A mourning image can mean many sad and unwanted emotions for most people and cultures. However, these images and symbols play a very important role for those who need to express the pain of the loss of a loved one without using many words.

For this reason, even if using a mourning image is not part of anyone's plans, it is important to know them. In this way, in addition to understanding a little more about the world's most famous traditions of passage, you can more easily identify bereaved people around you - and provide your sympathy and empathy.

With that in mind, below we have listed some of the most popular mourning images and what they represent at this delicate time, so read on to check them out!

Mourning image: the color black

The color black represents elegance, fashion, and sophistication, but it is also the color we most associate with death. However, the association of black with death dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Thus, in Greek mythology, the color was associated with Hades, the god of the underworld who sat on a black throne.

Furthermore, in Roman poetry, the words hora nigra (black hour) referred to death. For this reason, black symbolized figurative and literal darkness. However, even today in many parts of the world, black is worn at funerals or by people who have lost a loved one. No wonder many wear black as a profile picture of mourning.

The Reaper

The grim reaper is the most horrifying symbol of death, characterized by a skeletal figure. In addition, the reaper wears a black hooded cloak with a scythe in one hand. Thus, this terrible symbol is of European origin, dating back to the Bubonic Plague in the 14th century.

The Bubonic Plague brought widespread mourning and death throughout Europe, so it was not surprising why the grim reaper - who typified this pandemic - is such a fearsome and terrifying symbol. Thus, the skeletal figure is indicative of decay and death, and again the color black in his cloak and hood.

Still, this is also a symbol of the religious men who held funeral services during those times. At that time, his sickle symbolized the harvesting of the dead and the reaping of their souls.

Meaning of the cross

For Christians, the cross can mean eternal life and salvation. However, before Christianity, the cross was an infamous symbol of torture, execution and death. The Romans, for example, used it to crucify their criminals and bandits.

Moreover, the Romans also employed various ways to punish their criminals, including stoning, strangling, and burning them. Nevertheless, it was the crucifixion that sent a threatening message to criminals within the Roman Empire.

Still, today the cross remains the world's best-known symbol.

Black butterfly as mourning image

Butterflies usually come in various colors, but seeing black butterflies is quite rare. In many cultures, the appearance of a black butterfly is ominous and carries a cryptic message of death. Therefore, this belief is common in countries like China, the Philippines, and some countries in Central and South America.

However, a black butterfly playing around or on your skin can be an indication of the death of a loved one. However, a black butterfly or moth inside the bedroom can be an indication of the death of a loved one.

For this reason, some Celtic and Irish myths included the belief in black butterflies as representations of the souls of the dead, that is, that they could not go on to the next life. From other perspectives, other cultures, however, associate black butterflies with witchcraft.

The Vulture

The vulture is truly a symbol of mourning, for where there is a vulture, there is usually death. In addition, the vulture is a creature known to feed on carrion.

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In view of this, the Mayan peoples saw the vulture as an expression of the transition of the dead to a new life. And so vultures and death came to be intrinsically associated with each other in many cultures.

The raven as an image of mourning

Today, the raven is associated with bad omens, loss, and even death. The raven's black feathers and croaking have made it stand out as a harbinger of death. However, in Swedish folklore, the raven is linked to the ghosts of murdered people who have not received a proper Christian burial.

On the other hand, in German folklore, the raven is a symbol of damned souls. On the other hand, in Greek mythology, the raven is the messenger of Apollo and is associated with bad luck.

Crossbones Skull

The skull and crossbones are a popular symbol today that represents death. Thus the symbol, consisting of a human skull and two crossed femurs, has long been associated with death.

However, from the 14th to 15th centuries, the symbol was used to denote toxic substances that reinforced its association with death. As a result, pirates began to use the symbol to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, so even today the skull with the crossbones represents danger.

Mourning image: candles

Candles can symbolize many things, but especially death and mourning. However, the act of lighting a candle, for example, has long been practiced around the world to honor the dead.

In this way, lighting a candle is a way to feel connected with loved ones and at peace. P or so it is no wonder that candles remain lit during memorials, funerals and other death-related rituals.

In addition, during festivities when the dead are remembered, people of various cultures have lit candles on the graves of their loved ones. Thus, these are characteristics of the close association of lit candles with the concept of death, remembrance, and hope.

Final considerations about grief imaging

Throughout the ages, the human mind has tried to deal with death and to make sense of it. In view of this, various cultures have tried to understand and represent death. So when the words were missing an image of mourning was comforting.

In this way, great minds of the past have philosophized about death, and religious leaders have tried to understand it. In short, although death is always a mysterious and somewhat frightening concept for most people, it is also a necessary part of life.

Therefore, in these difficult times, we are all experiencing loss in some way, so we invite you to enroll in our online course on Clinical Psychoanalysis. mourning image. Furthermore, it will help people who are experiencing a loss.

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