Goth or Gothic is a style NOT a person!!! The style originated in 15th century Germany and was called “Middle Gothic.” The Gothic movement was a response to the repression of Christianity and the movement had to develop as underground: a pagan revival of sorts. Many members of this Middle Gothic movement were, then as now, Artists, Poets, Musicians and Thinkers who questioned the paradigm that created their society. They tended to use Paganism as “a Sword of Illumination” to light the path through the world that is dark, asleep and blind. The Goth style of dress, the darkening of the eyes, as well as the Gothic symbols where meant to represent a sense of self empowerment and solidarity within the movement. The colors red and purple and the shade black were chosen to represent this movement as a way to mock the church and the royal courts (Kings & Queens) who saw fit to force religion on the people. The people who made up this Middle Gothic movement were not violent nor were they drawn to the ways of evil (as it is with many “Goths” today) but were only concerned with being afforded the right to express their creativity and ideals through their arts without the fear of oppression.