The human skull is an obvious and frequent symbol of death, found in many cultures and religious traditions.
Our End-of-Life Symbol
The three stranded white spiral represents the interconnected cycle of life: birth, life and death. The white outer circle represents continuity, infinity and completion.
Butterflies
The most commonly reported “sign” from a deceased loved one is the butterfly. And that makes a lot of sense since butterflies represent the human soul in many cultures. They also symbolize endurance, hope, and the life cycle.
Chrysanthemum: In America, this gorgeous flower has many meanings, but it is often used as an expression of support or an encouragement to “get well soon.” In many countries in Europe, the chrysanthemum is placed on graves and viewed as a symbol of death.
Across many cultures and periods, certain animals, such as cardinals, worms, bats, owls, and butterflies, have been associated with death.
The theta nigrum ("black theta") or theta infelix ("unlucky theta") is a symbol of death in Greek and Latin epigraphy.
Traditionally, the skull represents death, evil, fear and mortality; but it can also symbolize the complete opposite: protection, power and gratitude toward life. Regardless of its symbolism, the skull stands as a constant reminder that no one can escape death.
Ancient Egyptian Symbols: Egyptian Ankh
For this reason, the depictions of their gods with the Ankh symbolized their power over life and death “Egyptian symbol of death”. Many times the gods were represented by holding an ankh by its tie with their hands.
But while ankh necklaces and other jewelry were used in rituals, there wasn't necessarily a particular person or station of person who was meant to wear an ankh. Today, as is often the case, any symbol can be worn by anyone, and people all over the world decide to wear the ankh symbol.
Raven symbol: this represents death and doom.
A skull tattoo can symbolize death, afterlife, and rebellion while for others it can symbolize a celebration of life. Skull designs can be located on your hands, arms, legs, back, or neck, however it is important to find the right design and concept that you are looking for.
Butterfly and Skull Tattoo
A skull typically represents mortality, and a butterfly represents new life. Together, these tattoo designs are symbolic of the circle of life and the ties between life and death.
In the western world the image of a skull and snake most commonly represents the nature of death and both the physical and spiritual destruction of a person. The snake coiled round the skull is an intense image of death at the hands of a threatening creature.
Thanatos, in ancient Greek religion and mythology, the personification of death. Thanatos was the son of Nyx, the goddess of night, and the brother of Hypnos, the god of sleep. He appeared to humans to carry them off to the underworld when the time allotted to them by the Fates had expired.
Today a skull and crossbones are sometimes used as a sign of poison. Skeleton: A full, walking skeleton is used to personify Death. Scythe: Death (the Grim Reaper) is often depicted carrying a scythe (a curved, sharp blade at the end of a long handle), with which he cuts down the living.
In ancient Roman myth and literature, Mors is the personification of death equivalent to the Greek Thánatos. The Latin noun for "death", mors, genitive mortis, is of feminine gender, but surviving ancient Roman art is not known to depict Death as a woman.
In the American South, for example, the fruit is considered a symbol of warmth, welcome, and hospitality, so a pineapple tattoo may represent a sense of home or something personally familiar. They can also symbolize affection, so it's a great idea for a couple or best friend tattoo.
What does the Medusa tattoo mean? “The Medusa tattoo can mean many things, but it's generally a symbol of survival, strength, and overcoming assault,” says tattoo artist Ruby Rose. “Medusa has become a figure of protection to women who have experienced sexual assault or assault on some level, particularly by men.”
“The joker tattoo means a lack of love, an abandonment/neglect withdrawn into oneself,” he wrote in his video. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.
A wolf tattoo symbolizes integrity, loyalty, ferocity, strength, love, strong determination. It is believed that each person has a unique energy within, and the tattoo emanates this energy to the universe.
Skeleton tattoos can be a way of acknowledging the inevitability of death. There's also a playfulness that can play into it as well. A skeleton holding a rose can represent hope. There are a few ways that you can get this design: it can be detailed and shaded with color or it can also be a smaller, minimalist piece.
Black – Western World
Wearing dark colours for mourning has long been a tradition in many parts of the western world, in particular large parts of Europe and North America. The association of the colour black with death and loss is centuries old and is believed to have originated during Roman times.
Yew. Yew is typically associated with the dead and is often found in graveyards. The Druids saw yew trees as the guardians of the dead. In Greek mythology, yew trees are associated with the Greek goddess Hecate, liberator of souls after death.