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Learn about 17 animals that have been associated with death in various cultures and time periods. From bats and crows to horses and owls, discover the meanings and interpretations of these symbols of death.
- Bulls. As one of several animals that appear in many myths, this imposing creature can either represent amazing energy or formidable and fearsome strength.
- Ravens. Perhaps because of their eerie croaking call, extremely dark plumage, and a stomach that can accommodate carrion, these majestic creatures are often associated with death and bad omen.
- Rams. While many cultures have long associated rams with determination and leadership, their image, particularly their head, has slowly crept into being connected with death.
- Bats. Regarded as the “Guardians of the Night,” their association with vampires (see our vampires post) and other creatures that lurk in the dark has given bats a somewhat fearsome image.
Aug 28, 2023 · Learn how various animals have been linked to the concept of death in different cultures and myths. Discover the symbolic meanings of owls, crows, ravens, vultures, bats, black cats, snakes, and more.
Mar 12, 2023 · Learn about the cultural and mythical associations of animals that symbolize death, such as bats, crows, and scorpions. Discover how these creatures have been used as omens, messengers, and guardians of the afterlife in various cultures and traditions.
- The Bat. Bats are a perfect example of animals that represent death. They are the only animals that have evolved echolocation, which allows them to navigate in full darkness.
- The Bird. The bird symbolizes freedom, it’s easy to overlook that birds are also animals. They have animal wants and desires, just like every other species on the earth, and some of those needs and desires might be dark and enigmatic, similar to the essence of death itself.
- The Blackbird. Blackbirds are also animals that represent death. I know this since I attended a close family member’s funeral, and as we were leaving, blackbirds were flying around.
- The Black Cat. Black cats are one of the most common animals that represent death. They are associated with death in many folktales and superstitions, as well as in pop culture.
Oct 31, 2023 · In folklore, animals are depicted as messengers, symbols, or omens. Many of these stories are similar in cultures throughout millennia and feature folk beliefs brought on by fear of death, illness, and the unexplained. The animals mostly related to symbols or omens of death are scavengers, nocturnal, or associated with negative events.
Nov 16, 2023 · Snakes represent omens of evil, destruction, temptation, or love, health, disease, medicine, and rebirth. Depictions of snakes will vary in folklore based on how the culture views them. Many cultures find snakes threatening and deadly animals, being the cause of humanity’s fall from grace and symbols of evil or destruction.
