied on their social and political views as well. The glue which holds the gothic community together is an affinity for the macabre, a longing for romance, and an appreciation of darker aesthetics.

So I leave you with this and hope you will try to find more about this sub-culture.

Image is quoted from facebook and we thank the owner of this photography.