20+ Other Ways to Say Sunrise and Sunset on an Obituary
In obituaries and memorial writing, the words we choose carry deep emotional weight. Phrases like “sunrise and sunset” are often used as gentle, poetic ways to represent birth and death.
Instead of stating dates plainly, these expressions soften the message and honor a life with dignity and respect.
However, not every situation calls for the same wording. Cultural norms, audience expectations, and tone all matter. That is why learning other ways to say sunrise and sunset on an obituary is helpful for English learners, writers, and professionals alike.
Choosing the right alternative can make a message sound more formal, spiritual, poetic, or simple, depending on your needs.
In this guide, you will learn clear and respectful synonyms for sunrise and sunset,how to use them correctly, and when each option works best.
What Does “Sunrise and Sunset” Mean?
In obituary writing, “sunrise” means the day a person was born, and “sunset” means the day a person passed away.
Grammatically, these words are nouns, but they are used symbolically, not literally. They act as metaphors, comparing life to a day that begins with sunrise and ends with sunset.
This phrasing is common in:
- Obituaries
- Memorial cards
- Funeral programs
- Remembrance posts
When to Use “Sunrise and Sunset”
You can use “sunrise and sunset” in many respectful contexts:
- Formal writing: Obituaries, death notices, funeral brochures
- Religious or spiritual texts: Christian, spiritual, or poetic memorials
- Written communication: Printed or online obituaries
- Spoken tributes: Eulogies or memorial speeches
It is less common in casual speech but very appropriate in written remembrance.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Sunrise and Sunset”?
Yes. “Sunrise and sunset” is considered polite, respectful, and professional in memorial writing. It avoids harsh words like died or death and replaces them with softer imagery.
That said:
- It may feel too poetic for legal or official records
- Some families prefer clear and direct language
Always consider the family’s wishes and cultural background.
Pros and Cons of Using “Sunrise and Sunset”
Pros
- Gentle and respectful
- Emotionally comforting
- Widely accepted in obituary writing
- Adds poetic beauty
Cons
- May be unclear for non-native readers
- Too symbolic for legal documents
- Not suitable for very brief notices
20+ Alternative Ways to Say Sunrise and Sunset on an Obituary
Below are respectful and commonly used alternatives to sunrise and sunset, explained in simple English.
1. Phrase: Born and Passed Away
Meaning: Birth and death dates
Explanation: Clear and direct wording
Example Sentence: Born March 5, 1950, and passed away July 10, 2023.
Best Use: Formal, general use
Worst Use: Poetic or spiritual writing
Tone: Neutral
2. Phrase: Date of Birth and Date of Death
Meaning: Official life dates
Explanation: Very clear and factual
Example Sentence: Date of Birth: June 2, 1948 | Date of Death: August 9, 2022
Best Use: Legal or formal notices
Worst Use: Emotional tributes
Tone: Formal
3. Phrase: Life Began and Life Ended
Meaning: Start and end of life
Explanation: Simple and gentle wording
Example Sentence: Her life began on April 1, 1960, and ended on May 3, 2021.
Best Use: Written memorials
Worst Use: Legal documents
Tone: Neutral
4. Phrase: Entered This World and Left This World
Meaning: Birth and death
Explanation: Spiritual and comforting
Example Sentence: He entered this world on July 7, 1945, and left this world peacefully.
Best Use: Spiritual obituaries
Worst Use: Business contexts
Tone: Gentle
5. Phrase: Birth and Eternal Rest
Meaning: Birth and death with faith tone
Explanation: Often used in religious writing
Example Sentence: Born May 10, 1938, and entered eternal rest on January 2, 2020.
Best Use: Religious obituaries
Worst Use: Secular writing
Tone: Formal, spiritual
6. Phrase: Beginning and End of Life
Meaning: Life span
Explanation: Neutral and respectful
Example Sentence: The beginning and end of her life were marked by love.
Best Use: Reflective writing
Worst Use: Very short notices
Tone: Neutral
7. Phrase: From Birth to Passing
Meaning: Life journey
Explanation: Smooth and respectful
Example Sentence: From birth to passing, he lived with kindness.
Best Use: Memorial texts
Worst Use: Legal records
Tone: Friendly
8. Phrase: Arrival and Departure
Meaning: Entering and leaving life
Explanation: Symbolic and soft
Example Sentence: Her arrival was a blessing, and her departure is deeply felt.
Best Use: Poetic obituaries
Worst Use: Official documents
Tone: Gentle
9. Phrase: Life’s Dawn and Dusk
Meaning: Birth and death
Explanation: Strong poetic imagery
Example Sentence: Between life’s dawn and dusk, she touched many hearts.
Best Use: Literary memorials
Worst Use: Simple notices
Tone: Poetic
10. Phrase: First Breath and Last Breath
Meaning: Start and end of life
Explanation: Emotional and human
Example Sentence: From her first breath to her last, she was loved.
Best Use: Personal tributes
Worst Use: Formal records
Tone: Emphatic
11. Phrase: Born Into Life and Called Home
Meaning: Birth and death (faith-based)
Explanation: Common in Christian writing
Example Sentence: Born into life on May 6, 1942, and called home on June 9, 2021.
Best Use: Religious obituaries
Worst Use: Non-religious contexts
Tone: Spiritual
12. Phrase: Life’s Journey Began and Ended
Meaning: Life span
Explanation: Focuses on journey
Example Sentence: Her life’s journey began in 1955 and ended in 2020.
Best Use: Reflective writing
Worst Use: Legal texts
Tone: Neutral
13. Phrase: Time on Earth
Meaning: Entire life period
Explanation: Gentle and respectful
Example Sentence: During his time on earth, he inspired many.
Best Use: Tribute writing
Worst Use: Date listings
Tone: Warm
14. Phrase: Birth and Peaceful Passing
Meaning: Birth and calm death
Explanation: Adds comfort
Example Sentence: Born in 1930 and experienced a peaceful passing in 2019.
Best Use: Obituaries
Worst Use: Sudden death notices
Tone: Gentle
15. Phrase: Life Remembered
Meaning: Honoring life span
Explanation: Focus on memory
Example Sentence: A life remembered: 1944–2022.
Best Use: Headings
Worst Use: Detailed writing
Tone: Respectful
16. Phrase: Born and Laid to Rest
Meaning: Birth and burial
Explanation: Traditional wording
Example Sentence: Born 1952, laid to rest 2020.
Best Use: Traditional obituaries
Worst Use: Modern writing
Tone: Formal
17. Phrase: Life Span
Meaning: Length of life
Explanation: Short and neutral
Example Sentence: His life span was filled with service.
Best Use: Summaries
Worst Use: Emotional tributes
Tone: Neutral
18. Phrase: Entry Into Life and Final Rest
Meaning: Birth andc
Explanation: Formal and calm
Example Sentence: Her entry into life was in 1940, and her final rest came in 2018.
Best Use: Formal obituaries
Worst Use: Casual writing
Tone: Formal
19. Phrase: Began Life’s Chapter and Closed It
Meaning: Life start and end
Explanation: Literary tone
Example Sentence: He began life’s chapter in 1965 and closed it in 2023.
Best Use: Poetic tributes
Worst Use: Official records
Tone: Poetic
20. Phrase: Life Dates
Meaning: Birth and death dates
Explanation: Short and clear
Example Sentence: Life dates: 1935–2020.
Best Use: Headings
Worst Use: Emotional writing
Tone: Neutral
21. Phrase: A Life Well Lived
Meaning: Celebrating life span
Explanation: Positive and respectful
Example Sentence: A life well lived (1950–2022).
Best Use: Memorial headers
Worst Use: Legal notices
Tone: Warm
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise and Sunset | Poetic | Obituaries |
| Born and Passed Away | Neutral | Formal writing |
| First Breath and Last Breath | Emotional | Tributes |
| Date of Birth and Date of Death | Formal | Legal notices |
| Life’s Dawn and Dusk | Poetic | Literary memorials |
| Called Home | Spiritual | Faith-based texts |
FAQs
1. Are sunrise and sunset religious terms?
No, but they are often used in spiritual or poetic contexts.
2. Can I use these phrases in official documents?
It is better to use clear terms like date of birth and death.
3. Which phrase is best for a modern obituary?
“Born and passed away” or “life remembered” works well.
4. Are poetic phrases acceptable for all cultures?
Not always. Cultural preferences matter.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wordsin an obituary is an act of respect and care. While “sunrise and sunset” is a beautiful and gentle phrase, knowing other ways to say sunrise and sunset on an obituary helps you match tone, culture, and purpose.
Whether you prefer formal clarity or poetic warmth, these alternatives allow you to honor a life thoughtfully. Practice using different phrases to sound more natural, confident, and sensitive in English memorial writing.
I am Maria James, a passionate content writer who loves exploring English words, meanings, and language trends to help readers learn and communicate better every day.
