And so on. Skeletons played a more sinister, serious role in the pagan rituals of the past. Today, they're more like caricatures. They became part of Halloween culture as sort of a coping mechanism. That's why they're so popular at Halloween.
Skeletons take on many forms as symbols.
They represent the threat of death, as found on the labels of poisonous substances, pirate flags, and military gear. They symbolize rebellion, which is why rock groups like them, Merbs says. They're professional symbols, found on the business cards of anatomists and the coffee mugs of coroners. One anthropologist has a skull and crossbones on her personal checks. Skeletons also symbolize life after death.