Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman. ANGEL - a guide to Heaven. ARCH - symbolizing a triumphant entry into Heaven or victory over death. ARROW - symbolizing mortality or martyrdom.
The finger pointing down does not indicate damnation; instead it most commonly represents and untimely, sudden, or unexpected death.
The infinity symbol is a never ending loop. So it means forever or always or limitless, never ending possibilities, no beginning and no end. Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow. Grove Springs Park. Pool.
The circle is an ancient symbol of eternity, often found on Christian graves together with a cross. The circle has no beginning or end and may also symbolise resurrection.
A skull and cross bones is a symbol consisting of a human skull and two bones crossed together under the skull. The design originated in the Late Middle Ages as a symbol of death and especially as a memento mori (Latin for “remember that you will die”) on tombstones.
The epitaph on the gravestone is “UNITED ABOVE.” Like much of the funerary art, the broken link of a chain represents the life that was ended. The message being conveyed is that death separates us, the circle of life is broken here on Earth, but we will be re-united in Heaven.
When seen on a cemetery headstone or gravemarker, two clasped hands on the same level with matching cuffs typically represent: A farewell/goodbye to earthly life. The continuity/unity of life and death as a human condition. A greeting/welcome to eternal life.
The belief is that one must break off a piece of brick from another tomb, spin around three times, scrape three X's onto the tomb, and do some sort of knocking on the tomb. Then an offering should be left at the tomb and your wish will be granted. X's that are circled are said to mean that the wish had come true.
A scimitar over a downward-pointing crescent with a star in the middle is the symbol that marks the graves of many Shriners. The group is officially named The Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. It was established in 1870 as a separate body attached to the Freemasons.
Sacraments; The chalice often appears in association with a white circle representing the consecrated Eucharist. The two items combine to signify the Catholic rite of Holy Communion. The headstones of priests often bear these symbols.
These stones remind them that someone they care for was visited, mourned for, respected, supported and honored by the presence of others who've visited their memorial. The Hebrew word for pebble is also a word that means “bond.” By placing a stone on the headstone, it bonds the deceased with the visitors.
Ever since the nineteenth century scholars have generally interpreted isolated nails of this sort as apotropaic, as talismans to protect the dead person from the dangers of the Aft erlife.
Some initials found on gravestones:
FLT stands for Friendship, Love, Truth, three degrees associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Odd Fellows, first organized in the US in 1819, is a popular fraternal/benefit organization. The emblem of the Odd Fellows is usually shown as three links of a chain.
Most Christians tend to bury their dead facing east. This is because they believe in the second coming of Christ and scripture teaches that he will come from the east. In this manner, they place their dead in a position so they can meet Christ face-to-face during his second coming.
The practice of burying the dead so their face would face the rising sun goes back to ancient Egyptians and Greeks who worshipped the sun god. According to their beliefs, it was most appropriate for their dead to face the sun to greet each new day.
The star and crescent moon is often seen as a symbol—although unofficial—of the religion of Islam. This symbol appears on the flags of many Muslim countries and is often used to refer to Islam in popular culture. For this reason, the Star and Crescent emoji ☪️ is often used to refer to Islam and Muslims.
Medical schools in the early 1800s bought cadavers for anatomical study and dissection, and some people supplied the demand by digging up fresh corpses. Gravesites reaching six feet helped prevent farmers from accidentally plowing up bodies.
With regard to its use on headstones, grave markers, and memorials, the cross most likely symbolizes that the deceased was a Christian, as well as his or her hope of new life in heaven.
A private grave will normally hold four adult interments, but no guarantees can be made as ground conditions vary from time to time and from place to place, which affects grave capacity.
Before leaving the cemetery, the deceased's loved ones may toss a handful of dirt or soil on the coffin. Put simply, this is to symbolize that the deceased has returned to where he came from – man comes from the earth, and so must he return to earth.
Birds: This particular species is popular on grave markers and cremation urns alike because they symbolize the freedom of the spirit. The bird in flight represents a soul free from its body. In particular, the Dove is used in Christianity to represent peace and the Holy Spirit.
- Walk over graves
To go along with the theme of respect for the dead, don't walk over or stand on top of graves or burial places. This is just rude, and you may irritate the ghosts.
These decorations - of skulls, bones and skeletons, along with hourglasses and sometimes scythes - are known as memento mori, meaning 'remember you need to die'.
If the owner has died, a new owner must be registered before we can open a grave or any work is done to a memorial. Changing the grave owner is easier when Probate has been granted. If you want more information on registering a new owner, please ask the Cemeteries Office for advice.
The grave owner can assign the Exclusive Rights of Burial, during their lifetime, to another individual on completion of an Assignment of Rights of Burial form. The procedure for establishing grave ownership when the original owner has died depends upon whether there is a will.