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Symbols of death
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Symbols of death
Symbols of death are the motifs, images and concepts associated with death throughout different cultures, religions and societies.
Various images are used traditionally to symbolize death; these rank from blunt depictions of cadavers and their parts to more allusive suggestions that time is fleeting and all men are mortals.
The human skull is an obvious and frequent symbol of death, found in many cultures and religious traditions. Human skeletons and sometimes non-human animal skeletons and skulls can also be used as blunt images of death; the traditional figure of the Grim Reaper – a black-hooded skeleton with a scythe – is one use of such symbolism. Within the Grim Reaper itself, the skeleton represents the decayed body whereas the robe symbolizes those worn by religious people conducting funeral services. The skull and crossbones motif (☠) has been used among Europeans as a symbol of both piracy and poison. The skull is also important as it remains the only "recognizable" aspect of a person once they have died.
Decayed cadavers can also be used to depict death; in medieval Europe, they were often featured in artistic depictions of the danse macabre, or in cadaver tombs which depicted the living and decomposed body of the person entombed. Coffins also serve as blunt reminders of mortality. Europeans were also seen to use coffins and cemeteries to symbolize the wealth and status of the person who has died, serving as a reminder to the living and the deceased as well. Less blunt symbols of death frequently allude to the passage of time and the fragility of life, and can be described as memento mori; that is, an artistic or symbolic reminder of the inevitability of death. Clocks, hourglasses, sundials, and other timepieces both call to mind that time is passing. Similarly, a candle both marks the passage of time, and bears witness that it will eventually burn itself out as well as a symbol of hope of salvation. These sorts of symbols were often incorporated into vanitas paintings, a variety of early still life.
Throughout history and across many cultures, some animals have come to symbolize death and dying. This symbolism is often demonstrated in the legends and folklore of the culture. The specific animals and the details of their symbolism vary widely from culture to culture. However, some animals tend to appear more frequently than others; such as dogs, bats, owls and crows.
Several societies associate a type of dog with death. Dogs often serve as companions or guides to humans. Unsurprisingly, these animals that are so much a part of human life would have a role in death as well. In Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli, a hairless dog, is thought to guide the spirits of the deceased and are associated with Dia de Los Muertas. In Greece, Cerberus is a three-headed dog which guards the entrance to the underworld. In Welsh mythology, there is also a dog that guards the underworld. In England, the black dog, black shuck, is associated with death or misfortune.
Bats, as nocturnal animals, are often associated with darkness and death. In Christianity, bats are considered to be the bird of the devil and connections between the physiology of bats and demons are made. In New Zealand, bats are associated with the Hokioi, a mythical nocturnal bird that foretells death. The discovery of the vampire bats in North America and the exaggeration of their qualities made lasting associations between bats and death that eventually lead to Dracula and vampire stories. Bats are often connected to both Halloween and witches.
Owls, another nocturnal animal, are also tied to death. Some Mediterranean folklore tells of women who turn into to owls at night to suck the breath away from babies. The hoot of an owl, according to Roman mythology, is said to be an omen of imminent death or demise. It is said that the sound of an owl was heard shortly before the death of several Roman emperors. Sri Lankan folklore tells of an owl-like creature whose human sounding shrieks are heard across the jungle at night. Like in Roman mythology, they are said to foretell of death.
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Symbols of death
Symbols of death are the motifs, images and concepts associated with death throughout different cultures, religions and societies.
Various images are used traditionally to symbolize death; these rank from blunt depictions of cadavers and their parts to more allusive suggestions that time is fleeting and all men are mortals.
The human skull is an obvious and frequent symbol of death, found in many cultures and religious traditions. Human skeletons and sometimes non-human animal skeletons and skulls can also be used as blunt images of death; the traditional figure of the Grim Reaper – a black-hooded skeleton with a scythe – is one use of such symbolism. Within the Grim Reaper itself, the skeleton represents the decayed body whereas the robe symbolizes those worn by religious people conducting funeral services. The skull and crossbones motif (☠) has been used among Europeans as a symbol of both piracy and poison. The skull is also important as it remains the only "recognizable" aspect of a person once they have died.
Decayed cadavers can also be used to depict death; in medieval Europe, they were often featured in artistic depictions of the danse macabre, or in cadaver tombs which depicted the living and decomposed body of the person entombed. Coffins also serve as blunt reminders of mortality. Europeans were also seen to use coffins and cemeteries to symbolize the wealth and status of the person who has died, serving as a reminder to the living and the deceased as well. Less blunt symbols of death frequently allude to the passage of time and the fragility of life, and can be described as memento mori; that is, an artistic or symbolic reminder of the inevitability of death. Clocks, hourglasses, sundials, and other timepieces both call to mind that time is passing. Similarly, a candle both marks the passage of time, and bears witness that it will eventually burn itself out as well as a symbol of hope of salvation. These sorts of symbols were often incorporated into vanitas paintings, a variety of early still life.
Throughout history and across many cultures, some animals have come to symbolize death and dying. This symbolism is often demonstrated in the legends and folklore of the culture. The specific animals and the details of their symbolism vary widely from culture to culture. However, some animals tend to appear more frequently than others; such as dogs, bats, owls and crows.
Several societies associate a type of dog with death. Dogs often serve as companions or guides to humans. Unsurprisingly, these animals that are so much a part of human life would have a role in death as well. In Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli, a hairless dog, is thought to guide the spirits of the deceased and are associated with Dia de Los Muertas. In Greece, Cerberus is a three-headed dog which guards the entrance to the underworld. In Welsh mythology, there is also a dog that guards the underworld. In England, the black dog, black shuck, is associated with death or misfortune.
Bats, as nocturnal animals, are often associated with darkness and death. In Christianity, bats are considered to be the bird of the devil and connections between the physiology of bats and demons are made. In New Zealand, bats are associated with the Hokioi, a mythical nocturnal bird that foretells death. The discovery of the vampire bats in North America and the exaggeration of their qualities made lasting associations between bats and death that eventually lead to Dracula and vampire stories. Bats are often connected to both Halloween and witches.
Owls, another nocturnal animal, are also tied to death. Some Mediterranean folklore tells of women who turn into to owls at night to suck the breath away from babies. The hoot of an owl, according to Roman mythology, is said to be an omen of imminent death or demise. It is said that the sound of an owl was heard shortly before the death of several Roman emperors. Sri Lankan folklore tells of an owl-like creature whose human sounding shrieks are heard across the jungle at night. Like in Roman mythology, they are said to foretell of death.