What does the winged hourglass on a gravestone mean?

‘Time flies’ and death comes too soon for many, as symbolized by an hourglass with wings. From the early 18th century, it was a reminder of life's transience and the inevitability of death. The wings are meant to represent the soul's journey to heaven, and the hourglass is often seen as a symbol of time passing by. This symbolism makes it an appropriate choice for gravestones, serving both as a memorial and a reminder that life is fleeting. In Masonic symbolism, the winged hourglass was often paired with the scythe, another symbol of how easy it is to sever the connection between life and death.