GRAVESTONE ART

GRAVESTONE ART. Between 1840 and 1905 symbols used on grave markers were a common language to visitors in cemeteries. The symbols were designed to show ideas about the character and attitudes of the deceased. This language is gradually being lost. The symbols described below are only a few of the many once used.

Anchor--a Christian symbol of faith and hope. The idea that the deceased is anchored safely in God’s harbor.

Arrow--Christian symbol of the sure salvation of the soul

Bible--indicates the deep Christian belief of the person

Butterfly--short life

∑ Chain--a full chain represents a family, a broken chain shows the loss of a person

∑ Clock--time has run out for this person

∑ Column--with a capital showed that the person had lived to the expected age of 70, a shorter column indicated that the person had died earlier

∑ Cross--promise of salvation

∑ Crown--victory of eternal life over death

∑ Dove--represents the Holy Spirit or a messenger of God

∑ Gates--usually shown open meaning the passage from life to death

∑ Hand--if it reaches downward it is the hand of God

∑ Harp--symbol of joy

∑ Hour Glass--indication that time has run out for the dead

∑ Keys--spiritual power on earth and in heaven

∑ Lamb--ordinarily used for the graves of children and means innocence

∑ Lamp--the light of eternal life

∑ Leaves--Oak (strength of faith), ivy (steadfastness of faith), grape (maturity in years), laurel (victory of life over death)

∑ Lily--symbol of purity

∑ Lion--courage

∑ Moon or Star or Sun--a heavenly body meaning that the dead has gone to heaven

∑ Oak--strength

∑ Poppy--eternal sleep

∑ Rose--an open flower means an adult woman, rose buds are used on the graves of infants and small children, partially open buds would refer to young girls

∑ Scales--represent judgment

∑ Scroll--a record of the good and bad deeds of the dead

∑ Torch--upside down meant death, most were shown lighted showing life after death

∑ Tree--symbol of immortality, branches cut off often indicated the birth of girls who could not carry on the family name

∑ Trumpet--symbol of judgment and resurrection

∑ Urn--symbol of death

∑ Vine--sign of spiritual life provided through Jesus

∑ Weeping Willow--sign of sadness

∑ Wheel--symbol of old age, often shown broken representing death