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.

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

symbolizes the pathway to Heaven or the

deceased’s Heavenly reward.

is a symbol of death, rebirth or victory.

means truth, equality and the holy trinity.

symbolizes the

cycle of life,

enlightenment

or spiritual power.

a rising sun symbolizes renewed life or resurrection, a settingsun represents death and a shining sun is a symbol of everlasting life.

represents faithfulness, memory and undying affection.

represents the body of Christ.

shows affection, love and devotion

for the dead. Two joined hearts on a headstone

depict a happy marriage.

Wheat

Heart

Triangle Pyramid

Finger

symbolizes that the deceased was a member of the military.

Eagle

is a symbol of life and time.

Scroll

Sword

symbolizes triumph over death or everlasting memory

of the deceased.

Laurel

represents divine wisdom or justice. A sleeping cherub symbolizes innocence.

represents resurrection, life everlasting, the pilgrimage of one’s

life and the baptism of one’s soul.

gentleness and purity of thought.

Moon

symbolizes the power

of God and guards the

tomb against evil spirits.

Lion

Ivy

is a symbol of chastity, innocence, purity and resurrection.

Lily

is a symbol of love, hope, unfailing love, victory, triumph and purity.

Rose

is a symbol of the swift passage of time, or the shortness of life on earth.

Hourglass

is symbolic of Christ’s resurrection.

Butterf ly

Wheel

Chain

is a symbol of divine guidance.

A 5-pointed star represents the Star of Bethlehem;

a 6-pointed star represents God’s creation.

Star

highlights spiritual victory, success and eternal peace.

It also symbolizes Christ’s resurrection.

Palms

Lamb

means innocence. It is

often used on an infant’s or

a child’s headstone.

is a symbol for

resurrection, eternal life,

enlightenment

and spiritual attainment.

stands for

friendship,

love and truth.

Simplifiying End-of-Life Managment

is a symbol of reward and glory, and life after death.

Crown

symbolizes a deceased’s

noble life. When depicted

as broken or in a draped

format, a column symbolizes

early death, mourning and grief.

Column

is a symbol of faith and resurrection. In military graveyards a cross

represents trials, victory and reward.

Cross

are a symbol of the Bible,

Divine Words or the deceased’s

lifetime accomplishments.

Books

represents the soul, a messenger

of God or peace, eternal life, or spirituality.

Bird

symbolizes hope and

steadfastness. An anchor with

a broken chain indicates

cessation of life. Anchors are

often used on the headstone

of a deceased seaman.

Anchor

means awakening, courage and vigilance.

Rooster

Cherub

is a symbol of peace, forgiveness and humanity.

Olive branch

Sun

symbolizes the power of God and guards the tomb against evil spirits.

is a symbol for eternal sleep.

Poppy

Conch shell Daisy

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