MEMENTO MORI, MEMENTO VIVERE.

REMEMBER DEATH, REMEMBER TO LIVE.

Then the door was open and the wind appeared
The candles blew and then disappeared
The curtains flew and then he appeared
Saying don't be afraid

Come on, baby (and she had no fear)
And she ran to him (then they started to fly)
They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are)
She had taken his hand (she had become like they are)
Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)

Source: Lyricfind

Songwriter: Donald Roeser

(Don’t Fear) The Reaper © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

One of my favourite songs is "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult. The lyrics remind us not to fear death, because there is more to death than darkness, there is also light. Reincarnation - the existence of life after death - is a widely held belief by millions around the world. There is solace in this belief, for both the dying and for the loved ones left behind. The belief that "we will meet again" has the ability to soothe even the most painful moments during bereavement. In many cultures, death is celebrated, because it means that the soul has gone to a blissful, perfect place and is now a sacred guardian for the living.

Although reliquaries most notably rose to superstar fame during the Victorian Era, they have been around in every culture as long as time itself. They are meant to house a small part of the person that has departed this life to honour their memory. It can be a lock of hair, a tooth, a scrap of clothing or paper, a flower, ashes, a butterfly...anything that serves as a keepsake to hold close when the grief is heavy in your heart. I wanted to create a modern twist on the standard reliquary and scale it down to jewellery size - this is the result. A lockable memento mori to hold personal treasures close to your heart.

Memento Mori, Memento Vivere.

Pendant size: 31mm / 1.22"

Sterling silver, 24k gold, acrylic. 20" sterling silver link chain. 2021.