1. Raven. The raven has a long history of association with death and mourning. Most of its popular interpretation likely comes from the Edgar Allen Poe poem of the same name.
Indeed, some scientists remain skeptical. But a growing number are challenging our species' monopoly on grief. They've identified mourninglike behaviors not just in cetaceans, but in elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees and other primates and, possibly, turtles, bison and birds.
Candles are used in many cultures as a symbol for loss and grief, along with a white dove, or here in Ireland, the triskele has been adopted by the Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme as a bereavement symbol to let visitors and staff know that a recent bereavement has occurred.
To use animal symbolism effectively to express sadness, consider animals such as crows, owls, rabbits and deer. Crows embody feelings of grief and sorrow while owls often symbolize wisdom and insight. Rabbits signify fragility and vulnerability while deer evoke feelings of gentleness and grace.
Elephants are considered to be one of the world's most empathic species. In my last blog, I wrote about how African elephants grieve and mourn their dead, proving that they're truly empathetic, social animals.
Dark crimson roses denote grief and sorrow. Yellow roses are given by friends of the deceased to symbolize their strong ties. When you include a single rose in a bouquet it expresses enduring love for the deceased.
The idea that cardinals — or a redbirds — are “messengers” from departed loved ones has been around for a long time, crossing cultures and spanning years. Many people believe seeing a cardinal is a “sign” that those who have passed are with us in spirit.
The cross is symbol of suffering and comfort.
Crow and Hemlock tree are the symbols of sadness and depression. Crow is considered ugliest among all birds and is a symbol of ill - omen. While hemlock is a poisonous tree with white flowers.
Raven Tattoos
Ravens are also associated with melancholy, possibly owing to Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Raven' which made it a symbol of pain and darkness.
The chrysanthemum, or mum, makes a wonderful choice when mourning with a family that has ties to Europe or Asia. China, Korea and Japan use white chrysanthemums to symbolize grief.
Blue Butterfly
It's considered a message from your loved one since you're no doubt feeling blue and sad in your grief and longing.
Hyacinth: The purple hyacinth is a popular symbol of sorrow and regret.
Baby animals that are separated from their mothers sound a cry, but humans are the only ones who shed tears. (Stone/ Getty) Pet owners often claim their dogs cry. Darwin thought monkeys and elephants wept. But modern scientists believe the only animal to really break down in tears is us.
Research in evolutionary biology, cognitive biology and social neuroscience supports the view that many diverse animals have rich and deep emotional lives. People with companion animals or service animals will strongly argue that animals express numerous feelings such as fear, anger, shame, excitement, and grief.
On this note, research shows that dogs can sense depression, and many of them even respond lovingly to their humans in an attempt to cheer them up. In the same way that we pay attention to their behavior, dogs also pay attention to our actions to determine our “energy” that day.
Of all winter birds, we think of cardinals the most as symbols of grief and loss. Religions throughout the centuries have considered cardinals to be messengers.
Hyacinth. The purple hyacinth specifically, represents sorrow, regret and forgiveness.
Cyclamen. The Cyclamen blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. The ancient Greeks associated Cyclamen with death and mourning and planted it in cemeteries as a symbol of remembrance. In addition, the flower's natural habitat, often in rocky, shaded areas, lends a sense of loneliness.
The cross, for example, is often used to represent suffering. Symbols, however, also indicate their own reality. For example, a cross not only stands for suffering, but it also stands for Christian suffering.
The ankh symbol—sometimes referred to as the key of life or the key of the nile—is representative of eternal life in Ancient Egypt. Created by Africans long ago, the ankh is said to be the first--or original--cross.
A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing. A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing. The staff belongs to Asklepios, the mythical Greek god of medicine.
There is an old folklore saying that, “When God sends a cardinal, it's a visitor from heaven.” People often wonder what it means when a cardinal appears in their yard. Let's take a look at the legacy of this quote and the memorial tributes it has inspired.
Because of its black plumage, croaking call, and diet of carrion, the raven is often associated with loss and ill omen. Yet, its symbolism is complex. As a talking bird, the raven also represents prophecy and insight. Ravens in stories often act as psychopomps, connecting the material world with the world of spirits.
Crows symbolize transformation and change. They are watchful creatures that have a sharp and powerful foresight. If you cross a crow and think of it as an adverse outcome, then you must remember that this is just one of the many possible results.