The Angels differentiated themselves from society by kissing each other on the mouth as a greeting and an opportunity to shock passers-by. The bikers’ kisses became immortalized in Hunter S. Thompson’s book Hell’s Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga.
The hyper-masculine atmosphere of male biker clubs might have allowed for more sexual fluidity and expression amongst the Angels. Hell’s Angels stand for heterosexual masculinity, but their culture also prioritizes homoerotic behavior through the traditional Hell’s Angel greeting of making out with each other.
Biker Symbols and Acknowledgments
Bikers exchange nods on the road to acknowledge shared love of motorcycles and freedom.
- Bikers wear 13 due to superstitions and traditions, believing it brings good luck or referencing the 13 colonies or stripes on the U.S. flag.
- Many bikers gamble, which is why 7 is significant to them.
- The letter M, being the 13th letter of the alphabet, often stands for marijuana or motorcycle.
The cloth head-ware protects the scalp from the sun, provides a cushion under a motorcycle helmet, and keeps hair in place when riding a motorcycle.
The Meaning of 1% for Bikers
The term "1%" has its own significance in biker culture, particularly in groups like the Hells Angels. It is often used to denote the small minority of motorcycle riders who consider themselves outside the purview of mainstream society.
Bikers have their own traditions, one of which is kissing on the lips, not for romance but as a sign of camaraderie and friendship. It shocks passers-by. They also have a surprising history of fluid sexuality and homoerotic behavior.