Death

The symbolism for death ranges from such abstractions as darkness to personifications such as the Grim Reaper, the Daena (Zoroastrian angel), and various other soul-collectors, angelic (such as Gabriel) or daimonic. In between abstractions and personifications are an endless number of objects which symbolize death. Notable among them are an open grave, a coffin, a headstone, a churchyard or cemetery, a hearse, a tolling bell, people in black clothes, a crying person, a veiled person, a boat, a carriage, a black horse, a black dog, a black man, a minister, a skeleton, a skull, an urn, a grotto, cave or cavern, a large hall, a banquet room, a corpse, a ghostly spirit, white-clothed figures, shrouded forms, and human and material instruments of execution: noose, guillotine, firing squad, hangman, judge, police officer, etc.

The bulk of death symbols are oriented to the biological person and evidence the reactions of his incomprehension of mortality. Thus anxiety, fear, menace and mystery characterize the meaning of most death symbols. Death symbols that are more comprehensible to developed personalities include such things as a wreath of flowers, a torch, a door, a corridor, a pathway, and light, from a gentle glow to a refulgent sun-like blaze.