Grave Symbols

An excerpt from
The
Sexton's Book of Tales

It was during the Georgian period that tombstones were erected in the graveyard as permanent monuments. Their handsome sandstone memorials; the material chosen to enhance the setting of the burial place and to blend in with the stone-built churches, were flamboyantly carved with allegorical scenes. Grinning skulls nestled among winged cherubs (either smiling, weeping, or blowing trumpets, depending on how the fancy took your nearest and dearest), while flowery epitaphs expounded the worthiness and triumphs of the dearly departed.

The reflective and conservative sobriety of God-fearing Victorians saw the wane of these funeral flights of fancy. Imposing granite monuments, hewn and polished to reflect the clean lines of classical architecture and embellished with gothic motifs, sculptured leafage and decorated caps, became the order of the day. Stonemasons nicknamed the monolithic and cripplingly heavy designs, 'Undertaker's Gothic'.

During the early 1800's, Egyptian-style obelisks, adorned with lotus-buds and hieroglyphics became immensely popular, mirroring the vast quantities of sepulchral art and funeral pieces which were being pillaged from the temples and tombs on the Nile and shipped by the boatload for public display in British museums.

Angels were highly fashionable; gazing skyward, pointing meaningfully to the heavens, clasping wreaths, or even lying distraught across the grave, they were so sought-after that vast quantities were shipped from Italy: Italian White Marble is a comparatively soft stone and the ideal material for carving into shapes like books and figures.

INTERPRETATIONS of GRAVESTONE MOTIFS

Alpha and Omega
Alpha (A) and Omega (Ω) are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The Christian symbol juxtaposing the two letters is derived from the book of Revelation: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Revelation 22:13).

Anchor
Hope, or 'at rest'
Commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries to represent hope or the deceased's seafaring profession. Also used, often wrapped in vines, to represent firm Christian faith.

Arrow
The arrow can suggest martyrdom, war like qualities, or mortality.

Angels   A guide to heaven.

Saint Matthew, one of the four evangelists, was often represented as a winged man.
Angel, Flying Rebirth or Resurrection

Angel, Trumpeting Resurrection

Angel, Weeping Grief and Mourning

Arch The passage to heaven.

Cross Emblem of faith, there are many different types of crosses. The crucifix, a Christian symbol, is a Latin cross with an image of Christ nailed to it and depicts the sacrifice Jesus made for human salvation. The shepherd's cross has a crooked apex and represents both the Christian faith and Jesus' role in guiding people through life and saving lost souls.

Cross, Celtic In pagan times, this cross, with its axis enclosed by a circle, was a symbol of fertility and life, the cross representing male potency and the circle, female power. Prevalent in Ireland, it is now primarily a Christian symbol signifying the unity of heaven and earth

Daughters of Rebekah
The Daughters of Rebekah (DR) are a female auxiliary of the International Order of Odd Fellows. The Rebekah Degree was first established in 1851 and there are separate Rebekah lodges today. This example shows the Odd Fellows three chain links symbol intertwined with the letter “R,” and a dove, representing peace, inside the letter “D.” The circular part of the “D” will often be depicted as a crescent moon.

Double-Headed Eagle - Scottish Rite Freemasonry
This double-headed eagle symbol is for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. The number 32 inside the triangle represents the 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite. The Latin motto, “Spes mea in Deo est,” means “My hope is in God.”

Dove
The soul - peace
In Christian art the dove symbolizes the Holy Ghost and is widely linked with the qualities of purity and holiness.
Dove and Olive Branch Peace. This symbol stems from Judeo-Christian culture and the biblical story of Noah and the great flood. When the dove returned to the ark with an olive branch from the Mount of Olives in its beak, it was a sign of God's forgiveness. It is now a common secular symbol.

Hands
Farewell
A symbol of fortitude in Ancient Egypt and of fidelity in Rome. The male and female clasping hands often seen on family graves represent the everlasting union of husband and wife.

I.H.S
This symbol is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus.
A familiar headstone inscription, the three letters Other interpretations include In Hac Salus - safety in this (meaning the cross), and In Hoc Signo - in this sign (ye will conquer).

Laurel Leaves/Wreath Victory. The laurel wreath was first worn by the ancient Romans in parades after triumph in battle where it was viewed as a prize and a sign of divine blessing. With the Pythian Games in ancient Greece, the laurel wreath became an emblem of victory. The laurel is an evergreen thought to have purifying powers that could result in immortality. The laurel wreath is often still used as a mark of distinction for those who have excelled in their pursuits.

Lily or Lily of Valley Light, Purity, Perfection, Mercy and Majesty. In Greco-Roman mythology this flower was sacred to Hera and Artemis. In Byzantium and early France, it was a royal emblem (the fleur-de-lys is sometimes considered a stylized Lilly). Primarily the Lilly has Christian associations, usually attached to the Virgin Mary where it signifies chastity. When Christ is shown as the judge of the world with a Lilly in his mouth, the flower represents mercy. a Lilly and a sword signify guilt and innocence.

Lion Valor, Strength, Courage, Pride, Wisdom, Protection, Majesty, an ancient symbol of the sun. The ancients believed that lion whelps were born dead and remained so for three days, when the father breathed on them and they received life.

Masonic Compass and Set Square Freemasons combine religious and construction and architectural forms in their symbols. Viewing God as the architect and builder of the universe, Freemasonry intends to build the temple of humanity through self-improvement with stone-masonry work. The compass, used in geometric calculations, symbolizes creation and the spirit. The set-square draws perfect right angles, so represents uprightness and lawfulness. The compass and the square measure things, so they symbolize judgment. They also represent geometry, and the union of the sky (the compass's circle) and the earth (the square). The letter "G" in this symbol represents God, geometry and geomancy. Compasses and a mason's square also were the emblems of the Chinese emperor Fu Hsi.

Menorah Jewish symbol of divine wisdom. The seven branches of the candle represent the seven days of creation; the sun, moon and planets; the seven heavens; and the seven stars of Ursa Major.

Obelisk Eternal life Obelisk is a Greek word, it refers to a characteristic monument of ancient Egypt that has a tapered stone shaft with a pyramidal top made from a single stone. An ancient Egyptian sun-worshipping symbol, they were usually erected in pairs before temple portals. The base is one-tenth of the height and in ancient times the apex was sheathed in copper, a design feature echoed on many Victorian monuments.

Pyramid Eternity
The Greek name for a wheaten cake, humorously applied to the massive royal tombs of ancient Egypt. It was supposed that a pyramid-shaped tombstone prevented the devil from reclining on a grave.

PX Monogram
The monogram that looks like a combination of a P and an X is actually the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ - Chi (X) and Rho (P). The symbol was used by early Christians and is attributed to the Roman Emporer Contstantine, who used it as a military symbol. You will often see it on banners, called labarum, in ecclesiastical processions. The Chi Rho symbol is also the origin of using the abbreviation Xmas for Christmas

Star of David Symbol of Judaism and the State of Israel. This star, comprised of an overlapping upright and an inverted triangle, is associated with David because he carried a hexagrammic shield against Goliath. The interlocking triangles represent the union of opposites. The Kabbalists believed this emblem had protective power and magical properties. It is also called the Creator's Star with each point representing the days of the week and the hexagram representing the Sabbath.

Sword   Justice or Fortitude
In the days when the sword was a principle weapon of battle they were often regarded as magical objects with supernatural properties. An oath made on a sword was as binding as one made on a Bible. A prevailing notion predicts approaching death if a sword falls from its scabbard.

Urn Mortality                                               After the cross, one of the most common of funereal monuments. The design mimics the funeral urn of the ancients, if draped that signifies the last partition between life and death.

Wheat Ripe for Harvest, Divine Harvest, Time A sheaf of wheat symbolizes longevity and fruitfulness. It denotes that one has lived a long and fruitful life.

Willow   Grief
The willow, especially the weeping-willow, has been associated with sorrow and bereavement ever since the Babylonian Captivity when the Jews became captives of Nebuchadnezzar in 597 B.C.

CONTACT US@keystoneparanormal.com

© 2008 Keystone Paranormal

	Alpha and Omega Alpha (A) and Omega (Ω) are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The Christian symbol juxtaposing the two letters is derived from the book of Revelation: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Revelation 22:13).

	Anchor Hope, or 'at rest' Commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries to represent hope or the deceased's seafaring profession. Also used, often wrapped in vines, to represent firm Christian faith.
	Arrow The arrow can suggest martyrdom, war like qualities, or mortality.
	Angels A guide to heaven. Saint Matthew, one of the four evangelists, was often represented as a winged man. Angel, Flying Rebirth or Resurrection
	Angel, Trumpeting Resurrection
	Angel, Weeping Grief and Mourning
	Arch The passage to heaven.
	Cross Emblem of faith, there are many different types of crosses. The crucifix, a Christian symbol, is a Latin cross with an image of Christ nailed to it and depicts the sacrifice Jesus made for human salvation. The shepherd's cross has a crooked apex and represents both the Christian faith and Jesus' role in guiding people through life and saving lost souls.
	Cross, Celtic In pagan times, this cross, with its axis enclosed by a circle, was a symbol of fertility and life, the cross representing male potency and the circle, female power. Prevalent in Ireland, it is now primarily a Christian symbol signifying the unity of heaven and earth
	Daughters of Rebekah The Daughters of Rebekah (DR) are a female auxiliary of the International Order of Odd Fellows. The Rebekah Degree was first established in 1851 and there are separate Rebekah lodges today. This example shows the Odd Fellows three chain links symbol intertwined with the letter “R,” and a dove, representing peace, inside the letter “D.” The circular part of the “D” will often be depicted as a crescent moon.
	Double-Headed Eagle - Scottish Rite Freemasonry This double-headed eagle symbol is for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. The number 32 inside the triangle represents the 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite. The Latin motto, “Spes mea in Deo est,” means “My hope is in God.”
	Dove The soul - peace In Christian art the dove symbolizes the Holy Ghost and is widely linked with the qualities of purity and holiness. Dove and Olive Branch Peace. This symbol stems from Judeo-Christian culture and the biblical story of Noah and the great flood. When the dove returned to the ark with an olive branch from the Mount of Olives in its beak, it was a sign of God's forgiveness. It is now a common secular symbol.
	Hands Farewell A symbol of fortitude in Ancient Egypt and of fidelity in Rome. The male and female clasping hands often seen on family graves represent the everlasting union of husband and wife.
	I.H.S This symbol is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus. A familiar headstone inscription, the three letters Other interpretations include In Hac Salus - safety in this (meaning the cross), and In Hoc Signo - in this sign (ye will conquer).
	Laurel Leaves/Wreath Victory. The laurel wreath was first worn by the ancient Romans in parades after triumph in battle where it was viewed as a prize and a sign of divine blessing. With the Pythian Games in ancient Greece, the laurel wreath became an emblem of victory. The laurel is an evergreen thought to have purifying powers that could result in immortality. The laurel wreath is often still used as a mark of distinction for those who have excelled in their pursuits.
	Lily or Lily of Valley Light, Purity, Perfection, Mercy and Majesty. In Greco-Roman mythology this flower was sacred to Hera and Artemis. In Byzantium and early France, it was a royal emblem (the fleur-de-lys is sometimes considered a stylized Lilly). Primarily the Lilly has Christian associations, usually attached to the Virgin Mary where it signifies chastity. When Christ is shown as the judge of the world with a Lilly in his mouth, the flower represents mercy. a Lilly and a sword signify guilt and innocence.
	Lion Valor, Strength, Courage, Pride, Wisdom, Protection, Majesty, an ancient symbol of the sun. The ancients believed that lion whelps were born dead and remained so for three days, when the father breathed on them and they received life.
	Masonic Compass and Set Square Freemasons combine religious and construction and architectural forms in their symbols. Viewing God as the architect and builder of the universe, Freemasonry intends to build the temple of humanity through self-improvement with stone-masonry work. The compass, used in geometric calculations, symbolizes creation and the spirit. The set-square draws perfect right angles, so represents uprightness and lawfulness. The compass and the square measure things, so they symbolize judgment. They also represent geometry, and the union of the sky (the compass's circle) and the earth (the square). The letter "G" in this symbol represents God, geometry and geomancy. Compasses and a mason's square also were the emblems of the Chinese emperor Fu Hsi.
	Menorah Jewish symbol of divine wisdom. The seven branches of the candle represent the seven days of creation; the sun, moon and planets; the seven heavens; and the seven stars of Ursa Major.
	Obelisk Eternal life Obelisk is a Greek word, it refers to a characteristic monument of ancient Egypt that has a tapered stone shaft with a pyramidal top made from a single stone. An ancient Egyptian sun-worshipping symbol, they were usually erected in pairs before temple portals. The base is one-tenth of the height and in ancient times the apex was sheathed in copper, a design feature echoed on many Victorian monuments.
	Pyramid Eternity The Greek name for a wheaten cake, humorously applied to the massive royal tombs of ancient Egypt. It was supposed that a pyramid-shaped tombstone prevented the devil from reclining on a grave.
	PX Monogram The monogram that looks like a combination of a P and an X is actually the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ - Chi (X) and Rho (P). The symbol was used by early Christians and is attributed to the Roman Emporer Contstantine, who used it as a military symbol. You will often see it on banners, called labarum, in ecclesiastical processions. The Chi Rho symbol is also the origin of using the abbreviation Xmas for Christmas
	Star of David Symbol of Judaism and the State of Israel. This star, comprised of an overlapping upright and an inverted triangle, is associated with David because he carried a hexagrammic shield against Goliath. The interlocking triangles represent the union of opposites. The Kabbalists believed this emblem had protective power and magical properties. It is also called the Creator's Star with each point representing the days of the week and the hexagram representing the Sabbath.
	Sword Justice or Fortitude In the days when the sword was a principle weapon of battle they were often regarded as magical objects with supernatural properties. An oath made on a sword was as binding as one made on a Bible. A prevailing notion predicts approaching death if a sword falls from its scabbard.
	Urn Mortality After the cross, one of the most common of funereal monuments. The design mimics the funeral urn of the ancients, if draped that signifies the last partition between life and death.
	Wheat Ripe for Harvest, Divine Harvest, Time A sheaf of wheat symbolizes longevity and fruitfulness. It denotes that one has lived a long and fruitful life.
	Willow Grief The willow, especially the weeping-willow, has been associated with sorrow and bereavement ever since the Babylonian Captivity when the Jews became captives of Nebuchadnezzar in 597 B.C.