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Gravestones Symbols Most of our investigations involve extensive research before we begin. Often that research takes us to different cemeteries to get information on families and community history. The language of headstone engraving is fascinating and if you are familiar with the meanings, it can offer a wealth of helpful information. While this listing doesn't cover them all, it is a great reference. Hope you find it useful and if nothing else, entertaining! |
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Ireland, September 2006
Religious:
Angels - Angels mean spirituality and they guard the tomb. Bible - A single Holy Bible is often found on Christian stones. Holy Books (2) - on Mormon headstones indicates the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Holy Books (3) - on Mormon Headstones, these indicate The Scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants. Chalice - Usually used to represent the Sacraments. Crescent - the deceased was probably a Muslim. Crown - The soul's achievement and the Glory of life after death. Cross - the Cross is an emblem of faith. There are many different types of crosses and each may mean something different. For a good explanation of the various types of crosses, see http://www.alsirat.com/symbols/cross.html, a part of The City of the Silent. Heart (Sacred) - Usually found in Catholic cemeteries, this heart refers to the suffering of Christ for our sins. Menorah - An emblem of Judaism Star of David or Mogen David - Recognized as the international symbol of Judaism.
Mortality: Arrow - Mortality Broken Column - This image represents the decay. It usually represents the loss of the Family head. Candle being Snuffed - Loss of life. Coffin - mortality. Figure with Dart - Mortality Grim Reaper - Death personified. Hourglass - Time has run out. Scythe - An instrument of the harvest, death cuts us down. Skull and or Skull/ Crossed Bones - Death. Spade or Crossed Spade and Shovel - Death
Trade and Occupation Barber Bowl (for bleeding) & Razor. Butcher - an axe, steel knife and cleaver. Farmer: - Coulter (type of hoe), flail (threshing implement), swingletree (rod for beating flax), stalk of corn. Gardener - Rake & Spade. Mason - Wedge & Level Mariner: - Anchor, Sextant & Cross Staff. Merchant - Scales, some type of sign. Minister - Bible Shoemaker - Leather cutter's Knife, Nippers, Sole cutter & Awl Smith - Crown, Hammer & Anvil Teacher - Open Book. Weaver - Loom, Shuttle & Stretchers. Wright - (a worker skilled in the manufacture especially of wooden objects --usually used in combination <shipwright> <wheelwright> - Compasses
Resurrection, Eternal Life, Immortality: Angel, Flying or Trumpeting - Rebirth; Resurrection. Bird or Bird Flying - Eternal life, Resurrection. Cross: - The Cross means resurrection to many Christians. Dove, Flying - Resurrection. Flame, Light, Lamp or Torch: - Immortality of the Spirit, Resurrection. Garland or Wreath - Symbol of saintliness and glory, Victory in death. Horns -- The Resurrection Ivy - Immortality Rooster- Awakening; Resurrection. Star - Death could not overpower the Light of the Spirit which still shines in the darkness. Sun - A symbol of light and warmth, renewed life and life everlasting. Trumpeters -- Harbingers of the Resurrection Urn - Immortality (The storing of the vital organs was of extreme importance to the ancient Egyptians who believed that life would be restored through the vital organs placed in the urn). Animals: Birds - Eternal life or resurrection. Butterfly - Short-life. Dog - Implies a good master worthy of love. Dove - Seen in both Christian and Jewish cemeteries, the dove means innocence and/ or peace. Lamb - Usually marks the grave of a child and means Innocence. Lion - The Lion's eternal watch guards the tomb and stands for Courage. Rooster - Awakening; Resurrection.
Plants: Fruits -- Eternal plenty as in the fruit of life. Full-Blown Rose - The deceased died in the prime of life Ivy -- Ivy stands for friendship and also immortality. Laurel -- A symbol of worldly accomplishment and heroism. Lily - The virgins' flower and also the symbol of innocence and purity. Morning Glory - Signifies the beginning of Life Oak., Oak Leaves and Acorn - Oak leaves on tombs can stand for power, authority or victory. Often seen on Military tombs. Palm Branch - Signifies Victory and Rejoicing Poppy - Eternal Sleep. Roses - Roses signify completion and the brevity of earthly existence. Rosemary - Rosemary is for remembrance. Thistles can also stand for remembrance. Thistle - Deceased was of Scottish descent. Tree or Trees
Weeping Willow Tree - Perpetual Mourning; Grief. Wheat Strands or Sheaves - The divine harvest. Miscellaneous: Broken Ring -- The family circle has been severed. Cherub - Cherubs are angelic and signify innocence. Crossed Swords - Military person of high rank. Hands:
Harp - Praise to the God. Heart - Love. Stylized hearts stand for the affection of the living for the dead. Two joined hearts on a stone mark a marriage, Rod or Staff - Comfort for the bereaved. Stars and Stripes Around Eagle -- Eternal vigilance and liberty. Often seen on military markers Urn with Flame -- Undying remembrance
*Remember to always be respectful when visiting cemeteries, always leaving things exactly as they were found. Also, if there are family or friends present, give them adequate space and privacy. Keep in mind that most towns have laws that prevent entrance into cemeteries between dusk and dawn. Certain ones aren’t safe during the night – not from wandering spirits but as we like to call them – the “breathers”. These are often kids drinking and generally up to no good. Why else would they be in a cemetery at 2 in the morning? We have found that many local police stations will let you in to do an investigation if you clear it with them ahead of time and inform them when you arrive and leave. |
