Memorial markers and headstones commemorate the lives of those laid to rest there. As these people lived unique lives, their headstones, as such, are equally distinctive and personalized. But these monuments often also contain symbols that have been used in cemeteries for generations. If you’re unsure what a symbol means, this handy guide may be able to help. Keep in mind that these definitions are the most common, but they might take on a unique meaning depending on the family’s use.
Common Headstone Symbols and What They Mean
- Anchor: hope or that the person was a member of the Navy or worked at sea
- Angel: protection and guidance, particularly guidance to Heaven
- Arch: passage from this world to the next
- Beehive: an abundance of faith
- Bell: religious faith
- Bird: eternal life or peace
- Book: the Bible or the lifetime accomplishments of the one laid to rest
- Broken column: life cut short
- Butterfly: resurrection
- Candlestick: Christ, as the light of the world, or devotion
- Circle: life never ends
- Clasped hands: farewell and the hope of meeting again
- Clouds: Heaven
- Cross: religious faith
- Crossed swords: deceased passed while in battle
- Crown: glory of life after death
- Complete column: life fulfilled and complete
- Dove: Holy Spirit or love and purity
- Finger pointing down: God claiming a soul for Heaven
- Finger pointing up: Passage to Heaven
- Fish: Christianity and spiritual nourishment
- Flame: immortality of the spirit
- Flower: immortality
- Footprints: journey of life
- Garland: victory over death
- Grim Reaper: inevitability of death
- Harp: hope, worship, and the music of God
- Heart: love and devotion
- Hourglass: passage of time
- Lamb: purity and innocence, usually used on children’s graves
- Lily: purity and innocence or resurrection
- Obelisk: connection between Heaven and Earth
- Oil lamp: word of God, divine inspiration, and enlightenment
- Olive branch: forgiveness or humanity
- Open gates: departure from this world and entrance into Heaven
- Praying hands: prayer and obedience to God
- Pyramid: eternal life or spiritual attainment
- Rope circle: Victory or purity
- Rose: Love, beauty, virtue, or motherhood
- Sleeping cherub: innocence, usually used on children’s graves
- Swallow: motherhood or the spirit of children
- Tree: human frailty, growth, or family
- Tree stump: life cut short
- Trumpet: announcing the soul’s arrival to Heaven
- Urn: death of the flesh, immortality, or penitence
- Wheel: circle of life
You may also see some frequently used abbreviations, such as:
- BPOE: Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks
- FOE: Fraternal Order of Eagles
- IHC: Christian
- HIS: Christian
- K of C: Knights of Columbus
- USA: United States Army
- USAF: United States Air Force
- USMC: United States Marine Corps
- USN: United States Navy