Timeline

The History & Mystery of the S.


It has been a mystery of the ages. What is the S? Where did it come from, when did it start and what does it mean?

Through years of extensive research and interviews, we've started to scratch the surface on what the world's most iconic symbol could be.

The search is far from finished, as each new day we uncover more clues and even more rabbit holes.

Join us, as we plot out the Timeline for the S's most influential moments and get one step closer to learning the true origins of the S.

Got a suggestion? We'd love to hear it.

email@thesthing.com

TIMELINE

3300 BC
The Dacians

Were the Dacians the inventor of the S? This is certainly one of the earliest and perhaps closest resemblance to the S that we have discovered. But what does it mean? Let's dig a little deeper
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3000 BC
Zalktis (Snake) Sign - Latvia, Europe

Was this slippery snake the inspiration for todays S?

Originating in ancient Latvia, the Zalktis Snake sign bears similiar references to their Indo-European neighbours the Dacians, of the same era.

Some suggest it represents two intertwined spirals, similar to the DNA double helix and symbolizing hereditary code. Let's explore:
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1200 BC
Korean Stoneware, Koryo Dynasty, Korea 

Ancient S motifs found lining a Korean stoneware cosmetic box. What's inside?
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1356-1363 AD
The Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan - Cairo, Egypt

King Sultan has one of the largest and architecturally exquisite mosques in all of Egypt. If that's not cool enough, he could also be the earliest person repping the S...
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1533
Hans Holbein's 'The Ambassadors'

Most definitely the COOLEST historical artifact that exists today. A rare double-portrait painting with countless hidden symbols shrouded in mystery. It even has one of the worlds best examples of an anamorphosis (a hidden picture)
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1890
Mechanical Graphics by Frederick Newton Willson

Is this the origin of the S? Lemmino and countless others seem to think so but are they right? We investigated...
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1909
Suzuki

Did you know Suzuki didn't even make cars or motorbikes when they first started? There's a lot to explore with this global motor company whose sharp logo design looks eerily similar. But are they the same?
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1920
Scholastic Publishing

With millions of children reading and writing in their books every single day, Scholastic has power. Legend has it they've used this power to to teach the kids the power of the S. We're leaving no page unturned on this one.
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1938
Superman S - DC Comics

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it the origin of the most Super-est S to ever exist? We investigate the 75 year evolution of the Superman logo.
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1960
Strippable Books

A secret S on children's books? Artwork by Basquiat? How does this all link up? Shuuuuu come this way I'll tell you.
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1972
Styx (the Band)

Come let your imagination Sail Away with an indepth look in the band Styx, their logo and the new trend in rock n' roll that helped spread the 'S' during the 70's thru 80's.
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1973
Jon Naar

A pioneer's look into the early NYC graffiti scene thru his camera lens on a cold winter in 1973. A must read for anyone into graffiti or art.
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1980
Jean-Michel Basquiat


A trailblazing artist who rose to fame during the culturally prolific times of 70's and 80's in NYC, where graffiti, rap, punk and breakin' were the newest forms of self expression. JMB told a social commentary thru his art which includes his 'Classic Graff of S' and many other coded symbols. Did he know something we didn't?
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1980's
Stüssy

Stüssy has to be the #1 fan theory on the origin of the S. And rightly so. What Shawn Stüssy created wasn't just a streetwear brand but a movement. But did he invent the S & was it ever used by Stüssy? We find all the answers you are looking for.
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1983
Securitech

THE COOLEST SECRET lies within this blog. For NY-ers they're blind to their connection to the S. Enter if you dare
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1985
Sacred Reich (the band)

Sacred Reich's reign spans 4 decades and their influence on the rock scene is immense. They're also an important key to discovering how this S grew across the world.
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1987
MTV's Headbangers Ball

A heavy-metal cult phenomenon, this TV show and tour highlighted a whole new genre of music and gave a platform to established and up-and-coming bands
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2017
SEPTA Protest - Hunter Curry

Dramatic protests at the SEPTA HQ in Pennsylvania USA, over the transportation authority's use of the S thing in its logo. But who won this battle?
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2019
LEMMiNO - THE UNIVERSAL S

Swedish YouTuber LEMMiNO gives us his take on the mystery surrounding the origin of the S thing. A MUST WATCH for all S fans.
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2019
Satish Chandrasekhar - Jeopardy TV

Satish is a cult hero. Between almost beating Jeopardy Champion Matthew Holzhauer, to speaking with the late great Alex Trebek about moustaches, Satish topped it all with his beautifully executed S thing on his name tag. We tracked him down and interviewed Satish on his time on the show
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2019
Zakriya Rabani 25ft S Sculpture

Breaking Records was never the intention with this steel sculpture but Zakriya Rabani now holds the record for the largest made S. But why did he do it?
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Eternity
Möbius Strip

Discover the enigmatic Möbius strip: a captivating geometric wonder that defies conventional boundaries and sparks curiosity at every twist.
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Eternity
Infinity Symbol

Eternal life, interconnectedness, and the cyclical nature of existence. Unravel the enigmatic allure of the infinity symbol.
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1900's
Sureños Gang

Gangs, graffiti and the streets of California. Did the infamous Sureños Gang breed the S thing amongst the Cali graffiti scene?
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