MEMENTO MORI

Roughly Latin for “remember that you have to die.” This practice of reflecting mortality dates to the early Greeks, and is reflected in writings, artwork, jewelry, artifacts, icons, and decorative objects within a number of cultures and religions. Examples can be found in Medieval Europe, the Puritans, the Victorian Era, Mexico’s Day of the Dead, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.

Rather than bleak or morbid, the Memento Mori tradition can be seen as a gentle reminder that life is fleeting—and may enjoin us to make the most of our limited days on earth.