A single Holy Book 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, thee indicate The Scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants.
Chalice
Usually used to represent Sacraments.
Cresent
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.
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 an 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 and Crossed Bones
Death
Spade or Crossed Spade and Shovel
Death
TRADE AND OCCUPATION:
Barber
Bowl (for bleeding) and 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 and Spade
Mason
Wedge and Level
Mariner
Anchor, Sextant, and Cross Staff
Merchant
Scales some type of Sign
Minister
Bible
Shoemaker
Leather cutter's knife, Nippers, Sole Cutter, Awl
Smith
Crown, Hammer and Anvil
Teacher
Open book
Weaver
Loom, Shuttle and 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 warmth and light, 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 Egyptions who believed that life would be restored through 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.
PLANTS:
Fruits
Eternal plenty as in the fruit of life
Full-Bloomed 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 a tomb 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 rememberance. Thistles can also be for rememberance.
Thistle
Deceased was of Scottish decent.
Tree or Trees
A tree stands for life. A tree sprouting stands for life everlasting. Tree trunk stands for the brevity of life. Stones shaped as tree stumps usually signify that the deceased was a member of the Woodsmen of the World.
Weeping Willow
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:
Hands in a cemetery are usually in one of the following four positions: clasping, praying, pointing and blessing.
Hands 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 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 stones
