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Typical Mourning Art Symbols

 

Example Symbol Meaning
Urn Neoclassical symbol of Etruscan urns used to hold ashes and vital organs of the dead
  Trees: oaks/elms strength, dignity
 

tall oak

symbol of power over evil, Christ
 

fallen oak

good lives cut down in their prime

willow

regenerative power (resurrection)
 

evergreens

eternal life after death
  Ferns solitude, humility
  Columbine Holy Spirit
  Thistle earthly sorrow, sin
  Garden heaven, Garden of Eden
  Stream baptismal purification, cleansing grace
Skulls: with crossbones death

with wings

resurrection of the spirit

with mouth

voice of the spirit
 

with nostrils

breath of the spirit
  Angels heaven, a better existence
Cherub death in a more romantic shape