The video explores the history of choker necklaces, which have been worn for protective and symbolic purposes since ancient civilizations. The word "choker" originated in the 1920s, but the concept of a tightly fitted necklace has been around since the beginning of human civilization.
Throughout history, chokers have been worn by various cultures for different reasons, such as to ward off illness, to resemble gods, or to signify social status. They have also been used to cover up scars, disguise goiters, or as a symbol of allegiance to a movement.
Chokers have been popular among different groups, including ancient Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Celts, and Native Americans. In the Middle Ages, noble women wore chokers with saint pendants to ward off the plague. The choker trend was revived in the late 19th century by Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who allegedly wore chokers to cover up a childhood scar.
In the 20th century, chokers became associated with the goth and grunge movements, and later with the 1990s fashion trend. They experienced a resurgence in the 2010s, with various designs and materials becoming popular.
The video concludes with a brief mention of the association between chokers and BDSM/kink movements in recent years, but notes that this connotation is a relatively recent development.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The word "choker" originated in the 1920s in relation to flappers.
2. Chokers have been in and out of fashion since the beginning of human civilization.
3. The Met Museum in New York has ancient chokers on display.
4. Jewelry has been believed to have amuletic powers and religious significance.
5. Chokers were worn for protective reasons as far back as the earliest known civilizations in Mesopotamia.
6. One of the earliest known chokers was found in the burial site of Queen Pu'abi in the ancient Acadian city of Ur, dated around 2600 BC.
7. Ancient Egyptians wore jewelry to resemble their gods and earn their favor.
8. Celtic noble men and women wore chokers for protective powers.
9. Chokers were worn by noble women in the Middle Ages to ward off the bubonic plague.
10. Native American tribes wore chokers made out of bird bones to ward off sicknesses.
11. In Bronze Age Europe, chokers were worn for protective powers and to resemble gods.
12. Anne Boleyn was known for wearing a pearl monogram necklace, a type of choker.
13. Marie Antoinette also wore chokers, which became a symbol of the French monarchy.
14. During the French Revolution, people wore red ribbons around their necks to remember those who had lost their heads.
15. In 19th century France, black ribbons worn around the neck became a symbol of prostitution.
16. Ballerinas in France also wore black ribbon chokers, which were associated with social stigma.
17. In the Great Depression, wearing a plain black woven choker or ribbon could be a signal of secret lesbianism.
18. The Maasai and Zulu people in Africa wore intricate beaded necklaces that carried hidden meanings.
19. Chokers were used to cover up or disguise unwanted features, such as goiters in 19th century Germany and Austria.
20. Princess Alexandra of Denmark was rumored to have worn chokers to cover up a childhood scar on her neck.
21. Alexandra's chokers launched a trend that lasted for over 80 years.
22. In the 1960s and 1970s, male rock stars such as Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix wore chokers as a form of gender-bending fashion.
23. In the 1990s, chokers were worn by both men and women, including Gwen Stefani, Posh Spice, and Jared Leto.
24. The choker trend continued through the 2000s, with designs such as puka shell necklaces.
25. The 1990s fashion trend, including chokers, began to resurge in 2014-2015.