The Ultimate Guide to 44 Mythic & Cultural Symbols of Death

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Symbologist David Christiansen lists common symbols associated with death

Co-authored by David Christiansen and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: March 20, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Common Death Symbols
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• Animal Symbols
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• Flower Symbols
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• Colors
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• Death & Rebirth Symbols
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• Death in Art & Literature

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Few symbols are as powerful as those associated with death. Throughout history, death has been depicted in various forms in myth, religion, culture, and art—you might be most familiar with the skull symbol or depictions of the Grim Reaper. To find out more, read on for 44 death symbols, ranging from skulls and tombstones to animals like ravens, serpents, and jackals. We’ll also mention flowers and colors that symbolize death, as well as symbols of death and rebirth combined, with insight from spiritual and intuitive experts.

Symbols That Represent Death

Symbologist David Christiansen says the ankh is a common death symbol, as it represents the connection between life and death, as well as eternal life and immortality. Other common symbols associated with death include the skull, the dagger, the Grim Reaper, and ravens and crows.

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Section 1 of 6:

Common Death Symbols

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   Skulls Skulls symbolize death and mortality more than nearly any other symbol of death. They’re also used to communicate evil in any form, as well as danger, especially when paired with crossbones.

   • In the Puritan tradition of New England, skulls that appeared on gravestones were called “death’s heads,” to signify the powerful nature of death.
   • Memento mori: A skull symbol appearing in paintings and funerary art alongside bones, an hourglass, wilted flowers, or blown-out candles. The Latin phrase “memento mori” translates to “remember you must die,” to emphasize the inevitability of death.
   • La Danse Macabre: A later medieval genre of art that translates to “The Dance of Death”; it depicts skeletons dancing to their graves to represent the inevitability of death.
   • Skull & crossbones: Associated with pirates; also a warning for poison.

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   Grim Reaper The Grim Reaper is the ultimate personification of death and appears as a full skeleton, usually in a hooded robe, who carries a scythe, or long, curved blade. Depictions of the Grim Reaper in art are believed to date back to a 13th-century artwork called The Three Living and the Three Dead. The 14th-century Black Plague then became a major cause for the widespread recognition of the Reaper. In addition to death, the Grim Reaper was also associated with the comfort and compassion found in the afterlife.

   • Scythe: A large, curved blade used for cutting wheat while standing up. It was a popular method in agriculture in the 14th century, when death imagery became well-known.
   • Death playing chess: This image depicts a person playing chess with death (a skeleton or Grim Reaper) in a battle for their mortality; it’s most famously portrayed in the 1957 film The Seventh Seal.
   • La Catrina: A Mexican symbol signifying the Day of the Dead celebration); she is depicted as a skeleton with a large hat full of flowers and feathers.
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   Corpse A corpse is a dead body portrayed either fully intact or partially decayed. It symbolizes the process of physical death, along with decomposition and the finality of life. Corpses are also associated with sin, redemption, and divine judgment in Christianity.

   • Mummy: In ancient Egypt, the corpse-like mummy (“khat”) represented the preserved physical body that was believed to be reunited with the soul (“ka”) in the afterlife.
   • Skeleton: A full skeleton is a physical depiction of death and the transient nature of life.
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   Coffins Coffins and other funerary symbols signify the end of life and are seen as a final resting place for a dead body. It symbolizes the end of a cycle or a transition, as well as a significant part of the mourning process for loved ones who pay their respects to the dead after they’re placed inside their coffin.
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   Tombstones/gravesites Like coffins, tombstones and gravesites where bodies are kept, symbolize the final resting place of the dead. They’re usually engraved with the name of the deceased, along with their birth and death dates, alongside an inscription. Many tombstones include the following symbols, depending on the religion or culture of the deceased:

   • Cross: A symbol of Christian faith.
   • Star of David: Appears on the grave of someone practicing Judaism.
   • Crescent moon and star: A symbol of an Islamic grave.
   • Angel: A heavenly symbol guiding the departed to heaven.
   • Lamb: A symbol of innocence, usually appearing on a child’s grave.
   • Heart: Represents love and devotion.
   • Bird: Associated with the soul’s flight or rebirth.
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   Paige Ferris is a Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Intuitive Psychic based in Jackson County, MI. With over 6 years of experience, Paige is the founder of Catalyst Healer and specializes in practical occultism and psychological astrology. Paige offers astrology and tarot readings designed to empower her clients and help them achieve their goals. She provides 1:1 in-person and virtual readings to clients, appears at galas, expos, and other events, and shares readings and insights to her over 18k followers on social media.

   

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   Skulls can also mean transformation, especially in tarot cards. A skull is the structure where your mind sits—it's a very raw energy that is needed for something to transform.
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   Dagger The dagger symbol was once used in texts to reflect that a person had died. It appeared next to a date to reflect their date of death in various printed materials, but it is considered mostly obsolete today.
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   Hourglass and/or clocks The hourglass symbol signifies how the passage of time is linked to death, and how transient the nature of life is. When an hourglass appears with wings, it’s more focused on the swiftness of life into death and represents the soul’s journey itself.

   • Clocks also reflect the passage of time as it relates to death. They’re often used as a symbolic device in stories, when a stopped clock or watch may be linked to a person’s death or demise.
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   Candles Unlike other death symbols, candles are usually associated with mourning more than death itself. They’re linked to themes of hope, remembrance, and grief. Candles represent a light in the darkness of death through honoring the memory of a loved one who has passed away.

   • Lighting candles is a central part of mourning in Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism, used to connect the living to the dead.
   • A candle that has been extinguished directly reflects how death extinguishes the life force, or light of a candle.
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   Banshee (Irish) In Irish culture, the banshee was a mythological creature associated with death, known for her loud, mournful cry. Banshees were depicted as either beautiful young woman with long hair or old hags wearing white or gray clothing; they typically had red, weeping eyes and were best known for their wailing for the dead.

   • A banshee was traditionally associated with a particular family or lineage.
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    Greek Theta Θ The Greek theta (Θ) symbol refers to “thanatos,” (θάνατος), known as the Greek word for "death.” Historically, it appeared on political ballots when the subject being voted on was the death penalty. It’s also referred to as the “theta nigrum,” meaning "black theta,” or “theta infelix,” meaning "unlucky theta.”

    • “Theta nigrum” and “theta infelix” variations appeared in ancient records to signify the death of either soldiers or gladiators, and were considered an equivalent to a skull and crossbones.
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    Japanese Shi 死 The Japanese shi (死) symbol directly translates to “death.” The top and left lines were said to symbolize a physical body, while the right side of the design portrays a person kneeling or upside down with their head buried in the ground. The shi symbolizes the transient nature of life and death as the end of life.

    • The sound made when shi is pronounced closely resembles the sound made when reciting the number 4 (四) in Japanese. Because of this, the number 4 is considered unlucky in Japan.
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    Cross (Christianity) As a Christian symbol, the cross symbolizes the death (and resurrection) of Jesus Christ. It’s viewed as a symbol of execution, but also a belief in sacrifice as well as redemption and victory over death and sin.

    • Crosses were first worn by Christians around the 2nd century as symbols of protection against evil to reflect Jesus’s triumph over sin, evil, and death through the crucifixion.
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Section 2 of 6:

Animal Death Symbols

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   Ravens & crows Ravens and crows are both seen as symbols of death, mainly because of their tendency to scavenge dead bodies. Historically, this often occurred on battlefields and near gallows where deaths and executions had taken place. The black plumage of a raven or carrion crow may also be a reason why these similar bird breeds are linked to themes of darkness and death. Spiritual teacher & medium Mari Cartagenova believes that, although raven or crow symbolism can be thought of as a bad omen, it’s “more about transformation and growth."

   • Norse mythology: The 2 ravens of Odin, the Norse god of wisdom and warfare, were called Huginn and Muninn; they signified thought and memory, and were seen as observers of events leading to death.
   • Celtic mythology: The Morrigan goddess was also associated with crows and ravens.
   • Vultures: Like ravens and crows, vultures are another type of bird that often relates to death, in addition to decay, doom, and bad fortune. Also a scavenger bird, vultures have also been associated with protection and purification through their cleaning of dead matter.
   • Two symbols of death combined in the form of a raven’s skull “are connected to spiritual growth and new opportunities,” according to Cartagenova. Like the raven, it’s possible to “be able to perceive what's around you and figure out what your next steps are.”
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   Butterflies In ancient Greece, the word for butterfly was “psyche,” which refers to the soul of the dead. In myth, Psyche was a mortal woman whom the god Zeus released from death, therefore granting her immortality. She was commonly depicted on objects as having butterfly wings. Butterflies are known for their transformation from caterpillars into winged creatures, which reflects the soul’s exit from the body, as well as themes of change and rebirth.

   • The chrysalis, or hard exoskeleton surrounding a caterpillar as it becomes a butterfly, has appeared on ancient sarcophagi in Greece. In Greek, chrysalis appears as "nekydallon," meaning "the shell of the dead."
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   Owls Owls are considered a bad omen in various Native American myths and stories, where they were usually depicted as messengers from the underworld who sometimes accompanied the gods of death. Owls were also associated with the cycles of life and death, and represented the connection between the physical world and the spiritual one.

   • The Hopi and Ojibwe associated owls with witches, sorcery, and death, while the Cherokee believed that hearing an owl’s hoot meant that a death was coming.
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   Bats Bats are nocturnal creatures associated with death, darkness, and vampirism. As a symbol, they have been referred to as “the bird of the devil” in some Christian texts. They’re also linked to black magic and witchcraft, as well as the theme of rebirth and moving from darkness into light.
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   Spiders The toxic venom associated with spiders makes them an animal symbol of death, and a symbol of fate. The web that spiders weave is seen as a wheel of life with death, in the form of a spider, at its center. Spiders have also been linked to the devil and evil forces within the context of Christianity.
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   Serpent & snakes Snakes have been a longtime symbol of death and danger, due to their dangerous venom (in poisonous snakes). They are also associated with wisdom, rebirth, and transformation because they shed their skin. The serpent, in particular, is linked with biblical depictions of Satan and man’s downfall in the Garden of Eden.

   • Snakes also represent the cycles of life and death with the ancient ouroboros symbol, portrayed as a snake eating its own tail.
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   Black cats In the European tradition, black cats have long been linked to witchcraft and death; seeing a black cat was thought to be a bad omen, meaning death or despair was coming. They’ve been depicted in art as familiars to witches, but have also represented wisdom and protection as spiritual messengers.

   • Black cats were blamed for the Black Plague that ravaged medieval Europe, when it was actually rats who carried the plague. A lack of cats to kill the rats meant that the plague was spread more widely.
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   Jackals As an Egyptian symbol of death, jackals date back to ancient Egypt, where the god Anubis ruled over funerary practices, mummification, and the protection of the dead. Anubis was depicted with the head of a jackal and the body of a human, but has also become associated with dogs in general. It was once common to see jackals roaming cemeteries looking for flesh to consume.

   • Anubis was said to weigh the heart of the deceased against the feather of Ma’at (truth and justice) using a scale. A heart that was lighter than the feather passed onto the afterlife, while one judged heavier was devoured by Anubis.
   • Dogs: In Mexico, Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo for short) is the name of the dog associated with the Day of the Dead. He is considered a spiritual guide who helps the dead reach their final resting place.
   • Wolves: Wolves are associated with death and transition in Etruscan and Norse mythologies.
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   Death’s head hawk moth The death’s head hawk moth symbolizes death, transformation, and the afterlife. It was a symbol of the underworld in ancient Egyptian myth, where it appeared as an image in funerary art. Medieval European and Caribbean cultures considered this moth to be unlucky, and a bad omen for death if seen entering a house.

   • The death’s head hawk moth most famously appears as a symbol of death in the 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs.
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Section 3 of 6:

Flowers Symbolizing Death

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   Chrysanthemums When it comes to death, chrysanthemums symbolize condolences. They were traditionally used as funerary flowers or ones placed at a loved one’s grave to convey sorrow. Their popularity in funeral arrangements may also be due to their blooming in October and November, during the harvest and near the time of Halloween/Samhain.

   • White and yellow chrysanthemums are a symbol of saying goodbye in many Asian cultures.
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   Red poppies While poppies are linked with peace and sleep, red poppies are viewed as a flower of remembrance and death. Traditionally, they appear on the graves of veterans and as a symbol of remembrance on Memorial Day.

   • The World War I poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae is considered the inspiration for red poppies being associated with military veterans.
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   Marigolds Marigolds are seen as a symbol of the connection between the dead and the living. Their strong scent is said to attract dead spirits, while they have consistently appeared in Day of the Dead celebrations. This practice dates back to the ancient Nahua, who gave marigolds as a gift to Tonatiuh, the sun god, to honor their dead.
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   Carnations Carnations connect the ideas of a mother’s heartache with death. In biblical tradition, the place where Mary kneeled and wept for Jesus during his crucifixion was said to bloom with carnations. This forever linked a mother’s sorrow with death for this symbolic flower. Carnations are another popular flower to use for funeral arrangements and wreaths as symbols of love and remembrance.
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   White lilies White lilies symbolize purity, sympathy, and rebirth for those who have passed away. They’re often linked to the Virgin Mary and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When appearing alongside funerary flower messages, white lilies convey a sense of remembrance and peace.
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Section 4 of 6:

Colors that Represent Death

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   Black Black is the most well-known color associated with death, grief, and loss. It still appears in mourning attire and as the main color for funerals. The color black is also thought to stand for the finality of death and the darkness of the grave.

   • Queen Victoria spent 40 years after her husband’s death wearing black to mourn him.
   • The term “black death” was another term for the plague that spread through medieval Europe.
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   Red Red is focused on the color of blood, the loss of which usually means death. It’s also linked to any loss of life. In religious contexts, red symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice in Christianity and feminine energy as a symbol in Hinduism.

   • In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death,” the plague leaves the color red on its victims.
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   Purple In multiple cultures, purple is a color linked to death, grief, and suffering. It appears in Catholic Easter traditions that take place on Good Friday, when Christ was crucified; it’s also associated with royalty and spiritual transformation. Purple is made from combining the primary colors red and blue, which also reflects a transition between light and darkness.

   • In Victorian culture, purple was worn when someone was in “half-mourning,” usually taking place a year after a death.
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   Gray Gray represents death in the form of ashes after a body has been cremated, especially in the Western Christian tradition. It’s also inspired by the pale grayish hue a body can appear to have after death. Gray was also considered a Victorian mourning color to be worn when in half mourning, along with purple shades like lavender, mauve, and lilac.
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Section 5 of 6:

Symbols of Death and Rebirth

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   Phoenix The mythical phoenix bird appears in Greek mythology and symbolizes life and death. It is usually depicted rising out of the ashes to show that death is not an ending, but a new beginning. In addition to death, it stands for renewal, transformation, and immortality.
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   Ankh The ankh is an Egyptian symbol that appears as a cross with a loop on top. It’s considered a symbol that connects life and death, as well as immortality. Ankhs also represent the power of gods and goddesses over mortality.
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   Tree of Life The Celtic tree of life symbol is an image of a tree with its roots growing into the ground and its branches growing into the sky. The tree of the lie is said to link the worlds of the living and the dead. The symbol has also appeared in Christian, Jewish, Egyptian, and Hindu cultures and religions.
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   Yin-Yang The yin-yang symbol consists of a circle filled with equal parts black and white; both sections contain a smaller circle of the opposite color. In Chinese culture, the yin-yang is a symbol of the interconnectedness of opposites, and specifically life and death.

   • Yin is linked to darkness and death, while yang is associated with lightness and life.
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   Green Man In the Celtic tradition, the Green Man is a pagan symbol portrayed as a man’s face covered by foliage and greenery. It’s a symbol of life, death, and rebirth found in the natural world, as well as a representation of fertility. It embodies the changing of the seasons, which reflect the changing seasons of a person’s life.
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   Triple Spiral Also called the triskele, the triple spiral is an Irish symbol signifying the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. It can also represent maiden, mother, and crone as a triple moon goddess symbol, as well as sea, land, and sky.
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   The Wheel (Buddhism) The Buddhist wheel of life (called Life (Bhavacakra) is a symbol of samsara, the infinite cycle of death and rebirth. The wheel is held by Yama, the god of death, to reflect how greed, ignorance, and hatred in the inner circle are influenced by karma, in the 2nd circle, leading to reincarnation in the 6 realms of existence, in the 3rd circle of the wheel.

   • Buddha is a symbol of how a person can be liberated from the cycle depicted in the wheel.
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   Endless Knot (Tibetan Buddhism) The endless knot (also called the pata) is a Tibetan symbol of the interconnectedness of all things. It appears as a closed symmetrical series of loops that interweave together. The knot signifies harmony and compassion as found through the infinite flow of time, without a beginning or end.

   • The Tibetan endless knot is one of the 8 auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhism.
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Section 6 of 6:

Symbols of Death in Art & Literature

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1. Death symbols have historically appeared in art and literature. While the Grim Reaper might be the most recognized symbol of death in various artworks and stories, other symbols include skulls, skeletons, and the reaper’s scythe. Some examples of death symbols in art and literature can be found ahead:

   • The Death of Marat (painting by Jacques-Louis David): Marat experiences a small, neat wound that portrays death as quiet and sacred.
   • The Death of Socrates (painting by Jacques-Louis David): Socrates reaches for a chalice of hemlock, showing death to be philosophical and calm.
   • The Third of May 1808 (painting by Francisco Goya): Brutalized victims of war are shown as bloodied corpses; death is terrifying and inevitable.
   • Guernica (painting by Pablo Picasso): Death is depicted in wartime through anguish, suffering, and the horrors of war.
   • Hamlet (play by Shakespeare): Yorick’s skull represents how death is the great equalizer for all.
   • Wuthering Heights (novel by Emily Brontë): Ghosts symbolize the inescapable nature of death and how love, obsession, and trauma are often caught in an endless cycle.
   • The Odyssey (epic poem by Homer): Penelope’s shroud stands for her unwillingness to accept Odysseus’s death and instead remain in charge of her own fate.
   • Othello (play by Shakespeare): The candle and the willow song is a symbol that foreshadows Desdemona’s death.

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