Gravestone Symbolism Tour

Death's Head

An ever-evolving symbol found on gravestones, the death's head has Puritanical roots beginning after the Protestant Reformation. In the 16th century, the wealthier Puritans would have a skull or skull and crossbones carved on their headstone, a bleak reminder of their belief that only the elect would go to heaven while the majority would be but bones in the ground. In the 17th century, there was some ideological changes for Puritans that inspired a broader hope in the afterlife for the common man. This ushered in change in the design of the death's head, which would later include wings, and then a more noticeable change to a human face instead of a skull. The human face is also referred to as a soul effigy and would sometimes be likened to the deceased. By the 19th century, the original Puritan influence had been stripped from the evolved death's head, and the design would be all but replaced by less "gruesome" imagery.

Memento Mori

Memento Mori is a depiction that can be in various forms of the inevitability of death. In gravestone iconography, it is often paired with the death's head and/or a graphic epitaph to serve as a reminder of the unavoidable part of life, death.

Ivy

The creeping ground cover, Ivy, often represents immortality due to the nature of its ever-green leaves. It also is associated with friendship, fidelity, and everlasting life. When displayed with a cross, ivy compliments Christian symbology as its three-pointed leaves represent the Trinity.

Flag

When engraved on a headstone, the flag can be an act of patriotism or denote a member of the armed forces. It may also note the branch of the armed forces an individual was a part of or a veteran organization they belonged to. In this case, the flag bears the letters G.A.R. for the Grand Army of the Republic (see below for more information about the G.A.R.).

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)

The GAR was a fraternal organization founded for honorably discharged members of the Union Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Revenue Cutter Service who served during the Civil War. Many of the principles and rituals were based on freemasonry, and the GAR created "encampments" which provided friendship, service, and representation for retired service-people. The organization went extinct as the last member died in 1956 at the age of 109 years old.

Boat/Ship

A symbol of a wayfarer's grave, a boat or ship may also indicate that the deceased died at sea. In the case of Captain Thomas Green Hull, the ship on his grave is a depiction of the Water Witch, the schooner that he captained and unfortunately died aboard when it sank in 1865.

Anchor

The anchor has traditionally been adopted as a Christian symbol of hope with roots in the Biblical Epistle to the Hebrews. It may also signify the grave of a seafarer, as the anchor is associated with Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seamen.

Cross Pattée

The cross pattée is a variation of a Christian cross that is often used as a decoration on headstones instead of a freestanding cross. This cross in particular has been associated with nobility (on many family crests and on jewelry of monarchs), heraldry (a cross used during the Crusades), and fraternal orders (like the Knights Templar).

Bouquet

Although the various types of flowers may have their own symbolism, a bouquet of flowers represents grief and the giving of condolences to the deceased and their family.

Feather

A feather can symbolize ascension as a feather is part of wings that allow the soul to fly up to heaven. It is also sometimes associated with the field of law as a feather is symbolic of justice.

Chi-Rho & Alpha and Omega

Two prominent Christian symbols are incorporated into one design on the gravestone of Sarah Greene. The Chi-Rho, or XP symbol is a combination of the first two letters of the Greek work for Christ. It is also an abbreviation of the Greek word Pax, meaning peace.

The Alpha and Omega surrounding the Chi-Rho symbol is representative of the beginning and the end, as Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last.

Freemasons

The Freemasons, or Masons, is the largest fraternal organization in the world. Their history is clouded in mystery, but their symbols are among the most commonly seen in cemeteries across the United States. The primary symbol is the square and compass, often with a "G" in the center. Another common symbol of the Masons is the all-seeing eye (the same one that is on the back of the dollar bill!).

Woodmen of the World (WOW)

The Woodmen of the World was founded in 1890 as an insurance company, although it shared many characteristics of a fraternal organization at the time. Members of WOW were guaranteed a gravestone, many of which are the iconic treestones that came to be synonymous with WOW. Later, members were given more flexibility in the use of the organizations symbols for commemoration on gravestones.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF)

e The IOOF's most recognizable symbol is the three-link chain, often depicted in tandem with the symbols of the Freemasons. The all-seeing eye, also a Mason symbol, was used by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as seen on the gravestone of John S. Davison. The American branch of the IOOF was founded in 1819 on the pillars of Friendship, Love, and Truth - F. L. T. is often seen on gravestones of Odd Fellows above or within the three-link chain.

Knights of Pythias (KP)

The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization that was founded in 1864 for governmental clerks. The membership of this secret society was opened to others that would uphold the traits of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence - these letters, F. C. B. , are often found on the gravestones of members.

Inverted Torch

The inverted torch is a symbol popularized in the 19th century and a purely funerary image. The inverted torch has two variations: if the flame is lit, it means that although deceased, the soul of an individual continues to burn in the next life; and if the flame is not lit, it symbolizes the extinguishing of the flame of life.

Hands Pointing Up

A hand with the index finger pointing up typically indicates that the deceased's soul has risen up to heaven.

For gravestones with hands, also note the cuff or sleeves. If the cuff is straight and plain, it usually represents a male. If the cuff is ruffled, it usually represents a female.

Hands Together

Much like the inverted torch, hands that are together in what looks like a handshake can have two meanings: if one sleeve appears masculine and the other feminine, this "handshake" usually is symbolic of matrimony. If both sleeves appear to be gender neutral, it indicates a welcoming into heaven or an earthly farewell.

Willow and Urn

The most popular gravestone imagery of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the depiction of the willow tree and urn together are representative of changing views regarding death in the Victorian Era. In contrast to the more macabre death's head, the willow and urn was reminiscent of the Enlightenment influence and a more humanist approach to death. The willow itself can symbolize grief, but also immortality in the next realm.

Sun

The position of the sun on a gravestone can symbolize various things. If the sun is rising, it means renewed life. If the sun is setting, it means death. If there is a half sun, like the carving for Martha Brown, it symbolizes both the beginning and end of life.

Winged Hourglass

The hourglass itself symbolizes the passing of life. The wings added represents the shortness of life, as time flies away.

The hourglass is often included with the carvings of Father Time or the Grim Reaper on 17th century gravestones.

BONUS: Coffin, Sun, Flora, Urn

The gravestones of the Potter's are remarkable for the number of symbols included in each carving. For Mr. Rouse Potter, his headstone has the image of the setting sun at right, a common late 18th/early 19th century urn at center, some type of flora at the top, and a coffin at left.