The Skull and Crossbones was originally a Christian symbol. The skull is the literal translation of the word Golgatha or Calvary. Golgatha is the place of the skulls. This is where Jesus was crucified. The crossbones often symbolizes the Cross. I have a shop with beautiful religious themed decorative accessories. One of our best selling pillows is a skull with a crown and a rose. The skull represents Calvary, the crown is for the King of Kings, and the rose represents Everlasting Life. Many symbols that we may have considered macabre were originally spiritual symbols.