"Ah, are you digging on my grave,
My loved one? -- planting rue?"
-- "No: yesterday he went to wed
One of the brightest wealth has bred.
'It cannot hurt her now,' he said,
'That I should not be true.'"

"Then who is digging on my grave,
My nearest dearest kin?"
-- "Ah, no: they sit and think, 'What use!
What good will planting flowers produce?
No tendance of her mound can loose
Her spirit from Death's gin.'"

"But someone digs upon my grave?
My enemy? -- prodding sly?"
-- "Nay: when she heard you had passed the Gate
That shuts on all flesh soon or late,
She thought you no more worth her hate,
And cares not where you lie.

"Then, who is digging on my grave?
Say -- since I have not guessed!"
-- "O it is I, my mistress dear,
Your little dog, who still lives near,
And much I hope my movements here
Have not disturbed your rest?"

"Ah yes! You dig upon my grave...
Why flashed it not to me
That one true heart was left behind!
What feeling do we ever find
To equal among human kind
A dog's fidelity!"

"Mistress, I dug upon your grave
To bury a bone, in case
I should be hungry near this spot
When passing on my daily trot.
I am sorry, but I quite forgot
It was your resting place." 

~~ Thomas Hardy, 1840-1928















Gravestone Symbolism



This excellent piece on gravestone symbolism was created by Beth Santore of the paranormal group Grave Addiction, based in Ohio.
 


 
SYMBOLMEANING
Agnus DeiAgnus DeiRepresents the Lamb of God.
Alpha and 
OmegaAlpha and OmegaFirst and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Symbolizes the beginning and the end.
American 
legionAmerican LegionFound on graves of people who were American Legion members, an organization for veterans.
anchorAnchorHope or eternal life. Often on sailors' graves. Anchors are also a Masonic symbol for well-grounded hope, therefore they are often found on Masons' graves.
AngelAngelA guide to heaven.

Saint Matthew, one of the four evangelists, was often represented as a winged man.
AnkhAnkhAn Egyptian symbol of eternal life.
AnvilAnvilSymbolizes the creation or forging of the universe. Also found on blacksmiths' graves.
AOUWA.O.U.W.Ancient Order of United Workmen, a fraternal benefit society. Click here for more information (offsite link).
applesAppleApples represent salvation, sometimes sin.
ArchArchThe passage to heaven.
arrowArrowArrows symbolize mortality and martyrdom.
artilleryArtilleryArtillery, such as cannons, on a gravestone usually represents military service.
BahaiBaha'iSymbol of the Baha'i Faith, a monotheistic religion. For more information, please visit their official website.
beehiveBeehiveOften used by the Freemasons. It symbolizes faith, education, and domestic virtues.
bellBellOften symbolizes a church bell, and therefore religion.
BibleBible or BookOften used on the gravestones of ministers or clergymen. However, it is sometimes found on gravestones of very devoted religious people also. Books may also represent a person's good deeds and accomplishments being recorded in the book of life.
birdBirdPeace, messenger of God. The most common birds found on gravestones are doves.
bonesBonesDeath, decay.
boatBoatA voyage; crossing over to the other side.
ElksB.P.O.E. with ElkB.P.O.E. stands for Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, a fraternal organization.
broken budBroken Bud or BranchSomeone who died an untimely or premature death. Usually seen on a younger person's gravestone.
broken chain 
linkBroken Chain LinkSymbolizes a loss in the family.
broken 
wheelBroken WheelSymbolizes the end of life; a break in the circle or wheel of life.
BRTBRT with a TrainBrotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. A fraternal organization for men who worked as trainmen.
ButterflyButterflySymbolizes resurrection, and also the soul leaving the body/flesh.
calla lilyCalla LilyFlower that represents beauty.
Canadian 
LegionThe Canadian Legion of British Empire Service LeagueA Canadian organization formed in the 1920's for war veterans and their dependants. Usually seen with a maple leaf.
century 
plantCentury PlantRepresents immortality; everlasting life.
circleCircleEternal life - no beginning, no end.
clasped 
handsClasped HandsFarewell to earthly existence. Also unity. Deborah, a website visitor, told me that in the Native American culture clasped hands represent a Delaware grave.
clockClockMortality, death; the passage of time.
coffinCoffinSymbolizes mortality and death.
Cohanim 
HandsCohanim HandsHands with thumbs (and sometimes forefingers) joined. This is a Jewish symbol that represents members of the priestly tribe of Aaron.
columnColonial Daughters of the 17th CenturyAn organization for women who descended from an ancestor who rendered service in the Colonial wars from 1607 to 1699.
columnColumnMortality. A draped or broken column represents the break in earthly to heavenly life. The draped arch also symbolizes mourning.
cornCornRebirth, fertility.
cornucopiaCornucopiaAlso known as the "Horn of Plenty." Symbolizes an abundant, fruitful life. Also a symbol of the harvest, which in turn symbolizes the end of life.
crooksCrooksShepherds crooks, usually found on graves of Independent Order of Odd Fellows members (a fraternal organization). Symbolizes the opening of earth to the heavens.
crossCrossA cross represents Christianity.
crownCrownVictory or triumph over death.
crownCrown and CrossSymbolizes both victory and Christianity. Also, this symbol sometimes denotes a member of the York Rite Masons.
daisyDaisySymbolizes innocence; usually found on graves of young children.
D.A.R.D.A.R.Daughters of the American Revolution, a non-profit women's organization for the descendants of American Revolutionary War veterans.
dogDogLoyalty, fidelity, watchfulness, and vigilance.
draperyDraperyMourning.
eagleEagleEagles are often seen on gravestones of Civil War veterans.

Saint John, one of the four evangelists, was often represented as an eagle.
eagleEagle, Double-headedA Masonic symbol, part of the Scottish Rite. It symbolizes the 32nd degree in this Rite.
Improved 
Order of Red MenEagle with FFCSymbol of the Improved Order of Red Men, a patriotic society. Their motto is Freedom, Friendship, and Charity.
Fraternal Order
 of EaglesEagle with FOESymbol of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a fraternal organization.
Improved Order
 of Red MenEagle with TOTESymbol of the Improved Order of Red Men, a patriotic society. TOTE = Totem of the Eagle.
lilyEaster LilyPurity, Chastity.
eucharistEucharistThe body and blood of Christ. Usually found on graves of priests and nuns.
eyeEyeUsually found in a triangle or within a sunburst. This is a masonic symbol.
Foresters of 
AmericaF of AForesters of America, a fraternal society founded in 1895 that provided life and disability insurance to its members. Usually contains an eagle, crossed flags, and a deer. Their motto was Liberty, Unity, Benevolence, and Concord.
fallen treeFallen TreeMortality, Death.
FATALF.A.T.A.L. (with five-pointed star)Motto of the Order of the Eastern Star; stands for "Fairest Among Thousands, Altogether Lovely."
Virgin 
statueFather Time and the Weeping VirginMasonic carving. The carving consists of a weeping virgin holding a sprig of acacia in one hand, and an urn in the other hand. A broken column is in front of her. Father Time is behind her, attempting to untangle the ringlets of her hair. It symbolizes that time, patience, and perseverance will accomplish all things.
Knights of
 PythiasFCB with Shield and Suit of ArmorSymbol of the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization. FCB stands for Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence.
F.C.L.F.C.L.Motto of the Women's Relief Corp. Stands for "Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty."
fernFernHumility and sincerity.
fishFishSymbolizes Christianity.
flagFlagUsually found on veterans' graves.
flameFlame or TorchEternity. An upside down torch represents the end of life.
FLTFLT in Chain LinksA symbol of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization. Stands for Friendship, Love, and Truth.
GARGARGrand Army of the Republic. A fraternal organization for men who fought and were honorably discharged from the Union Army during the Civil War.
garlandGarlandVictory in death.
gateGatePassage from earth to heaven.
grapesGrapesBlood of Christ.
grapes

 
Greek Catholic CrossAlso Russian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox. They have three bars that symbolize the cross Christ was crucified on:
 *Top Bar - Title Board
 *Middle Bar - Board on which the Lord's hands were nailed
 *Bottom Bar - The footrest
For more information, please click here (offsite link, will open in new window).

Derek R., a website visitor, sent me the following information about this symbol:
In Russia, the slanted bottom section represents St Andrew's cross. Often there are crosses with another straight cross above the slanted cross (total of three straight and one slanted) that represents St Peter's cross.
hammerHammerA hammer symbolizes the power of creation. It can also represent the person's profession.
hand holding
 heartHand Holding HeartThe hand holding a heart is a symbol used by the I.O.O.F (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) and Masons, both fraternal organizations. It symbolizes charity.
fingerHand Pointing UpHand pointing up to heaven.
fingerHand Pointing DownThe hand of God descending from heaven.
Hand writingHand writingWriting names in the book of life. Can also be found on writers' graves.
praying handsHands PrayingPious devotion.
hands 
reachingHands ReachingUsually the hand of God reaching down from the heavens, and the hand of the deceased reaching up to grab it in greeting.
harpHarpA harp symbolizes praise to God. They are often carved with a broken string, representing a break in mortal life.
heartHeartPerson's spirit or soul. Sometimes the sacred heart of Christ.
Hebrew 
LettersHebrew WordsHebrew words for "Here Lies."
horseHorseDeath. White horses represent good, while black horses represent evil.
hourglassHourglassPassage of time.
hummingbirdHummingbirdOften found on infants' gravestones. Usually just decorative.
IHS

 
IHSSometimes looks like a dollar sign. IHS stands for the first three letters of Jesus' name in the Greek alphabet.

Here's another meaning for IHS, contributed by Jim Miller:
This symbol also stands for "in hoc signo", Latin for "by this sign we conquer", referring to the cross. It is actually more involved than that, and apparently also has some fraternal applications.

Here is the Wikipedia entry for this phrase:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_hoc_signo_vinces
IOMI.O.M.Independent Order of Mechanics. Fraternal organization formed in 1868. Their symbols include Jacob's Ladder and an ark.
ivyIvyFriendship.
Jr. OUAMJr. OUAMThe Junior Order of United American Mechanics. It is the oldest fraternal order that is still active in the United States. It was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1853. For more information about this organization please see the official website.
Masonic 
KeystoneKeystone with letters HTWSSTKSThe Masonic Keystone, which is the Masonic mark of an Ancient Grand Master. HTWSSTKS stands for "Hiram The Widow's Son Sent To King Solomon."
knotKnotA tied knot symbolizes marriage and unity.
K of CK of CKnights of Columbus, a fraternal organization for Catholic men.
KOTMKOTMSymbol of the Knights of the Maccabees, a fraternal organization.
L.A. to 
B.R.T.L.A. to B.R.T.Symbol of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.
lambLambLambs are often seen on children's gravestones. A lamb represents innocence.
lampLampWisdom, faithfulness.
laurelLaurelLaurel represents the "evergreen" memory of the deceased.
lily of the
 valleyLily of the ValleyPurity, innocence, virginity.
lionLionStrength.
LotusLotusSymbolizes creation and rebirth. Often seen on gravestones and mausoleums with an Egyptian architecture style.
lyreLyreOften have a broken string, symbolizing the end of life. Lyres are usually found on the graves of musicians.
Father 
TimeMan with Hourglass and SickleFather Time. An old man with a beard, holding a hourglass and/or sickle.
MenorahMenorahA menorah, which is a candelabra with seven branches, is a Jewish symbol. It usually marks the grave of a righteous woman.
moonMoonRebirth. A crescent moon and star symbol like the one pictured here is also a symbol of Islam.
moonMoon with Seven Stars, the letter "R", and a doveSymbolizes a member of the Daughters of Rebekah, the female auxiliary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
morning 
gloryMorning GlorySymbolizes the Resurrection; also beauty, youth, and love.
mortar and 
pestleMortar and PestleUsually found on the gravestones of pharmacists, and sometimes doctors.
musicMusicUsually found on the graves of musicians. The music can be from a song the musician wrote, or it could be the deceased person's favorite hymn.
MWAMWAMWA stands for Modern Woodmen of America. This was the original name for the Woodmen of the World organization.
oak leafOak LeafLongevity (long life). Deborah, a website visitor, told me that in the Native American culture an oak leaf represents an Algonquian grave.
OESOES, 5-Pointed StarOrder of the Eastern Star, a fraternal organization for women.
O.S.C.O.S.C.Order of Scottish Clans. A fraternal and benevolent society that was founded in 1878. They provided life and disability insurance to Scottish immigrants and their descendants. They became a part of the Independent Order of Foresters in 1971.
owlOwlWisdom, watchfulness.
OxOxPatience, strength.
GrangeP of HPatrons of Husbandry, also known as the National Grange. An agricultural organization.
palettePalette and BrushesUsally found on artists' gravestones.
palm treePalm Tree or FrondVictory over death.
MooseP.A.P. with MooseLoyal Order of Moose (LOOM), a fraternal organization. P.A.P. stands for their motto: Purity, Aid, and Progress.
passion 
flowerPassion FlowerSymbolizes Christ's passion.
pianoPianoMost likely symbolizes someone who was fond of playing the piano.
pitcherPitcherOften found on graves of prohibitionists. Represents virtue and control.

If it is found on a Jewish grave, it symbolizes a Levite, a person who was responsible for cleaning the hands of the Temple Priest.
PLEFPLEF, sometimes with crown and shieldSymbol of the Pythian Sisters, a fraternal organization for women. The letters PLEF stand for their motto: Purity, Love, Equality, and Fidelity.
PlowPlowA plow symbolizes the harvest; the reaping of life.
poppyPoppyPoppies symbolize eternal sleep.
portraitPortraitUsually a portrait of the deceased.
rabbitRabbitHumility, gentleness, self-sacrifice.
rifleRifleUsually found on the graves of military members and hunters.
RoosterRoosterSymbolizes an awakening, or calling attention to the person's death. It also symbolizes vigilance.
RosaryRosaryAlmost always found on Catholic gravestones. Symbolizes devotion to Mary and constant prayer for the deceased person.
roseRoseSymbolizes beauty.
St. 
AldemarSaint Aldemar CommanderyA Knights Templar organization. Masonic.
SARS.A.R.Sons of the American Revolution, a fraternal society that was organized in 1899 for male descendants of American Revolutionary War veterans.
scalesScalesOften marks the grave of someone who was in the legal profession. Sometimes seen with a statue of Saint Michael, which symbolizes his duty of weighing the souls of the departed.
ScarabScarabAn Egyptian symbol of spontaneous creation. Also symbolizes the renewal of life.
scrollScrollSymbolizes the scriptures.
Seal of 
OhioSeal of OhioOhio's state seal.
shellShellBaptism or rebirth.
Shih Tzu of
 FoShih Tzu of FoGuardians of Buddah.
shipShipShips are usually found on the graves of sailors. Many times they are found on graves of people who died at sea. They sometimes symbolize Noah's Ark, the ship that weathered the storm against all overwhelming odds.
shoesShoesEmpty shoes symbolize the loss of a child. Usually one shoe is overturned.
sickleSickleReaping of life.
skullSkullDeath and mortality. A winged skull symbolizes the ascension into heaven.
skull 
and crossbonesSkull and CrossbonesMortality, Death.
sleeping 
childSleeping ChildA sleeping child is a Victorian symbol for death.
hooped 
snakeSnake, hoopedSymbolizes eternal life - no beginning, no end.
snakeStaff entwined by two snakesA caduceus, which is a short herald's staff entwined by two snakes (serpents) in the form of a double helix. Symbolizes someone who worked in the medical profession.
snakeSnake wrapped on a cross with "In Hoc Signo Vinces"The Masonic brazen serpent, a symbol of the 25th Degree Masons.
soldier 
on horse

 
Soldier on HorseA soldier's grave. If the horse has both front legs in the air, the person probably died in battle. If only one leg is raised, the person probably died as a result of wounds. And if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person probably died of natural causes.

Stacey, a website visitor, contributed additional information regarding this symbol:
Traditionally, in statuary, when a figure is seen atop a horse in memorial, there are the three meanings: two or more feet raised - death in battle. One leg raised fully off the ground - death from wounds suffered in battle. Standing square or at rest - death of natural causes. This is typically the accepted formula for any equine statue/carving offered in memory of a deceased.
sphinxSphinxGuardian; represents strength and protection.
MasonSquare and CompassUsually have the letter "G" in the middle. Found on gravestones belonging to members of the Freemasons (Masons).
starStarA five-pointed star represents the Star of Bethlehem.
A six-pointed star represents creation.
White 
Shrine of JerusalemStar, Cross, and Shepherd's CrookSymbol of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. Often seen with the phrase "In Hoc Signo Spes Mea," which translates to "In this Sign (the Cross) is my hope." A society for women who are related to (through birth, marriage, or legal adoption) to a Master Mason in good standing. Founded in 1894.
Star of 
DavidStar of DavidDivine Protection.
sunSunA sun symbolizes the soul rising to heaven.
sunburstSunburst with star and cross, Monstrat Viam.Symbol of the First Corps of Cadets, now the 211th Military Police Battalion. "Monstrat Viam" is Latin for "It Points the Way."
sunflowerSunflowerDevotion to God.
SVSVSons of Veterans of the United States of America, a group formed in 1881. They changed their name to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in 1925.
swordsSwordSwords represent martyrdom. Crossed swords are often seen on the gravestones of veterans, especially officers.
ShrinersSword, Crescent, and SphinxSymbol of the Shriners (The Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine). The group was founded in 1872, and can be joined once the member has become a Master Mason.
tabletsTabletsUsually two tablets joined. This symbolizes the Ten Commandments.
tentTentA symbol used by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The tent symbolizes their encampments, which are the three highest degrees attainable before reaching the highest branch.
thistleThistleThistles represent earthly sorrow. Also, the thorns on a thistle symbolize the crown of thorns and the Passion of Christ. In addition, it is found on many Scottish gravestones.
tree trunkTree Trunk/StumpUsually marks the graves of Woodmen of the World members. Also, they usually contain other symbols such as anchors, lilies, vines, etc. Broken braches on the tree symbolize a life cut short.
York RiteTriangle with square, spade, and keysSymbolizes the York Rite of Masonry.
Sons of 
TemperanceTriangle with a star in the centerSymbol of the Order of the Sons of Temperance, a fraternal organization that promoted the temperance movement (abstinence and prohibition of alcohol). Usually seen with their motto: Love, Purity, Fidelity.
RAMTriangle with three T's joined at baseSymbol of the Royal Arch Masons (RAM). Click here for more information about this fraternal organization.
tulipTulipSymbolizes love and passion.
U.O.A. 
DruidsU.O.A. DruidsUnited Order of Ancient Druids, a fraternal organization.
urnUrnThe soul.
UVLUVLUnion Veterans League, an organization for Union Civil War veterans.
vacant chairVacant ChairUsually symbolizes the death of a child.
Veteran of
 the CrossVeteran of the CrossA veteran member of the Methodist Church.
WBAWBAWoman's Benefit Association, a club for women that provided life insurance. Part of the Order of the Maccabees.
WCWCWoodmen Circle, the female auxiliary to the Woodmen of the World.
weeping womanWeeping WomanMourning, sorrow.
wheatWheatA sheaf of wheat represents harvest, usually found on older peoples' gravestones.
willow

 
Willow TreeSadness or mourning. Deborah, a website visitor, told me that in the Native American culture a willow tree represents an Iroquois grave.

In May 2008, Peggy Wang sent me some additional information regarding the weeping willow symbol:
The first half of the 19th century was quite interested in the Greeks and Romans because they were republics and we were a new democracy. There was a great interest in Greek architecture during that time as well, up till around middle of that century. So naturally, gravestones reflected this. The urn and willow, as you probably know, was very popular. The urn was used by Greeks to keep the ashes of the cremated, but why the willow? Well, it was a symbol of the Underworld goddesses, mostly notably Persephone. Also, Orpheus, when he went to the Underworld, brought along a willow branch. This apparently helped him get his gift of speech because, as you might know, Orpheus was a famous poet.
winged 
lionWinged LionRepresents Saint Mark, one of the four evangelists.
winged oxWinged OxRepresents Saint Luke, one of the four evangelists.
Winged 
Solar Disk

 
Winged Solar DiskAn Egyptian symbol that represents the journey of the sun and the spiritual attributes of the heavens.

Derek R., a website visitor, sent me the following information about this symbol:
This is a Zoroastrian symbol symbolizing many things. As a whole, it symbolizes the soul without physical form. It is also a symbol of divine power. If there is a human figure rising out of the disk, it represents either god or the person who died. The human figure is usually aged indicating wisdom. The three rows of feathers represent good words, good thoughts, and good deeds. If there is a tail, it will have three rows representing bad deeds, bad thoughts and bad words positioned underneath symbolizing rising above these things. If there are two streamers, feet, or snakes, they represent the spirit of good and the spirit of evil with the human soul in the middle constantly having to choose between the two.
Rock of AgesWoman Clinging to CrossUsually found with the verse "Rock of Ages cleft for me" or "Simply to the cross I cling." Symbolizes faith; A person or soul who is lost in the sea of sin, whose only hope is to cling to Christ's cross (the Rock of Ages).
HopeWoman Holding AnchorRepresents hope.
FaithWoman Holding CrossRepresents faith.
Woodmen of 
the WorldWoodmen of the WorldSeen on the gravestones of Woodmen of the World members, a fraternal organization.
W.R.C.W.R.C.Women's Relief Corp. It is the female auxiliary for the Grand Army of the Republic.
wreathWreathVictory in death.
XPXP, overlappedThe Chi-Rho, one of the oldest Christian symbols. XP are the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ.
reprinted with permission, graveaddiction.com, copyright 2010

 



 

back  to Decoding Graveyard Symbolism

 

About Grave Addiction:
Visit this excellent site at www.graveaddiction.com

Beth writes:  "This is a list of symbols I have seen on gravestones while cemetery exploring. More symbols and explanations will be added over time.   **Please note - all the photos below were taken by me. If you'd like to know which cemetery they were taken at, please e-mail me."

Part 1: Decoding Graveyard Symbolism


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