| A | B | C | D | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | O | P | R | T | U | W |
A
Anchor, Sextant and Crossed Staff: An emblem that represents a mariner.
Angels: Spirituality; in ancient Babylonia angels were winged lions carved above the doorway to protect the inhabitants. If the angel is flying or trumpeting, is is a sign of resurrection. If the angel is a Cherub, it is a sign of innocence.
Arrow: Mortality.
Axe, Knife and Cleaver: An emblem that represents a butcher.
B
Bird: Eternal life.
Book: Books include the Holy Bible (found on Christian headstones), the Book of Mormon (found on Mormon headstones).
Bouquets or Flowers: Grief and sorrow; if the stems are broken, the person died at a very young age.
Bowl and Razor: An emblem that represents a barber.
Butterfly: A life cut short.
C
Candle: If the candle is being snuffed, it is a symbol for death.
Coffin: Mortality.
Column: If it is broken, it is symbolic of the loss of the head of the family. If there are doors with an unbroken column, it stands for 'entrance into Heaven."
Corn: The person buried there lived to an old age.
Chalice: Sacrament; the chalice is an ancient symbol of preservation of the heart.
Crown: Achievements in Heaven.
Crown, Hammer and Anvil: An emblem that represents a metalsmith.
Cross: Crosses include St. Andrew's Cross (an inverted cross since St. Andrew couldn't bear to be crucified the same way as Jesus), Celtic/Irish Cross (Episcopalian or Catholic priests or monks), the Crusader's Cross, Egyptian or Coptic Cross (an Ankh that symbolizes Gnostic Christians or Coptic Christians), the Greek Cross (an equal-armed cross), the Jerusalem Cross (associated with the Church of the Holy Sepulcher), the Orthodox or Eastern Cross (a regular cross), the Roman or Latin Cross, the Teutonic Cross (popular in Russia and worn by the Knights of Malta, it has two arms, and others.
D
Dog: A person worthy of love.
Drapes: Mortality.
F
Face: Usually winged, it represents the flight of the soul.
Figure: If the figure has a dart, it is a symbol of mortality.
Flame, Light or Lamp: Resurrection; if it is inverted, it means loss.
Fruit: Eternal plenty.
G
Garland or Wreath: Symbolic of saintliness.
Gourds or Pomegranates: Nourishment for the soul.
Grim Reaper: Death.
H
Hands: If the hand is pointed up, with the index finger pointed up, this is the Sign of Preservation, also called the Sign of Heaven and Earth, and means whatever came from Heaven must also return. If the hands are clasped, it is a farewell to marriage. If the hands are praying, it is a plea for eternal life. If the hand is upturned and has the index and middle finger pointing up, this is called the Sign of Blessing, or the Christogram, and it brings blessings to those left behind.
Harp: Praise or harmony.
Heart: Mostly found in Catholic cemeteries, it represents Jesus dying for the sins of the world; it can also symbolize love.
Hoe or Swingletree or Stalk of Corn: An emblem that represents a farmer.
Horns: Resurrection.
Hour Glass: Life is gone.
I
Ivy: immortality.
K
Knife, Nippers, Sole Cutter and Awl: An emblem that represents a shoemaker.
L
Lamb: Marks the grave of a child.
Laurel: Worldly accomplishments and bravery.
Lily: Purity and innocence.
Lion: A symbol, like the angel, that guards the tomb; it can also symbolize courage.
Loom and Stretchers: An emblem that represents a weaver.
M
Menorah: The emblem of Judaism.
Morning Glory: The beginning of life.
O
Oak, Oak Leaves or Acorns: Power, authority and victory.
P
Palm Leaves: Happiness.
Pick: Death.
Poppy: Death.
R
Rake and Spade: An emblem that represents a Gardner.
Rings: If they are together, it is a promise of lifelong fidelity. If they are broken, it means that the family has been broken up after the persons death.
Rod or Staff: Comfort to the bereaved.
Rose: If it is fully bloomed, the person died the prime of life.
Rosemary: Remembrance.
T
Thistle: Remembrance; a person of Scottish decent.
Tree: Trees symbolize life, and include a sprouting tree (for life everlasting), a tree trunk (for the brevity of life), and a Weeping Willow tree (perpetual morning, grief and loss).
Trumpets: Resurrection.
U
Urn: Immortality. If there is a flame in the urn, it represents undying remembrance. If it is decorated with a wreath, is symbolizes mourning.
W
Wedge and Level: An emblem that represents a Mason.
Wheat: A good afterlife.
Wreath: Victory.
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