Flowers, trees, branches and sprigs of plants are some of the natural images you see on gravestones. Headstones can be formed in the shape of an architectural marvel like a mausoleum or obelisk, or they can feature images of them. The Cemetery Club and The Association for Gravestone Studies' 19th Century guide suggest the message behind images containing familiar objects like:. Throughout history, gravestones have paid homage to the beloved careers of the deceased through symbols shared by The Cemetery Club and USGHN, referenced above.
The passing of a relative is difficult. Give meaning to the life and death of the deceased with appropriate images on headstones. Consider the values and beliefs of the person and add one or two symbols that best capture their spirit. Symbols for Various Religions The U. Judeo-Christian Symbols According to the United States Genealogy and History Network USGHN , common Christian symbols include: Angel - Flying angels can symbolize rebirth while a praying angel is thought to be watching over the deceased Cherub - Innocence, virtue and purity; common on children's headstones Cross - Christian symbol; there are a variety of stylized crosses depending on the denomination Crown - Christian symbol of the soul's achievement of heaven Gates - Gaining admittance to heaven Hand with finger pointing up - Showing the way to heaven Bunch of grapes or grapevine - Sacrament of communion; blood of Jesus Christ Book - Christian faith, the Bible Flame - Eternal life of the soul Harp - Tribute to God.
Animal Symbols for Gravestones The Association for Gravestone Studies says many headstone images date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Popular animal and insect symbols include: Beehive - Symbolic of a life of productivity for Freemasons; also a Mormon symbol Bird - Immortality or everlasting life Butterfly - Abbreviated life, more common on a younger person's headstone Dove - Peacefulness and innocence Dragonfly - Eternal life Lamb - Virtue or purity, a lamb is also common on children's headstones Deer - Avid hunter or sportsman Lion - Bravery Rooster - Revival Peacock - Rebirth Snake with tail in mouth - Forever, eternal life Dog - Allegiance Pelican - Generosity, philanthropy.
Plants on Headstones Flowers, trees, branches and sprigs of plants are some of the natural images you see on gravestones. Architectural and Decorative Elements Headstones can be formed in the shape of an architectural marvel like a mausoleum or obelisk, or they can feature images of them. The USGHN describes a few more prevalent symbols and their meanings: Draperies - Sadness, grieving and moving from life to death Urn - The end of life Arch - Triumph over death or two souls reuniting Double arch - rejoin a life partner in death Broken column - Loss of the family patriarch or matriarch Fleur-de-Lis - Intense love and devotion or courage Anvil - Self-sacrifice Bridge - From one place to another Coat of Arms - Long family history, or family of high standing Sphinx - Guardian of the dead Steps - Path to afterlife or ascension.
The hand engraving grew into wide use during the Victorian era. A dove usually symbolizes peace and the Holy Spirit, but its specific meaning depends on how the bird is posed. Medieval wisdom once held that a golden chain kept the soul in the body. In death, the chain is broken and the soul is freed. If the chain is unbroken and if it features the letters FLT for Friendship, Love, and Truth , it probably means the deceased belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization that seeks to promote charitable causes and offer aid.
Was the deceased an avid reader? Maybe, but not necessarily. A hand with the index finger raised skyward is one of the more ambiguous symbols found in graveyards. It might be pointing to heaven, or indicate the fact that the decedent has risen from the land of the living. It might represent other kinds of grain. Alternately, corn seeds can symbolize rebirth. A scroll engraved on a tombstone with both ends rolled up can indicate that part of life has already unfolded while the future is hidden.
Cross, Armenian. Cross, Celtic or Irish. Cross, Egyptian Ankh. Cross, Episcopal. Cross, Greek. Cross, Iron 2nd Class. Cross, Lutheran. Cross, Methodist. Cross, Orthodox. Cross, Presbyterian. Cross, Serbian Orthodox. Cross, Tau Franciscan Order. Cross, Wedding or Marriage. Crown with Cross. Curtains or Drapes. Dames of Malta. Daughters of America. Daughters of the Confederacy.
Daughters of the Nile. Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Degree of Pocahontas Daughters of Pocahontas. Degree of Rebekah Daughters of Rebekah. Deo Vindice. Descendant Austin's Old Doctor of Dentistry. Doctor of Medicine. Doctor of Veterinary. Dove, Ascending. Dove, Decending. Dove, Resting. Dove with Olive Branch. Eagle Scout. Eastern Star. Eggs with Darts. Epworth League Methodist.
Eye with Sunburst All Seeing Eye. Father Time and the Weeping Virgin. Festina Lente Tempus Edax Rerum. Flag, American. Flag, Confederate. Flag, Union Civil War. Flag Emblem, Oklahoma. Flower, Calla Lily. Flower, Daisy. Flower, Dogwood. Flower, Easter Lily. Flower, Lily of the Valley. Flower, Lotus. Flower, Morning Glory.
Flower, Passion. Flower, Poppy. Flower, Rose. Flower, Rose Bud or Stem Broken. Flower, Sunflower. Flower, Thistle. Flower, Tulip. Foresters of America F of A. Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. General Society of the War of Girl Scouts. Gold Star Father or Family.
Grapes or Grapevine. Hand Holding Heart. Hand with Finger Pointing Down. Hand with Finger Pointing Up. Hands, Clasped or Shaking. Hands, Kohanim Cohanim. Hands, Praying. Hands, Reaching. Harley-Davidson Motorcycles. Heart, Double. Heart, Single.
Here Lies Hebrew. Heroines of Jericho. Holocaust Survivor. Horse, White. Horse and Soldier Riding in Battle. Infantry, WW1. Infinity Lemniscate. International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii. Jaycees United States Junior Chamber. Jayhawk University of Kansas.
Job's Daughters. Knights of Columbus. Knights of Malta Masonic. Knights of Pythias. Konko-Kyo Faith. Ladder or Staircase. Lamp or Lantern. Lion, Winged Saint Mark. Lions Club. Lizard Gecko. Loyal Order of Moose. Luther Rose. Man, Winged Saint Matthew. Medal, Air. Medal, Air Force Cross. Medal, Bronze Star. Medal, Coast Guard Cross. Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross.
Medal, Distinguished Service. Medal, Distinguished Service Cross. Medal, Legion of Merit. Medal, Navy Cross. Medal, of Freedom Presidential. Medal, Of Honor.
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