Memento mori memento vivere translation free#

Memento mori memento vivere translation free#

Memento-Mori – Remember that you will die.īut how could a piece of Stoic advice to keep death in mind be rational? And how could a reminder that you are going to die free you from your fears? This custom was the origin story of the memento mori tradition.

It warned him that when he dies, his heroic tales, fame, and luxury will be soon forgotten. It told him to stay humble on this grand occasion, and not think he was the new god of Greece. That repeated reminder of his mortality forced the general to take in the entire scene wisely and reasonably. This slave’s sole duty was to whisper into the ears of the commander every once in a while: In the chariot, as legend has it, a slave stood close behind the euphoric general. The triumph parade was such a magnificent ceremony that it could make any general feel like a god. Of the many conditions, one was that the general must have slain at least 5,000 of the enemy in a single battle. The Roman senate did not grant every battle-winner this honor. The lofty triumphus, the most cherished ambition of every Roman general, was extremely hard to obtain. The conquering general came towards the end in a four-horse chariot, dripping with gold leaf and animal furs, followed by his loyal soldiers wearing laurel leaves and togas and shouting in unison “io triumphe” - behold the triumph! - John Welford, retired librarian, Leicestershire The ultimate bit of propaganda, a procession of painted posters and statues depicting the notable events of the campaign, came next, followed by Rome’s senators and magistrates, all on foot as a sign of humility before the great hero of the hour. They were followed by their captured weapons and armor, along with the spoils of war and any exotic objects which might impress the citizens of Rome.

First to come were the captive leaders, usually walking in chains. People would throng in large numbers on the sides of the streets, shouting the deeds of their hero and rejoicing at the occasion.Ī triumphal procession tended to fit a formula. The procession would march through the streets to reach the temple of Jupiter, where the general was to offer a sacrifice. His troops would march beside and behind his chariot. The people he captured were held in chains, and the souvenirs he seized were laid on trolleys, both paraded ahead of his horses. The victorious general would enter Rome riding a four-horse chariot. Rome in those days had the tradition of holding a ‘triumphus.’ It was a gala parade to honor a triumphant general who had just returned from the battlefield. Memento mori was held in high regard in ancient Rome. Memento mori – Remember that you will die. The Stoic philosophers of ancient Rome popularized it, asking their followers to use their limited time on earth wisely and live virtuously and mindfully.Ī “Memento” is a souvenir or object you keep as a reminder. “Memento mori” is a Latin phrase that means “Remember, you have to die.” It reminds us of the shortness of life and the randomness of death. It traversed time, from the generals, slaves, pharaohs, and philosophers to playwrights, painters, the Grim Reaper, and skull tattoos. They reminded the onlookers that they, too, were marked for death.īut the greatest story of memento mori is older, told by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, tombs and monuments often bore carvings of skulls and skeletons. It is called memento mori, a call to embrace life fully and mindfully.Īpproach me, stranger. Generations have retold that original story through art and culture. These coins are unique and are akin to a traditional military challenge coin.Īrtwork design on this coin is copyright protected.The ancient Stoics told the greatest story about remembering the shortness of life. The coin is treated to look as if it has been handled and circulated. The coins were chemically aged so the patina looks great right out of the package and will look even better with more wear from handling and daily carry. Highest-quality mint, extremely fine details.Diameter: 1.54' (39mm) - about the same as a Silver Dollar.Whether as a personal keepsake or a gift for a loved one, the Carpe Diem Coin is a meaningful and inspiring reminder to make every day count.Ĭollect the Carpe Diem Coin and never forget to live each moment of your life. This coin makes a great everyday carry item and an original gift, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of living in the present moment and cherishing the time we have. The phrases 'Memento Mori' and 'Memento Vivere' are also etched onto the coin, reminding us to remember death and to live life to the fullest.

The Latin phrases 'Carpe Diem', 'Tempus Fugit' that are stamped on the coin serve as a reminder that time flies by quickly. The Carpe Diem Coin was created as a daily reminder to seize the day, make the most of every moment, and remember the preciousness of time.