What is Gothic Homesteading?

Since 2013, when Michelle Nickles started the Gothic Homesteading on Facebook back in 2013, and the group to go with it a short time later, we had no idea the growth it would see.  We have been asked many times, "What is a Gothic Homesteader?"  Just about as often, we get asked "What makes someone a Goth?"  and "What is a homesteader?"  Over the years, we have heard many explanations of what a Goth and what a homesteader is, below are the simplest answers.

• A person who is a Goth is one who is a member of the Gothic subculture.  They are a person who sees beauty in the midst of the dark and dying world.
• A Homesteader is one follows the homesteading life: a. raising what one can - fruit, vegetables, herbs, animals, etc.; b. making what one can - clothing, food, crafts, very diy; c. providing off the land for ones family and friends as much as possible;  d. trading/bartering for other items needed when ever possible.
• A Gothic Homesteader is one who sees beauty in the midst of the dark and dying world, and thusly chooses to live a homesteading life.

As both the Gothic and Homesteading cultures are very DIY (do it yourself) oriented this progression of the blending together is not surprising.  The Gothic Revival movement of the 1800s (1810s to 1850s - some places as late as 1890s) included in its architecture many Gothic Farmhouses and Gothic Barns, from which modern Gothic Homesteaders can draw inspiration, as well.  It is not surprising as this time has influenced the Goth movement at large since the 1980s and is a nature place for influence.

~ Morria Nickles

Next week: Gothic Halloween