The Hidden Language of Rave Culture
Symbols, Gestures, and Their Meanings
Rave culture is more than just music and fashion—it’s a world rich with its own symbols, gestures, and unspoken communication. Whether it's the iconic PLUR handshake or the mesmerizing visuals projected at a warehouse party, ravers have developed a unique language that transcends words. But where did these symbols come from, and what do they mean? Let’s explore the hidden language of rave culture and its significance.
1. The PLUR Philosophy: More Than Just a Saying
If you’ve spent any time in rave culture, you’ve likely come across the acronym PLUR—which stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. This philosophy, rooted in early rave movements, serves as an unspoken code of conduct among ravers.
- Peace – Letting go of negativity and embracing the music.
- Love – Sharing positive energy and appreciating the people around you.
- Unity – Understanding that music connects all of us, regardless of background.
- Respect – Supporting and looking out for fellow ravers.
The PLUR handshake is a well-known ritual where two ravers link hands, exchange kandi (beaded bracelets), and reinforce the philosophy through hand gestures that spell out P-L-U-R. This simple yet powerful gesture signifies mutual respect and connection.
2. Kandi Bracelets: More Than Just Accessories
Beaded bracelets—known as kandi—are a staple of rave culture, but they’re more than just colorful fashion statements. Kandi symbolizes friendship, unity, and self-expression. Ravers often exchange them during events, using the PLUR handshake, creating lasting connections with strangers.
The colors and patterns of kandi can hold deeper meanings:
- Rainbow colors – Represent inclusivity and diversity.
- Black and white patterns – Symbolize balance and duality.
- Glow-in-the-dark beads – Signify creativity and self-expression in the dark.
Many ravers personalize their kandi with words, inside jokes, or references to their favorite DJs—making them wearable memories.
3. Symbols in Rave Visuals & Stage Design
From the mesmerizing laser shows at festivals to intricate stage designs at underground parties, visual symbols play a huge role in enhancing the rave experience. Many of these visuals have deeper meanings tied to psychedelia, spirituality, and technology.
- Geometric patterns – Represent interconnectedness and higher consciousness.
- Third eye and mandalas – Inspired by Eastern spirituality, symbolizing enlightenment and self-discovery.
- Aliens and futuristic imagery – A nod to the sci-fi influences of techno and trance music.
Rave visuals aren’t just random designs—they’re carefully curated to complement the music and elevate the experience, often helping ravers enter a meditative, trance-like state.
4. Dance as a Form of Communication
Dancing at raves isn’t just about moving to the beat—it’s a form of non-verbal communication. Many dance styles have developed within the scene, each with its own unique meaning and expression.
- Shuffling – A fast-paced, footwork-heavy dance that originated in Melbourne’s underground raves. It’s a sign of skill and dedication to the scene.
- Gloving and light shows – Dancers wearing LED gloves perform intricate hand movements to create a visual experience. This is often used to enhance the sensory immersion at raves.
- Liquid dance – Smooth, fluid hand and arm movements that mimic flowing water, symbolizing freedom and creativity.
Dancing is a way for ravers to connect, express themselves, and even communicate emotions without saying a word.
5. Underground Symbols: Keeping the Scene Alive
True underground raves operate in a world of secrecy, often using symbols and cryptic messages to maintain their authenticity and avoid unwanted attention.
- Flyers with coded messages – Many underground events use hidden locations, only revealing addresses at the last moment. Symbols like “X marks the spot” or GPS coordinates are common.
- Graffiti and tags – In some cities, rave crews mark locations with subtle tags to signal an upcoming event.
- Masks and face coverings – Beyond being a fashion statement, masks can also signify anonymity and unity among ravers.
These symbols help preserve the underground essence of rave culture, keeping it rebellious and exclusive.
References
- Reynolds, Simon. Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture. Faber & Faber, 2013.
- Redhead, Steve. The Clubcultures Reader: Readings in Popular Cultural Studies. Routledge, 1997.
- Rietveld, Hillegonda. This Is Our House: House Music, Cultural Spaces and Technologies. Routledge, 1998.