skull and crossbones

[Cazza47]

Is there any reason why someone would have a skull and crossbones on their headstone?
Carol

[Flattybasher9]

There are a number of theories why they have them, including ex pirates, Templars, to scare the grave robbers etc.

Regards

Malky

[cati]

The skull and crossed bones was used to symbolise mortality - nothing more exciting!

Cati

[Cazza47]

thanks for that.
Carol

[Stanwix England]

I remember seeing a programme once about medieval graves and, as Cati said, it was to help the person viewing the grave reflect on their own mortality and therefore encourage them to live more moral lives.

This is from the back of my mind so I might have it wrong, but I seem to remember there was a tomb which had a depiction of a skeleton on it and it underneath said something like 'As I you are I was, As I am you will be'.

[aghadowey]

Lots of information online about gravestone symbolism- here's one:
http://iagenweb.org/ringgold/cemeteries/gravestonesymbols.html

[Cazza47]

Thank you all.
Carol