INTRODUCTION
Cemeteries are beautiful and entrancing locations, often awash with an air of mystery. Cemeteries are more than just the final resting place for loved ones, they are repositories of history and culture. Iconography, or images and symbols, on headstones, are one lens through which we may look at the past. As these images are literally cemented in time, they allow for a visual of trends over time. These trends may reflect spiritual or political beliefs, or what was currently trending. Adoption of these changing beliefs can also be seen through the diffusion of these images, originating in one location and spreading outward. As Dethlefsen and Deetz (1966) pointed out, “Imperfect reproduction of certain designs gives rise to distinctive local styles.” So although many American cemeteries may share similar symbols, the style of those symbols will be distinct to their locale.
When looking at symbols and icons in cemeteries and on headstones, one must also take into consideration that the dead do not bury themselves. In other words, the symbols displayed on headstones are often chosen by the family of the deceased rather than the deceased themselves, unless, of course, prior arrangements were made. When we take this into consideration, it is possible that these symbols don’t represent the deceased, but their loved ones’ perception of them.
This post will discuss some of the more popular headstone images and symbols in the United States, but it is not all-encompassing. It should also be noted that the symbols predominately found in American cemeteries may not pertain to all populations. Historically marginalized populations, such as African Americans and Native Americans, generally were not represented in historical American cemeteries. Nor are all religions represented. The symbols here are predominately American, European, Christian, and Jewish.
ALPHA & OMEGA
(Leo, Reynolds https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/262082706)
Individually, Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last. These symbols date to before Christianity and come together to represent eternity. When adopted by Christianity, these symbols retained their meaning, particularly thanks to Revelation 22:13 of the King Jame’s Bible, which states, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
ANCHOR
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The Anchor is another symbol which was adopted by Christianity. In ancient times, the anchor symbolized safety. Or, more likely, it was used to mark the grave of a sailor or someone who had died at sea. After its adoption by Christianity, it became a symbol of hope and steadfastness, or it may have been used as a tribute to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seamen. An anchor with a broken chain symbolized a life cut short.
ANGEL
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Angels are a common image in graveyards and cemeteries and have several meanings. They act as guardians of the tomb and messengers between God and Man. They may appear in different poses, each with its own meaning. An angel with open wings represents the angel escorting the human soul to heaven. A weeping angel symbolizes grief over the dead. An angel blowing a trumpet is a depiction of the Christian Judgment Day. There are two angels who can be singled out, the Archangel Michael carries a sword, while the Archangel Gabriel carries a horn.
ARCH
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The arch represents the entry into heaven or the victory over death.
BEEHIVE
(Gravely Speaking, https://gravelyspeaking.com/2014/03/08/the-beehive/)
In Christianity, the beehive represents abundance in heaven. It may also represent Piety, domestic virtue, or faith, and has ties to the Daughters of Rebecca.
BIRD
Birds may represent eternal life, spirituality, or peace. Both Christianity and Judaism incorporate birds as headstone symbols, and different birds may have more specific meanings.
(Catholic Monument Design, https://catholicmonumentdesigncenter.org/headstones-monuments-markers/symbols/)
The dove can be found in both Christian and Jewish cemeteries. In Christianity, the dove is a symbol of peace, going back to the dove carrying an olive branch that guided Noah, in addition to being associated with the Holy Spirit. As with many other cemetery symbols, the position of the dove also carries meaning. A dove that is ascending represents the transportation of a soul to heaven, while a soul that is descending represents a descent from heaven. A dove may also appear dead, symbolizing a life cut short. In addition, a dove may represent resurrection, peace, and innocence.
(Mount Pleasant Memorials, https://www.martusstone.com/mount-pleasant)
The Eagle is a prominent symbol in America and can therefore be found within many cemeteries. Like the dove, the eagle also has ties to Christianity, representing resurrection. The two-headed eagle is one of the oldest emblems, originally used by the Hittites and adopted by Middle Age Europeans during the Crusades. The double-headed, or twin-headed, eagle represents power and respect.
The swallow is a symbol of motherhood.
BOOK
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
A book may represent the lifetime accomplishments of the deceased, or symbolize the bible.
If there are five books, this may be a reference to the five books of Moses in the Torah, indicating that that individual is of the Jewish faith.
BROKEN COLUMN
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
A broken column represents a life cut short, symbolizing that someone has died young or suddenly. This symbol is found both in Christianity and Judaism.
CALLA LILY
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The use of the calla lily on headstones originates from the Victorian era. This flower has several meanings, including majestic beauty, marriage, or resurrection.
CELTIC OR IRISH CROSS
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The Celtic (Irish) cross symbolizes eternity and faith. Beyond its symbolic meaning, it also may indicate ancestry.
CHARITY BOX
In Judaism, charitable living is a tenet of the faith. The charity boz being present on the headstone may symboliza the individua’ls charitable/philanthropist nature.
CHERUB
(Trinity-of-one, Getty Images)
Cherubs were a popular symbol during colonial America, originating in urban Cambridge, Massachusetts then diffusing outward. During this time, only the head was used. However, during the Victorian era, the image changed to include the full body. The Cherub is often found on the graves of children and was one of the symbols (along with Willow trees and Urns) which replaced the image of the Death’s Head.
CHI-RHO
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Appearing as (XP), these are the first letters in the Greek Khristos, the word for Christ. This symbol was originally used as the symbol of Constantine, who had a vision to inscribe a ‘heavenly divine’ symbol onto his soldiers’ shields. On a headstone, Chi-Rho symbolizes resurrection.
CIRCLE
The circle represents eternity or never-ending. It may appear in different forms, such as a simple circle, a wheel, or the ouroboros, each having its own specific meaning.
A circle formed from rope symbolizes love, victory, triumph, and purity.
The wheel represents the circle of life, enlightenment, and divine power. The eight-spoked wheel can be found in multiple religions, such as the eight-spoked wheel of righteousness in Buddhism, the wheel of the Church of World Messianity, and the pagan wheel of the year.
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
CROSS
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The cross is an obvious representation of one’s Christian faith, while also representing resurrection. This symbol was highly popular during the Second World War and can be seen on the headstones of many fallen US military service members.
CROWN
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The crown, which is often found along with a cross, symbolizes the sovereignty of God and the glory of life after death. The crown was also a popular symbol for the Knights Templar.
DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH
(Grove, Oklahoma)
The Daughters of Rebekah is a female Christian fraternity and a sect of the Odd Fellows. The Daughters of Rebekah believe in the feminine virtues of industriousness at home, order and the laws of nature, gentleness, and purity. There are several symbols associated with the Daughters of Rebekah. An intertwined D and R symbolizes the fraternity itself. A beehive represents cooperative industry. A crescent moon with seven stars represents the order of the universe and God. A dove represents peace, love, charity, tolerance, and forbearance. And the lily represents the purity of character, thought, word, and action.
DEATH’S HEAD
(Ceoil (talk) 21:36, 21 February 2020 (UTC) – Self-photographed, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87333968)
When we think of headstone iconography, the death’s head tends to be what pops into mind. This symbol dates to Medieval Europe and symbolizes memento mori, a concept with its origins in Ancient Rome. The death’s head comes in many forms but is predominately a skull with wings or an hourglass. The skull and the hourglass both represent the passage of time, while the symbolize the soul’d flight to heaven. An alternative to the skull may be the deceased’s face surrounded by wings, called a soul effigy.
The death’s head is another pre-Christian symbol which was adopted by the faith. In Colonial America, the death’s head became associated with the Puritans. However, it did retain the symbolization of memento mori, or the understanding that we too will die. By the late 1700s to early 1800s, the death’s head was gradually replaced by cherubs, willow trees, or urns as the perception surrounding death and dying changed around this time and the death’s head was believed to be too morbid.
(Dethlefsen, E., & Deetz, J. (1966). Death’s heads, cherubs, and willow trees: Experimental archaeology in colonial cemeteries. American Antiquity, 31(4), 502–510. https://doi.org/10.2307/2694382)
This image is from a study done by Dethlefsen and Deetz (1996) which looked at the chronological changes in iconography in a cemetery in Stoneham, Massachusetts. If you’re interested in reading the full study, it can be found here.
DEER
In Judaism, the image of a deer may be found on a headstone belonging to someone who bears the name Tzvi or Hersh/Hirsch. This is due to the association of the word ‘deer’ with the name Tzvi in the Bible, and Hersh/Hirsch being Yiddish for deer.
FLYING HOURGLASS
(Baxter, Walter (2008). Channelkirk Churchyard Gravestone_detail_at_Channelkirk_Churchyard_-_geograph.org.uk_-_894733.jpg)
The flying hourglass is in the same realm of the death’s head, and is the personification of the swift passage of time.
FLOWERS
Flowers are a common sight amongst cemeteries, both left on graves and etched on headstones. Just as with birds and other symbols, each flower has its own specific meaning.
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The use of calla lilies on headstones has its origins in the Victorian Era. This flower represents majestic beauty, marriage, and resurrection. It may also represent purity and chastity, especially when associated with the grave of a female.
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Roses symbolize heavenly joy and bliss.
GRIM REAPER
(Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky)
The Grim Reaper is another of those symbols which we clearly associate with cemeteries. The Grim Reaper symbolizes death, with its origins in the Greek myth of Charon who ferries the dead across the River Styx. The image of the Grim Reaper appears on early gravestones and falls in line with memento mori, representing the inevitability of death.
HANDS
Hands represent the deceased’s relationship with other human beings or their relationship with God. Hands on headstones tend to be doing one of four things: blessing, clasping, pointing, or praying.
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Clasping hands symbolize the final farewell or marriage.
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Hands that are shown pointing, each having its own representation. A finger pointing up may represent the pathway to heaven, the soul’s journey to heaven, or that the deceased had found a heavenly reward. If two fingers are shown pointing up, then the deceased may have been a member of the clergy. A finger pointing down also referred to as ‘The Hand of God’, symbolizes calling earth to witness or God reaching down for the soul. Three fingers pointing down represent the Holy Trinity.
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Hands in what is known as the Kohanim gesture represent priestly blessings. This symbol may be found on the headstones of the descendants of the high priests of the Temple of Jerusalem.
HARP
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The harp is a Christian symbol of hope.
HEART
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The heart represents love, devotion, joy, and/or mortality.
HOLY COMMUNION
Also known as the Eucharist, is represented by a chalice and possibly a circle or wafer. This represents the Holy Communion or Last Supper, the taking in of the blood and flesh of Jesus.
IHS
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
IHS, or Iesus Hominum Salvator, is Latin for ‘Jesus Savior of Mankind’. Etched on a headstone, this represents resurrection and the afterlife.
IVY AND VINES
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Ivy and vines are another common image on gravestones. They have several meanings, including friendship, fidelity, immortality, regeneration, and endless life.
LAMB
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The image of the lamb is most often seen on the graves of infants and children as it represents innocence, both in Christianity and Judaism. In addition to innocence, the lamb also represents sacrifice and the purity of Jesus.
LAUREL WREATH
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The laurel wreath symbolizes victory, distinction, eternity, and immortality.
LION
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Lions act as the guardians of the cemetery. When found on top of vaults and tombs, they are protecting the tomb from unwanted visitors and/or evil spirits. In addition to symbolizing protection, the lion symbolizes the courage, power, strength, and bravery of the deceased
In Judaism, the lion represents the descendants of Judah. This symbol may appear on someone’s headstone who bears the name Judah, liev, Levi, Aryeh, Loew, or Loeb.
MENORAH
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Along with the Star of Davide, the menorah is one of the most recognized symbols in Judaism and represents the candelabra that was housed in the Temple in Jerusalem. One a headstone, this may symbol that the deceased was a religious or pious woman.
OAK LEAVES AND ACORNS
Plants are a common motif on gravestones. Oak leaves, which may or may not be accompanied by acorns, represent strength, honor, longevity and steadfastness. In addition to faith, virtue, and endurance.
OBELISK
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Although not found on headstones, headstones may be constructed in the shape of an obelisk. Obelisks became a common headstone style beginning in the 1800s, primarily after the discovery of the Rosetta stone in 1801. The West’s fascination with Egypt began around this time. In ancient Egypt, obelisks were believed to be petrified rats of sunlight were the sun God Ra. Just as with many other symbols, the obelisk too was adopted by Christianity, coming to represent God’s godliness and greatness, and the connection between earth and heaven. Obelisks may also represent rebirth.
OPEN GATES
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Open gates in a cemetery, such as on a mausoleum, symbolize the afterlife adn the soul entering heaven.
PYRAMID
(Grove Oklahoma, https://www.cityofgroveok.gov/building/page/triangle-or-pyramid)
The pyramid is another symbol that was adopted during the West’s Egyptmania. Although not often seen on headstones, mausoleums could be constructed in a pyramidal shape. In American cemeteries, Pyramids represent resurrection, eternal life, enlightenment, and spiritual attainment.
SCROLL
(Lifey Memorials)
The scroll is another symbol which originates from the Egyptian revival trends od the 18th and 19th centuries. It represents the lifespan of the individual, where their past is rolled up, the present moment of death open and on display, and the future or their aflife is yet to be revealed. The scroll also symbolizes honor and memorial. In a Christain context, the scroll symbolizes the Bible and/or other sacred texts.
SCYTHE
(Groves Oklahoma)
The scythe is another symbol for death itself. It also symbolizes a life cut short or ‘the final harvest’, and is often accompanied by the grim reaper.
SHEAF OF WHEAT
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Although there are many symbols which represent a life cut short, the sheaf of wheat represents a fruitful life, one lived to an old age.
SLEEPING CHILD
(Bretch, https://www.flickr.com/photos/93779577@N00/3827909120)
The visage of a sleeping child dates to the Victorian era and represents the grace of a baby or young child. They are often depicted without or with little clothing, as this symbolizes the innocence of children.
STAR/SHIELD OF DAVID
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The Star of David is one of the most recognizable symbols in the Jewish faith. It has become a modern custom
SUNBURSTS
Sunbursts are an ancient symbol which represent both death, through the sunset, and resurrection, through the sunrise. Just as the sun passes through the sky, humans pass from this life to the next.
SWORD
The sword is often a military symbol, with two crossed swords signifying that that individual died in battle.
TORCH
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The torch is a representation of life. If the torch is in an upright position, it symbolizes immortality and everlasting life. However, if the torch is inverted, it represents a life extinguished, or the passage of the soul into the next realm.
TREE
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The tree represents life and knowledge, and is often referred to as the ‘tree of life’. The tree also represents the fall of man through sin and human frailty. The use of the tree as a gravestone symbol dates from the 1880s to 1900s in Victorian England. If a tree is depicted with broken branches, it may symbolize fallen members of the same family.
A tree may be depicted as a trunk, and just as the broken column, represents a life cut short.
TRUMPET
The trumpet is an announcement of the deceased’s sould entering heaven.
URN
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The urn was used by the Ancient Greeks as a symbol of mourning. The urn symbolizes death, the soul, immortality, and pentinence. In the 1700s to 1820s, urn with willos were a popular symbol in New England. The urn was a replacement for momento mori iconography and was high popular during the 19th century. During this time, urns were purely decorative and did not contain cremains.
WATER PITCHER
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
The pouring water pitcher is a Jewish symbol of the Levi’im or Levites.
WEEPING WILLOW
The weeping willow represents mourning, the drooping branches symbolizes the drooping spirits and hearts of family members who have lost their loved ones. The weeping willow was a popular symbol in the 1700s and 1800s amongst early settler in Massachusetts. There are also ties between the weeping willow and pre-christian goddesses, representing immortality and rebirth. Just as with the cherub and urn, the weeping willow came to replace memento mori.
VEILS AND DRAPERY
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)
Veils and drapery on tombs or headstones repersent the separation of the land of the living from the land of the dead. Shrouds have been used in funerary practices since prehistoric times, used to clothe and protect the deceased in burial and in their journey through the afterlife.
Conclusion
Although many of the symbols and images described here were used for older cemeteries and headstones, they are still often used today. As stone-cutting technology has improved, families can have all sorts of imagery put onto their loved one’s headstones, including but not limited to their favorite sports team, a beloved family pet, or a picture of themselves and their children. Some gravestones even include a QR code that takes the visitor to a web page created by the families that talks about the descendant’s life.
References
Dethlefsen, E., & Deetz, J. (1966). Death’s heads, cherubs, and willow trees: Experimental archaeology in colonial cemeteries. American Antiquity, 31(4), 502–510. https://doi.org/10.2307/2694382
Cousinist (n.d). The Complete Visual Guide to Jewish Headstones. Cousinist: Family Tree and Genealogy. https://cousinist.com/complete-visual-guide-jewish-headstones/
Huang, Eric (n.d.). Graveyard symbols: Architectural markers of life and death. Europeana. https://www.europeana.eu/en/blog/graveyard-symbols-architectural-markers-of-life-and-death
Friend, C., & Lepinskie, B. (2021, December 29). A brief history of grave symbols in North America. TalkDeath. https://www.talkdeath.com/a-brief-history-of-grave-symbols-in-north-america/
Keister, D. (2004). Stories in Stone: A field guide to cemetery symbolism and Iconography. Gibbs Smith, Publisher.
Lubbert, J. (2023, March 10). Guide to common headstone symbols. Merkle Monuments. https://www.merklemonuments.com/guide-to-common-headstone-symbols/
Nadler, A. (2022, June 27). Mastering cemetery iconography. The Academy at Penguin Hall. https://penguinhall.org/mastering-cemetery-iconography/ Rebekahs. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. (2022, January 11). https://odd-fellows.org/about/rebekah(Kyla Hammond, 2024. Evergreen Cemetery)s/
