A hallmark of the night personified. The bat is seen as a demonic animal and stands for devil, evil, night and death. A bat wing is also sometimes found in combination with an hourglass and a dove wing, which symbolizes day and night and the passage of time.

The bee and beehive are ancient symbols found in many cultures. Bees were often seen as winged messengers between the world of the dead and heaven. A bee on a tombstone is often seen as a symbol of resurrection.

From the seventeenth century onwards, the beehive was used as a symbol of diligence. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the beehive was also used as a maconic symbol for work and cooperation.

In general, birds are symbols of the otherworldly, the barely attainable and of the freedom that the soul strives for. Some birds are also seen as killers, for example the crow.

A book on a grave usually refers to the Bible. As the book of life, the Bible is a common symbol on the tombs of pastors. The book is often depicted in its entirety, sometimes on a desk. The material used for the books is often marble. Sometimes a single page is also depicted, with psalm text or epitaph. A fold in a page or a bookmark usually indicates that the person has died suddenly.

A broken flower symbolizes a life cut short, usually that of a child. See also: flower.

Symbol of the immortal soul. For Christians, death is the transition to a better life, the transfer from this earthly valley of tears to the heavenly realm.

The butterfly also symbolizes the three stages that the human soul goes through: life, death and resurrection. In addition, the butterfly also stands for the transience of earthly life.