The Meaning of Memorial Headstones

THE MEANING OF MEMORIAL HEADSTONE SYMBOLS When visiting a cemetery you may notice that there are many types of headstones that depict different symbols. It's important to understand the meaning of these symbols since they represent information about the customs, profession and personality of a deceased loved one. Anchor Crown Bird Column symbolizes hope and is a symbol of reward and glory, and life after death. steadfastness. An anchor with a broken chain indicates Cross cessation of life. Anchors are often used on the headstone represents the soul, a messenger of a deceased seaman. of God or peace, eternal life, or spirituality. Books Poppy symbolizes a deceased's noble life. When depicted as broken or in a draped format, a column symbolizes is a symbol for eternal sleep. early death, mourning and grief. are a symbol of the Bible, Wheat, Divine Words or the deceased's is a symbol of faith and resurrection. In military graveyards a cross represents trials, victory and reward. lifetime accomplishments. Star Scroll represents the body of Christ. Lamb Lion is a symbol of life and time. is a symbol of divine guidance. Hourglass A 5-pointed star represents the Star of Bethlehem; a 6-pointed star represents God's creation. Palms means innocence, It is is a symbol of the swift passage of symbolizes the power often used on an infant's or a child's headstone. of God and guards the time, or the shortness tomb against evil spirits. of life on earth. Heart Cherub highlights spiritual victory, success and eternal peace. It also symbolizes Christ's resurrection. • Moon shows affection, love and devotion for the dead. Two joined hearts on a headstone depict a happy marriage. Lily represents divine wisdom or justice. A sleeping cherub symbolizes innocence. is a symbol of death, rebirth or victory. Rose Chain Rooster stands for is a symbol of chastity, innocence, friendship, love and truth. purity and resurrection. is a symbol of love, hope, unfailing love, victory, triumph and purity. Olive branch Eagle • means awakening, courage and vigilance. Triangle Pyramid is a symbol of peace, forgiveness and humanity. Sword is a symbol for means truth, equality and the holy trinity. resurrection, eternal life, enlightenment and spiritual attainment. symbolizes the power of God and guards the tomb against evil spirits. Finger symbolizes that the deceased Wheel Laurel• was a member of the military. Sun symbolizes the symbolizes the pathway to Heaven or the deceased's Heavenly reward. cycle of life, enlightenment symbolizes triumph over death or everlasting memory or spiritual power. Butterfly of the deceased. Daisy a rising sun symbolizes renewed life or resurrection, a setting Conch shell sun represents death and a shining sun is a symbol of everlasting life. Ivy gentleness and purity of thought. represents resurrection, life everlasting, the pilgrimage of one's life and the baptism of one's soul. is symbolic of Christ's resurrection. represents faithfulness, memory and undying affection. passare Simplifiying End-of-Life Managment Twitter @Passarelnc Facebook facebook.com/passareinc Source Note: This information was obtained and rewritten where necessary for clarity from WifiAlliance at: www.wifialliance.org/OpenSection/special-emblems-used-on-memorial-headstones.html Tumblr passareinc.tumblr.com