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Monument Designs and Symbolism

Acanthus - A plant, indigenous to middle Europe, the leaf of which has served in all ages as an ornament, or for ornamentation.  One of the oldest cemetery motifs, acanthus is associated with the rocky ground where most ancient Greek cemeteries were placed.  It is the most common design found on memorials. 


Acorn - As the seed of the oak, the acorn is a symbol of potential. In Norse and Celtic culture, acorns symbolized life, fertility and immortality.  Druids ate acorns, believing them to have prophetic qualities, and acorns were sacred to the god Thor whose Tree of Life was the oak. 

Anchor - Commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries to represent the deceased's seafaring profession.  Also used, often wrapped in vines, to represent firm Christian faith. 

Ankh - The original meaning of this ancient Egyptian symbol is not known.  Over time, the ankh came to symbolize life and immortality, the universe, power and life-giving air and water.  Today it usually symbolizes peace and truth. 

Bats - Commonly used in 18th century New England to represent the underworld.

Bamboo - The emblem of Buddha.  The seven-knotted bamboo denotes the seven degrees of initiation and invocation in Buddhism.  On Japanese memorials, symbolic of devotion and truthfulness. 

Beehive - Industriousness and productivity. 

Birds (other than doves) - These are symbolic of the "winged soul." The representation of the soul by a bird goes back to ancient Egypt.  Some older burial art features only wings to convey the symbol of divine mission. 

Bridge - Since antiquity, bridges have symbolized linking; between the earthly and heavenly realms, between the physical and the spiritual, or between life and death.  In modern terms, bridges symbolize the transition from one state of being to another and the opportunity for change.  The bridge's near side represents the past, its opposite side the future, and water flowing underneath, the chaos of the unconscious mind.

Bunch of Grapes - In Egyptian art it symbolizes the heart, because of the similarity of shape, color and blood-like juice of the grape.  Since the heart is vital to life, it therefore symbolizes life itself. 

Buttercup - Cheerfulness. 

Butterfly - Based on its evolution from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, it represents the soul, transformation and rebirth, the creation of life from apparent death.  To the Chinese, the butterfly symbolizes immortality.  The Japanese view it as a symbol of fickleness because of its flighty behavior.  In Christianity, the butterfly is a symbol of resurrection but is sometimes viewed also as symbolic of transience because of its short lifespan, and of vanity. 

Candle - In Christianity, candles represent the divine light of Christ and faith.  In Catholic funeral rites, candles signify the light of heaven.  When lit by worshippers and placed before shrines, candles signify the souls of the departed or a request for illumination by prayer.  Many religions and cultures use the burning candle as a symbol of light, life, spirituality, truth and eternal life. 

Celtic Cross - In pagan times, this cross, with its axis enclosed by a circle, was a symbol of fertility and life, the cross representing male potency and the circle, female power.  It is now primarily a Christian symbol signifying the unity of heaven and earth. 

Clock/Watch - Represents the transitory nature of human existence.  It also can represent new beginnings and opportunities. 

Coat of Arms - High social status and family lineage. 

Coffins - Often carved on 17th and 18th century New England tombstones to signify mortality. 

Cross - There are many different types of crosses.  The crucifix, a Christian symbol, is a Latin cross with an image of Christ nailed to it and depicts the sacrifice Jesus made for human salvation.  The shepherd's cross has a crooked apex and represents both the Christian faith and Jesus' role in guiding people through life and saving lost souls.  A cross whose vertical arm ends in a point is called a crossy fitch.  Often used in heraldry, it looks like a cross and sword combined, and signifies one's unshakeable faith in Christianity and willingness to defend it.  Cross Pictures.

Crocus - Youthful gladness.

Crown - Commonly used on 18th century New Englans headstones to represent the crown of righteousness. 

Crucifix - Salvation.  This Latin cross with the image of Christ nailed to it is a Christian symbol which shows the sacrifice Jesus made for human's salvation. 

Daffodil - Regard, death of youth, desire, art, grace. 

Daisy - Innocence of child, Jesus the Infant, youth, the Son of righteousness. 

Darts - Death, mortality. Sometimes seen on 17th and 18th century New England tombstones. 

Dog - Loyalty, Vigilance, Courage.  As a symbol of faithfulness, dogs often appear at the feet of women on medieval tomb engravings.  In Christianity, the dog guards and guides the flock, and so becomes an allegory of the priest.  The dog is also a companion of the dead on their crossing.  In Chinese tradition, the dog can signifiy both catastrophe and protection.  Among Jews and Moslems, the dog possesses negative qualities.  It is unclean and, when black, signifies the Devil. 

Door - Passage from one state to another.  In Christianity, the door signifies salvation through Christ who said "I am the door."

Dove - Holy Spirit, Soul Reaching Peace, Spirituality. To the ancient Egyptians, it signified innocence, and in Islam the dove is the protector of Mohammad.  In Christianity, the Holy Ghost of the Trinity is often portrayed as a dove.  In China it represents longevity and orderliness while in Japan the dove is associated with the war god Hachiman.  In Jewish history the dove was sometimes sacrificed for a mother's purification after childbirth.  The dove is sometimes an emblem of Isreal. 

Dove and Olive Branch - Peace.  This symbol stems from Judeo-Christian culture and the biblical story of Noah and the great flood.  When the dove returned to the ark with an olive branch from the Mount of Olives in its beak, it was a sign of God's forgiveness. 

Dragon - Dramatically different interpretation between Eastern and Western cultures.  In the Orient, the dragon protects humans from evil spirits and represents joy, health and fertility.  But in Western cultures, the dragon possesses the negative traits of the snake, destruction, danger, depravity, and loss of innocence.  In Jewish tradition, mythical beasts like the dragon are messianic creatures. 

Eagle - Height, The Spiritual, Courage, Victory, Power.  With its speedy and high flight, the eagle is an extensively used symbol throughout many time periods and cultures.  The eagle also is commonly a messenger.  In Christianity and some Native American traditions, the eagle is a messenger between god and man.  In ancient Syria, where the eagle symbolized sun worship, it assisted souls to immortality.  In Native American cultures, the eagle's feathers symbolized the sun's rays, therefore the Great Spirit.  This bird is often associated with thunder and fire. 

Eye of God - The Eye of God or the All-Seeing Eye symbolizes the all-knowing and ever-present God.  During the Renaissance period in Europe, it was common to illustrate the Eye of God surrounded by a triangle (the Holy Trinity).  The eye within the triangle, surrounded by a circle and radiating rays of light is used to symbolize the holiness of the true God.  

Fern - Sincerity. 

Fleur-de-lis - Flame, passion, ardour, mother. 

Forget-me-not - Remembrance. 

Fruit - Various fruits possess their own symbolic meaning but fruit in general signifies abundance.  Also, since it contains seeds, it represents life, potential, immortality. 

Gateway - Carries much of the same symbolism as the door but the destination is less personal.  It represents entrance to greater areas, the mystical, heaven or hell, spiritual palace.  It is a symbol of initiation, passing through the gateway into a new state of being. 

Gourds - In 17th and 18th century New England, the birth and death of earthly matters. 

Grapes and Grapevines - Grapes signify sacrifice, since they are used in the making of wine, which, in Christianity represents Christ's blood and his sacrifice. They can also connote life and immortality.  From the Old Testament, among the Jews, the grapevine signifies peace and abundance. 

Hammer - This tool, used in building and shaping, represents the power of creation. 

Hand - The raised hand symbolizes voice and song, placed on the chest it represents the wisdom of the sage, on the neck it depicts sacrifice, covering the eyes it signifies clairvoyance at the moment of death.  Two hands joined typically signify union.  A common hand placement on Jewish tombstones is the two open hands, thumbs touching, with index and middle finger spread away from the ring and pinkie fingers.  This gesture, raised above the head, is used by priests to bring God's glory through the hands' openings and to the congregation.  In Egyptian hieroglyphics, pre-Columbian America and as an amulet in Islamic cultures, the open hand represents a human task and magnetic force. The hand, with its five fingers, takes on the meaning of the number five, i.e., love, health and humanity. 

Handshakes - Carry a variety of meanings including, greeting, goodbye, friendship, solidarity, unity and agreement, and the doubling of power achieved through partnership.  The right hand is the lifeforce or hand of power.  An eye associated with a hand symbolizes clairvoyant action. 

Hand With Finger Pointing - Gone Home, Look to God, Direction.  The pointing finger represents direction, whether physical, spiritual or psychological. 

Harp - Harmony with the universe and ascent to higher things, a bridge between heaven and earth.  In Judaism, the harp is a symbol of David, conqueror of Goliath and king of Israel. 

Holly - Foresight. 

Honeysuckle - Bonds of love, generosity and devoted affection. 

Hooped Snake - In 18th and 19th century New England, this symbol meant eternity. 

Hourglass - Mortality.  The swiftness of time.  Because it must be turned upside down for the sand to run out, it also represents the cycle of life and death, and heaven and earth.  In Christianity, it personifies temperance. 

Iris/Lilly - Light and Hope.  With its pointed leaves, it's often called the sword lilly and is associated with the sorrow of the Virgin Mary.  To the Chinese, this flower represents affection, grace and beauty. 

Ivy - Immortality, Friendship, Faithfulness.  Because it is an evergreen that clings while climbing, it signifies the need for protection.  Since it grows quickly, it also symbolizes regeneration, sensuality and revelry. 

Ivy - Immortality, Friendship, Faithfulness.  Because it is an evergreen that clings while climbing, it signifies the need for protection.  Since it grows quickly, it also symbolizes regeneration, sensuality and revelry.

Key - Mystery, Opening and Closing, Solution to a Problem.  Its dual symbolism can mean liberation and the ability to unlock secrets, or incarceration.  It can represent the threshold of the unconscious or a task to be performed and the means of carrying it out.  In Catholicism, the key is a papal emblem, the key to the gates of heaven. 

Labarum - This symbol is also known as the Monogram of Christ, Constantine's Cross, the Chrismon, the Christogram and the Chi-Rho. Since the Roman emperor Constantine I used this symbol on his shield, overcame his enemy in battle, and consequently converted to Christianity, the labarum has been a symbol of Christianity.  In pre-Christian Greece it signified a good omen.  It also represented the Chaldean sky god. 

Lamb - Purity, Innocence, Gentleness, Sacrifice.  In Christianity it represents the sacrificial crucifixion of Christ for the sins of the world.

Laurel Leaves/Wreath - Victory.  The laurel wreath was first worn by the ancient Romans in parades after triumph in battle where it was viewed as a prize and a sign of divine blessing.  The laurel wreath is often still used as a mark of distinction for those who have excelled in their pursuits. 

Lily - Light, Purity, Perfection, Mercy and Majesty.  Primarily the lily has Christian associations, usually attached to the Virgin Mary where it signifies chastity.  When Christ is shown as the judge of the world with a lily in his mouth, the flower represents mercy.  a lily and a sword signify guilt and innocence. 

Lily of the Valley - Return of happiness, purity, humility. 

Lion - Valor, Strength, Courage, Pride, Wisdom, Protection, Majesty, an ancient symbol of the sun. 

Lotus - Purity, Resurrection, Evolution, Potential. Depending on the number of petals, the lotus' symbolism changes, shaped by the symbolism of the number.  With eight petals, it represents cosmic harmony, with 1,000 petals it means spiritual revelation.  The lotus is the emblem of India and Egypt. 

Masonic Compass and Set-square - Freemasons combine religious and construction and architectural forms in their symbols.  Viewing God as the architect and builder of the universe, Freemasonry intends to build the temple of humanity through self-improvement with stone-masonry work.  The compass, used in geometric calculations, symbolizes creation and the spirit.  The set-square draws perfect right angles, so represents uprightness and lawfulness.  The compass and the square measure things, so they symbolize judgement.  They also represent geometry, and the union of the sky and the earth.  The letter "G" in this symbol represents God, geometry and geomancy. 

Menorah - Jewish symbol of divine wisdom.  The seven branches of the candle represent the seven days of creation; the sun, moon and planets; the seven heavens; and the seven stars of Ursa Major. 

Morning Glory - Resurrection, mourning, youth, farewell. 

Open hand with heart - Charity, one of the greatest virtues of masons, along with faith and hope. Commonly used by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Palm Tree - The palm has a variety of sacred and secular associations.  In the Kabbalah, it symbolizes the righteous man and was an emblem of Judea after the Exodus.  One of the four plants paraded on the Sukkot to celebrate God's bounty, it represents the Jew who studies the Torah but does not obey the commandments. The palm has also signified fame and peace.  In contemporary, secular culture it represents tropical delights

Passion flower - The elements of the passion of Christ, the lacy crown - the crown of thorns; the five stamens - the five wounds; the 10 petals - the 10 faithful Apostles.

Picks and Shovels - Mortality.  They were commonly used in 17th and 18th century New England.

Pine - Fertility, regeneration, fidelity.

Pine Cone - Immortality and Fertility.  In Christianity, the pine cone forms the crown of the Tree of Life.  Because of its swirling form, it is associated with dynamic generative and cosmic power.

Poppy - Peace, rest.

Pyramid - Symbol of ancient and modern Egypt, it represents the power of the kings and creation.  Among the ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, Mayans and Mesopotamians, pyramids represented the cosmic mountain.  In esoteric thought, it represents the world axis and enlightenment.  The pyramid is a synthesis of different forms: the base is a square representing earth, the apex is the beginning and finishing point of all things, and the sloping, triangle sides that link the apex to its base represent fire, divine revelation and the threefold principle of creation, thereby symbolizing all of creation. 

Rising Sun - Resurrection, Immortality. 

Rope - Eternity, Binding and Connection.  In Egyptian hieroglyphics, a knotted cord signifies a man's name, a symbol of an individual's existence.

Rose - Love, Beauty, Completion, Achievement, Perfection.  Meanings vary depending on the color, shape and number of petals.  For example, the blue rose symbolizes the impossible, the golden rose the pinnacle of achievement, an eight petal rose regeneration. 

Rosebuds Joining - Strong bond between two people (e.g., mother and child who died at the same time). 

Rosette - The Lord, messianic hope, promise, love. 

Sawed-off Tree Stump - Often with an axe and the motto "Dum Tacet Clamet" (Though silent, he speaks).  This is the Woodsmen of the World emblem.  It should be noted that not all tree stump monuments are on the graves of Woodsmen of the World members. 

Scales - Justice, Balance.  Originating in Chaldea as the mystic symbol of justice, it represents the equivalence of guilt and punishment. 

Scarab - An ancient Egyptian emblem symbolizing the renewal of life.  When shown with falcon's wings it represents transcendence and protection. 

Shamrock - Ireland as country of origin. 

Shattered Urn - Someone Old. 

Sheaf of Wheat - Someone Old.  The divine harvest. 

Shell - The Human Journey Through Life, Birth, Life, Resurrection, Love, Good Luck.  The shell's hard casing protects life, the pearl inside, and its aquatic nature associates it with the feminine, lunar, and virginity.  The conch also is a sign of victory over samsara, or suffering existence, in Buddhism.  In Chinese Buddhism, the conch shell can signify a prosperous journey, and in Islam it represents the hearing of the divine word. 

Skeleton - The personification of death.

Skull - Mortality.  Because it is what survives of the living once the body is destroyed, it is also used to represent life and thought, especially in alchemy, where it is the receptacle used in transmutation processes.  In Christianity, a skull wearing a crown of thorns means eternal damnation. 

Stag - Life, Wisdom, Regeneration and Growth, Virility.  Because its antlers resemble branches, the stag has been associated with the Tree of Life and because of the way it renews its antlers, it's been used as a symbol of regeneration.  The Celts believed the stag led souls through the darkness.  The stag also was associated with warriors and hunting in Celtic culture and in Greco-Roman mythology where it was an animal sacred to Artemis.  In Buddhism, the golden stag represents knowledge.  The Chinese regard it as a symbol of virility and happiness. 

Star - The Spirit, Divine Presence, Enlightenment, Wisdom, Human Aspiration.  Represents light struggling against darkness. 

Star of David - Symbol of Judaism and the State of Israel. 

Steps - A common symbol used around the world, steps generally mean Ascension, Stages or Levels.  The number of steps brings the meaning of numbers into the interpretation as does the symbolism of any objects that surround or are a part of the steps.  In Romanesque art, steps represent the relationship between worlds.  In many religions steps, or a ladder, are seen as the path to god.

Swallow - Hope, Fertility, Renewal of Life, Resurrection Like most birds, it also represents light.  These birds are often symbols of illumination and good luck. 

Thistles - Earthly sorrow, Christ's crown of thorns. Traditional Scottish symbol connoting remembrance. 

Three-linked Chain - The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.). The three links represent the three degrees of friendship, love and truth. 

Torch - Turned upside down, it represents death.  Right side up, it symbolizes life and the regenerative power of fire.  The torch is also seen as an emblem of places of learning and signifies truth and intelligence. 

Triangle - In the Christian tradition, the triangle represents Faith, Hope and Charity, and the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  The symbolism of this shape is always associated with its three sides, signifying a variety of triads such as birth, life and death; heaven, earth and human; mind, body and soul; body, soul and spirit; and father, mother and child.  The pyramid can also represent aspiration, the struggle to climb to the top and achieve one's earthly ambition or heavenly ascent. 

Wheat - Resurrection, bread and wine (Christian), fertility. 

Willows - Presented in a variety of styles, this symbol is of German origin and usually represents sorrow and mourning. 

Winged Effigies - Commonly used in 18th century New England to signify the soul in flight. 

Winged Death Head - Mortality, Transformation

Winged Sun Disk - This is an ancient Egyptian symbol which represents the journey of the sun.  Ra was the creator of the world, ancestor of the pharoahs and god of the sun and skies. The winged sundisk symbolizes the life-giving power of the sun and the spiritual attributes of the heavens. 

Wreaths - Victory in Death. 

Yew Leaves - Eternal Life

Yin-Yang Circle - The symbol comes from Taoism and Confucianism and represents harmony and balance. Yin represents the soul, wetness, cold, darkness, the moon, the Earth and sustenance.  Yang represents the spirit, light, heat, dryness, day, the sun, heaven, creation and dominance.  The yin before the yang signifies primeval darkness before creation.  The small circle of the opposite color contained within both the yin and the yang represents the seed of the other and therefore their interdependence.  The sigmoid line dividing the yin and yang means dynamism and the two are contained within a circle of revolution and unity.



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