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6 Animals Who Represent Death Around the World and Why

fuzzy bat flying through the night. bats one animal symbolize death

Animals have long been a part of symbolism. In cultures around the world, certain animals are associated with different outcomes. For example, doves are commonly associated with peace in Western cultures. However, many animals are also associated with negative outcomes. One of these is death. Animals that are commonly thought to symbolize death vary from culture to culture. However, many of them share similar traits. They may be scavengers or be nocturnal. Interestingly, many of these animals are not depicted negatively. Instead, they may be revered spirit guides or even gods. Read on to learn about six animals and why different cultures associate them with death.

1. Dogs

Although dogs are now the most popular animal companion in the world, they were associated with death by many ancient cultures. Indeed Anubis, the Egyptian god of funerals and mummification, is even depicted with a dog’s head.

On the other side of the world, in Mexico, dogs are also associated with death. Hairless dogs called Xoloitzcuintli are thought to be guides for deceased spirits. They are also often associated with Dia de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.

2. Bats

Bats are flying, nocturnal mammals who occupy a unique place in both traditional and popular culture. Often associated with vampires and the paranormal, bats are frequently found in Western literature including in the iconic Inferno by Dante Alighieri.

3. Cicadas

The lifecycle of a cicada is infinitely fascinating. Once they hatch, the larvae burrow into the earth. There, they dwell for over a decade. Once they emerge, they live for only a few weeks. This lifespan has cemented their place in Chinese culture. They are seen as symbolic of the rebirth into immortality that occurs after death. Amulets shaped like these insects were even placed in the mouths of the dead during the Han dynasty.

4. Butterflies

Beautiful and delicate butterflies don’t seem to have the most logical connection to death. However, one ancient Greek myth has forever linked the two. Indeed, the word for butterfly in ancient Greek, psyche, means the soul of the dead.

Psyche was a mortal woman in Greece whom Zeus, the king of the gods, released from death. In artwork from the period, she is depicted with butterfly wings. This may be because butterflies undergo a remarkable transformation. A caterpillar enters a chrysalis and emerges a butterfly. This transformation can represent the exit of the soul from the body after death.

5. Owls

Another nocturnal creature, owls are regarded as harbingers of death by many Native American groups. Although some, such as the Apache, regard them as a bad omen, others regard them as spirit guides.

Additionally, some Mediterranean folklore has negative stories about owls. In one tradition, some women could turn themselves into owls. In their owl form, they would suck the breath from helpless infants.

6. Crows

Scavenging birds, crows would often be spotted near dead bodies. This led to their association with death. In Sweden, traditional folklore even states that they are ghosts of people who did not receive a proper burial. Hauntingly, a group of crows is also referred to as a murder. This further underscores their relation to death.

Although the symbolic tradition around animals as omens or symbols of death is fascinating, it may also lead to the persecution of these animals. It is important to remember that none of these animals deserve to be harmed or persecuted due to symbolic associations. Instead, they should be treated with respect and kindness like all other living creatures.

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