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The Skull and Bones society has become a breeding ground for some of the world's most powerful men, and a tremendous amount of lore.

4 Comments / History, Weird / By Sharif Jameel On the grounds of the prestigious Yale university lies the “Tomb” also known as The Skull and Bones Hall. Inside the Tomb, members of the Skull and Bones society meet to discuss their plans and ambitions. The Skull and Bones members have been meeting at the Tomb since 1832.The Skull and Bones secret society has a legacy of turning out some of the world’s most powerful men, and like most secret societies, a tremendous amount of lore. Like other secret societies, separating fact from fiction can be difficult and the group has long been associated with sinister conspiracy theories such as the Illuminati.What is their purpose? Who are the Skull and Bones members? What are the Skull and Bones rituals?The logo of the Skull and Bones consists of a skull and crossbones, along with the number 322. According to one theory, 322 symbolises the year the society was founded (1832) and indicates that it is the second chapter of a German secret society, supposedly the Bavarian Illuminati. It more likely records the date of Demosthenes’ death. | Image Credit: By UnknownUnknown author (Yale University Archives 中文: 來源：耶魯大學檔案館) [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsWhile secret societies at Yale University have existed prior to Skull and Bones, none appear to have turned out as many men of influence and power.So how did it all start?Bonesmen: The Beginning of the Skull and Bones Society (it’s actually Scull and Bones)What if you were the valedictorian at Yale University and got snubbed by the most prestigious secret society on campus? That’s exactly what happened to William Huntington Russell.His response, was to create a new society – a senior society. Along with another classman, Alfonso Taft, Russell founded “The Order of the Scull and Bones” in December of 1832.In case you didn’t notice, it really was spelled “Scull” instead of “Skull” though the society in modern times is known by the former. Members and Yale students simply refer to the society as “Bones”.Skull and Bones rumors are abound and have created a collection of stories that my rival that of reality itself.Where did the 322 Come From?There are a couple of different theories on the meaning of the 322 in the logo of the Skull and Bones.The most popular theory is that the number refers to the date of death of Demosthenes, an ancient Greek politician and orator who died in 322 BC. Why Scull and Bones would have chosen Demosthenes as an idol is a mystery.Another, less popular theory, is that Skull and Bones is the 2nd chapter of a German secret society known as the Bavarian Illuminati. The number is a play on the year of formation, 32, and the number 2 which stands for the 2nd chapter. For conspiracy theorists, a relationship between the Illuminati and the Yale secret society is an exciting proposition. The Illuminati are purported to have control over all the important global organizations with members reaching the highest levels of government, business, and religion.Why all the Death Stuff and Tomb?Bones members contend that keeping reminders of mortality is an important part of the society.The Skull and Bones tomb inside artifacts of death serve as a consistent reminder that members get only one life to make their mark on the world.The society aims to turn out persons of great influence and power. People who sit by and let life pass them by are not typically these types of people.As a result, the Bonesmen are constantly reminded that one day, their time to be great will expire.Skull and Bones Hall – AKA The Tomb | Image Credit: By BoolaBoola2 (the English language Wikipedia (log)) [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsWhat are the Skull and Bones Rituals?Initiation into Scull and Bones is by invite only. Every spring, members of the Junior class are ‘tapped’ with an invite by the senior class members. Almost no one ever says no to the invitation.Only a scant 15 invites are made each year. This makes Bones extremely exclusive.Skull and Bones is so tiny. That’s what makes this staggering. There are only 15 people a year, which means there are about 800 living members at any one time. ~Alexandra Robbins in a 2003 CBS InterviewDuring the initiation ceremony, new members must lay inside a coffin completely nude. Whilst doing so, they must recant their entire sexual history to their fellow members.Skull and Bones members say that by exposing the most intimate secrets of their lives to each other in such a vulnerable position fosters camaraderie and loyalty.Who are the Skull and Bones Society Members?The list of Skull and Bones members reads like a who’s who of American politics and business.William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, was a Bonesman. In fact, he was the son of Bones founder Alfonso Taft.George W Bush, 43rd President of the United States | Image Credit: whitehouse.govGeorge H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States | Image Credit: whitehouse.govPresident Taft | Image Credit: By Unknown...

Skull and Bones Society - Who Are They and What Do they Do?