All Articles & Guides / Preplanning / A Modern Take on Memento Mori
A Modern Take on Memento Mori
Memento mori is a Latin phrase that traces its roots to ancient Greek philosophers. Roughly translated, memento mori means, "remember you will die." While the reminder may sound morbid or even threatening, for many people, it's actually a reminder to live.
A Brief History of Memento Mori
The concept of keeping death at the forefront of philosophical guidance dates to the Greek philosophers Democritus and Plato, but it's also suggested in the Old Testament of the Bible and in early Christian writings. Even today, those who observe the Christian tradition of Ash Wednesday are reminded every year, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Memento Mori Symbols
Most people familiar with the phrase associate skulls and skeletons with memento mori. From medieval and Renaissance masterpieces to colonial gravestones and modern tattoos, skulls symbolize a life ended. Some skulls are portrayed as smiling at the center of artwork, while others are apathetic accessories to a larger scene. Whether they are sitting in solitude or enjoying the company of a crow or serpent, they serve as macabre reminders that every life must end. Many old cemeteries in the eastern United States have skulls, skulls and bones, or skulls with wings engraved as reminders that we all must pass eventually.
Like skulls, skeletons can come across as dark and moody, but many paintings and prints show them dancing happily as if celebrating their freedom from the worries of this world. Still, in other images, a woman (or man) is facing a skeletal mirror image of herself while contemplating her own mortality.
Flowers can also be symbols of memento mori. Most often, they are shown plucked and wilting, reminding the viewer that death is a part of nature. Roses, especially, are examples of the phrase because they remind us that even the most beautiful flower has a thorn that can bring pain.
Whether you picture the Grim Reaper with his hood and scythe or an Angel of Death with dark wings, both often appear in vintage and modern art as reminders of what waits for us at the end of life. In the 18th century, a common symbol carved into tombstones was an angel holding an hourglass, showing that time passes quickly.
In more modern depictions, a crow or raven is a memento mori symbol. These birds tend to be associated with death because, in the natural world, they are carrion birds. Of course, Edgar Allen Poe's popular poem, "The Raven" helped cement that association in recent decades.
Memento Mori Jewelry
Depictions of memento mori in jewelry date back centuries. Skulls crafted from silver, gold, ivory, and bone have been found in graves. Sometimes they are strung together as a chain, and other times they are mounted in a ring. Whether the words are engraved on them or not, the meaning is understood.
These days, there are more subtle ways to remind ourselves that we are all mortal. Beautifully made memorial jewelry, like this stone pendant with angel wings wrapped around it, says "memento mori" without looking macabre. Any piece of memorial jewelry can serve as memento mori jewelry.
Other Modern Takes on Memento Mori
In contemporary art, memento mori themes range from gruesome to delicate, and the colors used span from black and white to rainbow bright. Styles vary widely and include throw backs to Renaissance art, abstract expressionism, pop art, and manga.
You can find memento mori-related ideas and symbolism on book covers, album covers, tattoos, cartoons, modern sculpture, and social media memes.
Why has the phrase's popularity lasted through the centuries? Because mortality is universal, everyone must face it at some point. Some cultures accept it openly, while others shy away from talking about death out of fear and superstition. Many who are willing to talk about it openly embrace the knowledge that life is short and we should make the most of it while we can. For them, memento mori is the ancient equivalent of YOLO (you only live once).
Another modern take on the idea that is popular among some thought leaders is the practice of writing their own obituary, but not because death is looming – because they are setting goals for how they want to be remembered. Look at it as a self-fulfilling prophecy. "She was known for her generosity and kindness," written about a future self is a good reminder of how to act in the present.
Memento Mori Gifts
If you know someone who embraces the philosophy, a thoughtful way to honor their lifestyle is with memento mori gifts. A piece of memorial jewelry is one option, or you could purchase a charm to add to a bracelet. Our sterling silver rose charm can serve as a small, subtle reminder. For a more intricate gift, choose a Victorian tear bottle. These bottles were originally designed for the grieving to catch their tears in, but their petite size and intricate designs can serve as beautiful reminders of the brevity of life.
For someone with a dark sense of humor who wants to be cremated, an empty keepsake urn makes a good memento mori gift. You could even have it engraved with their name.
If you're looking for a memento mori gift for yourself, choosing your own urn is a great idea. Displaying it where you can see it can act as a visual reminder that eventually you'll be taking up less space, so while you're here now, live your life as large as you can.
Related Content
