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Jun 25, 2024 · Many species in the animal kingdom are associated with death throughout various cultures and ages worldwide. Here are some animals that represent death.
- Bats
- Blackbirds
- Black Cats
- Butterflies
- Bulls
- Crows
- Horses
- Moths
- Owls
- Rats
These flying mammals have long been associated with death, largely due to their nocturnalism, and their habit of dwelling in deep, pitch-black caves. In some cultures, a bat in the house is seen as a harbinger of coming death in that household. In mesoamerican cultureand mythology, these animals were seen as creatures of the underworld, and thus in...
Like the bat, blackbirds also have long associations with the underworld, in large part due to their dark, blackish wings. It is often thought of as a messenger of death, and its appearance often symbolizes the coming of bad news, i.e death. However, the ‘death’ that a blackbird heralds does not always have to be bad – it can also mean the symbolic...
Throughout European history, black cats have symbolized general bad omens. Their appearance could mean anything from the presence of black magic to the more general omens of bad luck and death. However, a black cat is more likely to represent evil overall, rather than death absolutely. Related Article: Dead Cat Spiritual Meaning & Symbolism
The appearance of butterflies can have many symbolic meanings, though they often change depending on the color of the butterfly. Unsurprisingly, black butterflies are most often linked to death and are seen as a bad omen. In some cultures, they also symbolize death and rebirth. Yellow butterflies are another type that has similar associations, thos...
Bulls can symbolize a myriad of things, particularly fire and earth, but in some cases, it is also seen as a symbol of death. This is largely due to the use of the bull and bull’s blood as a religious sacrifice, particularly in ancient Rome. In India, Indonesia, and ancient Egypt, bulls also have an association with death.
These birds have long been considered a death omen in some cultures and religions. Like most blackbirds, and carrion birds (birds that feast on dead flesh), they are seen as bad omens, and their appearance usually signals death. In some folklore, the appearance of a crow could often mean the death of a hero or other significant figure. Similar to b...
Horses don’t always symbolize death, but they can in some situations. One situation where a horse symbolizes death is when there are four horses together. In these instances, they point to the four horsemen of the apocalypse. It’s believed that these horsemen will arrive at the end of times. Another time is when a horse with a saddle is found alone...
Moths have long represented death and other dark symbols in ancient cultures. In Celtic mythology, it has always been associated with images of death and decay, specifically. In Celtic and Gaelic cultures a moth in the home, particularly a Death’s Head, was a sign of impending death in the family, and the moths were sometimes even thought to be the...
Like black cats, crows, and ravens, owls have a close association with dark magic, witches, and warlocks, which has always connected them to death and fear of death. They have always had a direct association with death in Egyptian and Norse mythology. In Native American culture, the owl symbolizes dual concepts of wisdom and death, and they are eve...
Rats have long been synonymous with plague and pestilence. So, their symbolic connection to death is unavoidable (though it should be noted that this is most common in Western Judeo-Christian cultures, and many cultures actually uphold rats as more positive symbols). In art and literature, rats are often used to depict death, disease, and decay. In...
May 10, 2021 · Aardvark. An aardvark is a humble creature known for its unassuming nature. As such, this animal can symbolize humility. Aside from that, this creature has thick skin, and it is a survivalist. Because of these characteristics, an aardvark can also represent endurance.
Greater Mouse-Eared Bat. Bats, with their forelimbs adapted as wings, are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight. These little creatures are even more maneuverable than birds. In many cultures, including in Europe, bats are associated with darkness, death, witchcraft, and malevolence.
- Black cat. Scientific Name: Felis silvestris catus. Even in the ancient past, people have always associated black cats with death. These animals have become popular symbols for Halloween despite the fact that the only thing that differentiates them from other cats is their black fur.
- Crows. Scientific Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos. Crows are a type of bird that’s known for their black feathers, heavy and straight beaks, and the fact that they’re always associated with death.
- Moths. Scientific Name: Attacus atlas. Moths are insects that can have a wide variety of appearances and colors. However, most moths have an appearance that’s very similar to that of butterflies, except that they’re much stockier and have drab-colored wings.
- Owls. Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus. The large, round eyes and feathery faces of owls make them one of the world’s most easily recognizable birds. These incredible birds can successfully hunt at night, thanks to their exceptional hearing.
Animals that represent death have been represented in art, literature, and mythology, and some have even become famous for tattoo designs. In this post, we’ll look at some of the creatures that symbolize death, as well as their meanings and how they’ve been understood across civilizations.
Aug 28, 2023 · Animals as Symbols of Death. Throughout history, many animals have been associated with death. These animals can be seen as omens or symbols, and their presence can evoke feelings of fear, foreboding, or even comfort. Here are some of the most common animals that symbolize death.
