![]() Historically, the Death’s Head, just like the Grim Reaper, came to be intricately associated with death in the Middle Ages and was often etched on most tombstones as a memento mori.įrom the 14th to 15th centuries, the symbol was used to denote poisonous substances which strengthened its association with death. The symbol, consisting of a human skull and two crossed femurs, has long been associated with death, poison and pirates. The skull and crossbones is a popular symbol that represents death. The Death’s Head (Skull and the Crossbones) ![]() In German folklore, on the other hand, the raven is symbolic of damned souls, and in Greek mythology, the raven is the messenger of Apollo and is associated with bad luck. In Swedish folklore, the raven is intricately linked to the ghosts or wraiths of murdered people who were not accorded any proper Christian burial. It didn’t help the raven when literature often portrayed it as a symbol of evil and death – think The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. The raven’s black feathers and croak have made it stand out as a harbinger of death. The raven is typically associated with ill omen, loss, and even death. And thus, vultures and death have come to be intricately associated with each other in many cultures. There is so much truth in the saying that where there is a kettle of vultures, death may not be far behind. The Mayans, for example, viewed the symbol of the vulture as expressive of the transition of the dead to a new life. The creature is known for feeding off carrion. The vulture is truly symbolic of death because where there is a vulture, there usually is death. Other cultures, however, associate black butterflies with witchcraft. Moreover, a black butterfly or moth inside one’s room or house might be indicative of the death of a beloved.Īdditionally, some Celtic and Irish myths included a belief in black butterflies as representations of the souls of the dead who couldn’t move on to the next life. This belief is so common in countries like China, the Philippines, and some Central and South American countries.Ī black butterfly dabbling around or on your skin may be indicative of the death of a dear one. In many cultures, the appearance of a black butterfly is ominous and bears a cryptic message of misfortune and death. Black Butterflyīutterflies usually come in various colors, but seeing black butterflies are rather rare. Today, however, the cross is the most recognized symbol in the world. The Romans also employed various ways of punishing criminals including stoning, strangling, and burning criminals.īut it was the crucifixion that readily sent a more menacing message to criminals and outlaws within the Roman Empire. The Romans, for example, made use of it to crucify their criminals and outlaws. ![]() Yet, prior to Christianity, the cross had been an infamous symbol of torture, execution, and death. The Crossįor Christians, the crossmay signify eternal life and salvation. Moreover, its scythe symbolizes the harvesting of the dead and the reaping of their souls. The Grim Reaper’s skeletal figure is indicative of decay and death, while its hooded black robe is symbolic of the religious men who conducted funeral services during those times. It wasn’t surprising, therefore, why the Grim Reaper-that typified the Black Death-is such a ghastly and terrifying symbol. The Black Death brought widespread mourning and death across Europe. This frightful symbol is of European origin, dating back to the Black Death of the 14 th century. The Grim Reaper is the most horrifying symbol of death, characterized by a skeletal figure, cloaked in a hooded black robe, with a scythe in one hand. With that said, let’s take a closer look at 12 symbols of death, gleaned from the different cultures around the world. Each of these symbols may differ from one another yet, yet collectively, they provide insights into the very meaning of death. There are hundreds of symbols representing death or acting as harbingers of death. Almost every culture has tried to understand and represent death, and when words fail, symbols take precedence. ![]() Throughout the ages, the human mind has tried to grapple with and make sense of death. ![]()
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