Symbolism

The first tombstones were literally boulders that were used to keep the dead from crawling out. As time passed, people needed to know which boulders were over graves and which were just boulders. So, they started marking the graves. Usually the only things on the gravestones were skulls, skeletons, and angels of death. Making markings on gravestones soon became a trade, and gravestones were extremely popular. In the late 1800's, the trade reached its peak, and gravestones were very intricate and detailed. That period ended, and the current gravestone decoration style that is currently used begun.

There are many, many symbols on tombstones. Most of these symbols fall under some basic categories.

There are many different symbols for mortality. Mortality symbols contain obvious images; arrows, a figure with a dart, and coffins. Mortality symbols are placed on tombstones of those who lived a long life, and those who died young. An hourglass can symbolize that time has run out. Death can be symbolized by skull and crossbones, spade, scythe, and even the Grim Reaper.

Religion is also very common theme on tombstones. Christian symbols could include Holy books and a suffering heart, angels represent spirituality. Crosses come in many different variations, and have a lot of meanings. A Celtic cross is usually used to mark the graves of monks and priests. A crucifix symbolizes Christianity. There are representations of other religions. A crescent symbolizes Islam, and a menorah and the Star of David symbolize Judaism.

Plants are very common as decoration on tombstones. The symbolism is very diverse. A full rose symbolizes death in the prime of life, while a morning glory symbolizes the beginning of life, and lilies represent virgins. Oaks and acorns symbolize power and victory, and ivy symbolizes friendship and immortality. A poppy symbolizes eternal sleep.

Trees, used as grave symbols are not as common as religion, plants, and mortality. They usually symbolize life. A tree trunk symbolizes a short life. Weeping Willows symbolize mourning and grief. Wheat symbolizes harvest.

There are sometimes hands in different positions or hearts on graves. Hands pointing up symbolizing a pathway to heaven, or hands praying asking God for eternal life are common symbols. Another sign is hands clasped showing farewell to loved ones. Other things that fall under this category are joined hearts symbolizing marriage.

Animals often show up on graves. Most signs are butterflies symbolizing the resurrection or Christian metamorphosis. Doves symbolize innocence or peace, lambs represent the same thing but are mostly found on children’s graves. Lions represent courage and bravery. Finally roosters show waking up in heaven.

Objects are important when it comes to symbolism. Flames and ivy are often sign of immortality. Horns and crosses symbolize resurrection. The other common sign is a wreath showing saintliness or victory in death. Angels show triumph in rebirth. An ark symbolizes the church. Armor is believed to give people protection from evil. Finally a column means sorrow.

A lot of people like to show their occupation on graves. Bibles mean they were ministers. A corn stalk or flail shows that that person was a farmer. Crossed swords show that they served in a war. Teachers usually put books on their graves. Gardeners have rakes. Anchors symbolize sailors.

Latin Phrases sometimes appear on tombstones. INRI, which is commonly found on the crucifix, means Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. Fugit Hora means time flies, or hours are fleeting. IHS means Jesus, Savior of Man. XP, or Chi and Rho, are the first two letters in the Greek word for Christ. Memento mori means remember death. Tempus erat means time has run out, or time is gone.

Citations:

Reid, Pamela. "Cemetery Symbolism." Ancestry Magazine Vol. 18 no. 59/1/2000 1. 23 Jan 2007 <http://www.ancestry.com/learn/library/article.aspx?article=2977&o_xid=0039826023&o_lid=0039826023>.

LaChiusa, Chuck. "Cemetery Symbols." Buffalo as an Architectural Museum. 2002. Chuck LaChiusa. 30 Jan 2007 <http://freenet.buffalo.edu/bah/a/forestL/symbols/index.html>

"Cemetery and Church of Catholic Missionaries in Hawaii circa 1800s." Online image. PowerMediaPlus.com. 30 January 2007. <http://www.powermediaplus.com>

CSI:Cemetery Scene Investigation


Site Menu: Home Page Schedule History of Cemeteries History of Johnson County Headstones Tombs Symbolism Epitaphs/Inscriptions Burial Customs Famous Burial Sites Cemetery Horticulture Weathering Preserving Cemeteries Our Rubbings Gravestone as Historical Document Fieldtrip Journals Day #1 Day #2 Day #3 Mac's Trip To Ft. Scott Mrs. B's Trip to Italy Johnson County Cemeteries Shawnee Indian Mission Notes--Mr. Howard Ziegenhorn Fuller Cemetery Antioch Pioneer Cemetery St. Joseph Cemetery Large Local Family Plots Shawnee Cemetery Pleasant View Cemetery Reflection Essays Scrapblogs and Slideshows Cemetery Behavior Recording Datasets Technology GPS Digital Camera Handhelds Evaluation Handouts Teacher/General Resources Credits Contact Us Our Other Sites: http://adifferentplace.org http://connections.smsd.org/el http://areallydifferentplace.org http://connections.smsd.org/veterans	Symbolism Researched by: Russell Gray and Andy Slettehaugh © 2007 The first tombstones were literally boulders that were used to keep the dead from crawling out. As time passed, people needed to know which boulders were over graves and which were just boulders. So, they started marking the graves. Usually the only things on the gravestones were skulls, skeletons, and angels of death. Making markings on gravestones soon became a trade, and gravestones were extremely popular. In the late 1800's, the trade reached its peak, and gravestones were very intricate and detailed. That period ended, and the current gravestone decoration style that is currently used begun. There are many, many symbols on tombstones. Most of these symbols fall under some basic categories. There are many different symbols for mortality. Mortality symbols contain obvious images; arrows, a figure with a dart, and coffins. Mortality symbols are placed on tombstones of those who lived a long life, and those who died young. An hourglass can symbolize that time has run out. Death can be symbolized by skull and crossbones, spade, scythe, and even the Grim Reaper. Religion is also very common theme on tombstones. Christian symbols could include Holy books and a suffering heart, angels represent spirituality. Crosses come in many different variations, and have a lot of meanings. A Celtic cross is usually used to mark the graves of monks and priests. A crucifix symbolizes Christianity. There are representations of other religions. A crescent symbolizes Islam, and a menorah and the Star of David symbolize Judaism. Plants are very common as decoration on tombstones. The symbolism is very diverse. A full rose symbolizes death in the prime of life, while a morning glory symbolizes the beginning of life, and lilies represent virgins. Oaks and acorns symbolize power and victory, and ivy symbolizes friendship and immortality. A poppy symbolizes eternal sleep. Trees, used as grave symbols are not as common as religion, plants, and mortality. They usually symbolize life. A tree trunk symbolizes a short life. Weeping Willows symbolize mourning and grief. Wheat symbolizes harvest. There are sometimes hands in different positions or hearts on graves. Hands pointing up symbolizing a pathway to heaven, or hands praying asking God for eternal life are common symbols. Another sign is hands clasped showing farewell to loved ones. Other things that fall under this category are joined hearts symbolizing marriage. Animals often show up on graves. Most signs are butterflies symbolizing the resurrection or Christian metamorphosis. Doves symbolize innocence or peace, lambs represent the same thing but are mostly found on children’s graves. Lions represent courage and bravery. Finally roosters show waking up in heaven. Objects are important when it comes to symbolism. Flames and ivy are often sign of immortality. Horns and crosses symbolize resurrection. The other common sign is a wreath showing saintliness or victory in death. Angels show triumph in rebirth. An ark symbolizes the church. Armor is believed to give people protection from evil. Finally a column means sorrow. A lot of people like to show their occupation on graves. Bibles mean they were ministers. A corn stalk or flail shows that that person was a farmer. Crossed swords show that they served in a war. Teachers usually put books on their graves. Gardeners have rakes. Anchors symbolize sailors. Latin Phrases sometimes appear on tombstones. INRI, which is commonly found on the crucifix, means Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. Fugit Hora means time flies, or hours are fleeting. IHS means Jesus, Savior of Man. XP, or Chi and Rho, are the first two letters in the Greek word for Christ. Memento mori means remember death. Tempus erat means time has run out, or time is gone. Citations: Reid, Pamela. "Cemetery Symbolism." Ancestry Magazine Vol. 18 no. 59/1/2000 1. 23 Jan 2007 <http://www.ancestry.com/learn/library/article.aspx?article=2977&o_xid=0039826023&o_lid=0039826023>. LaChiusa, Chuck. "Cemetery Symbols." Buffalo as an Architectural Museum. 2002. Chuck LaChiusa. 30 Jan 2007 <http://freenet.buffalo.edu/bah/a/forestL/symbols/index.html> "Cemetery and Church of Catholic Missionaries in Hawaii circa 1800s." Online image. PowerMediaPlus.com. 30 January 2007. <http://www.powermediaplus.com> Related Links: Symbols in the Carvings of Old Graveyards Symbols Cemetery Symbolism How to Interpret Gravestone Motifs Cemetery Symbols Victorian Cemetery Symbols Cemetery Symbolism Symbols
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