Symbol of death, protection, eternal change.
Buddhism inspired the Citipati emblem. A female and male skeleton dance together in the symbol. The skeletons represent death and endless change. The Citipati were monks who were engrossed in prayer. A thief came along and hacked off their heads while they were in this state. Even in death, the monks turned into the last state and chased the robber. The Citipati are now in charge of guarding cemeteries and apprehending thieves who wander among the dead. In graveyards, Tibetan monks will dance and blow horns to demonstrate how the Citipati spend their time. The Citipati are referred to as the “Lords of the Cemetery” by some.