Symbols of death

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Symbols of death are the motifs, images and concepts associated with death throughout different cultures, religions and societies.

Images

VF-101
, nicknamed the "Grim Reapers."
pirates
of the 18th century, displaying a skull and crossbones.

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

skull and crossbones motif (☠) has been used among Europeans as a symbol of both piracy and poison.[3] The skull is also important as it remains the only "recognizable" aspect of a person once they have died.[3]

cadaver tombs which depicted the living and decomposed body of the person entombed. Coffins also serve as blunt reminders of mortality.[4] 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.[4]
Less blunt symbols of death frequently allude to the passage of time and the fragility of life, and can be described as memento mori;[5] 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.[3] 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.[3] These sorts of symbols were often incorporated into vanitas paintings, a variety of early still life.

Certain animals such as crows, cats, owls, moths, vultures and bats are associated with death; some because they feed on carrion, others because they are nocturnal.[3] Along with death, vultures can also represent transformation and renewal.[3]

Religious symbols

Veve of Maman Brigitte, the loa of death in Haitian Vodou.

Religious symbols of death and depictions of the afterlife will vary with the religion practiced by the people who use them.

Et in Arcadia ego
.

Images of life in the afterlife are also symbols of death. Here, again, the ancient Egyptians produced detailed pictorial representations of the life enjoyed by the dead. In Christian

symbolised by a black and white ram
which in turn will be slain to symbolise the Death of Death.

The Banshee also symbolizes the coming of death in Irish Mythology.[3] This is typically represented by an older woman who is seen sobbing to symbolize the suffering of a person before their death.[3]

Colors

The Bible, Death is one of the four horsemen; and he rides a pale horse.[9]

See also

References

  1. ISBN 978-1-136-91360-0
    .
  2. ^ a b "Where Does the Concept of a "Grim Reaper" Come From?". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "The Darkest, Most Foreboding Symbols Of Death". Thought Catalog. 2018-10-22. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
  4. ^
    S2CID 144108876
    .
  5. ^ literally 'remember to die', Oxford English Dictionary, Third Edition, June 2001
  6. ^ "Buddhism – Definition, Founder & Origins". www.history.com. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
  7. ISBN 9781892123381
    .
  8. ^ "Colors of mourning in different cultures of the world". Funeral Guide. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
  9. ^ Revelation 6:8 (New International Version) at Bible Gateway.com

External links

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