Tombstone Inscriptions and
what they really mean This information was found posted online in one of
my newsgroups. Unfortunately I did not save the authors name.
Please if you know who they are, let me know and I will be sure to post their
name here and give them the credit they deserve. 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. 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. 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: (emblems that MIGHT indicate a
person's occupation in life) 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). 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. 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. A Tree stands
for life. A Tree
Sprouting stands for life everlasting. Tree Trunk
stands for the brevity of life. Stones shaped
liked Tree Stumps usually signify that the deceased was a member of The
Woodmen of the World. Weeping Willow
Tree - Perpetual Mourning; Grief. Wheat Strands
or Sheaves - The divine harvest. Hands in
cemeteries are usually in one of the following four positions; clasping,
praying, pointing, and blessing. Hand, Pointing
Up - Pathway to heaven. Hands, Clasped
- Farewells or the bond of marriage Hands, Praying
- Asking God for Eternal life. Hands,
Blessing - Blessing of those left behind. 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 Miscellaneous: Broken Ring --
The family circle has been severed. Cherub -
Cherubs are angelic and signify innocence. Crossed
Swords - Military person of high rank. |
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