Symbols of death and what they mean

Vultures are feared as symbols of death

• Ancient Egyptians preserved the bodies of their dead ones by mummifying them.

• Bats have been associated with places the dead are like graves or dark caves.

is considered a symbol of death
A bat is considered a symbol of death
Image: Courtesy

Africans are very superstitious when it comes to death. 

Death is feared by many, and the dead are treated with much care and dignity. 

They do not joke about death and as such there are various symbols that signify death.

1. Vulture

Just by virtue of the fact that vultures feast on dead remains, anywhere this creature is spotted, dead is not far behind.

These scavengers are never welcome in a homestead.

2. Mummy

Ancient Egyptians preserved the bodies of their dead ones by mummifying them. As such, a mummy represents the preservation of a person who died thousands of years ago.

3. Bat skeleton

Bats are feared creatures that live in dark and dangerous places. If you see a bat, we are hard-wired to assume something sinister is awry.

Bats have been associated with places the dead are like graves or dark caves.

4. Gravestone 

A gravestone marks a burial site. They are designed in various ways based on how much one is willing to spend.

5. Hearse

A hearse represents death. Rightly so because funerals have to have a hearse of sorts.

WATCH: For the latest videos on entertainment stories

Check out the latest news here and you are welcome to join our super exclusive Mpasho Telegram group for all the latest and breaking news in entertainment. We would also like to hear from you, WhatsApp us on +254 736 944935.