Funerary Symbolism

There are many differing explanations and interpretations about the carvings,

ornamentation and symbols on gravestones.

Symbolism - albeit perhaps not always representing the ‘text-book’ meaning

continues to be used although perhaps simply because it is aesthetically pleasing.

The following list of Funerary Symbols, interspersed with photographs

illustrate the creativity of the stonemason over the years, turning and adapting

basic design elements into ‘works of art’.

Angel (Flying or Trumpeting) – Resurrection/Re-birth



Angel (Weeping) – Grief/ mourning



Anvil - Martyrdom.

Arch - Triumph, Victory in/over Death.

Arrow - Mortality.

Banner - Victory, Triumph.

Bells - Call to Worship.

Bird – Eternal Life

Bird (Flying) – Resurrection

Bones (Crossed) – Mortality

Books (Open) – Holy Book/The Bible

Book (Closed) – Holy Book/The Bible. A Life Completed/The Story Told.

Bouquets/Flowers – Condolences, Grief and Sorrow

Broken Ring/Circle – Broken Family Circle

Butterfly – Short Life/Early Death

Cherub (or Winged Soul) – Angelic



Clock - Mortality

Coffin – Mortality

Columns or Doors – Entrance to Heaven

Column (Broken) – Life Cut Short/Loss of Head of Family

Corn – Old Age

Cross – Faith/Salvation/Resurrection

Cross with Sun Rays - Glory.

Cross with Winding Sheet - Descent from the Cross.

Crown – Glory, Victory

Cup or Chalice – The Sacraments/Holy Communion

Dove – Peace/Purity

Dove – Flying (usually upside down) with Olive Branch – Offerance of Resurrection



Drapes/Drapery – Sorrow/Mourning

Flame - Eternity

Flowers – Frailty/Fragility of Life/Beauty

Fruit – Eternal Plenty

Garland or Wreath - Victory

God/Eye of God - Omnipresence of God

God/Eye of God – (In Triangle) The Holy Trinity

Grim Reaper – Death Personified

Hands (Index Finger pointing upwards) – Pathway to Heaven

Hands (Clasped) – Unity/Affection. (Or in Prayer)



Heart - Love

Hourglass - Passage of Time, Shortness of Life

Hourglass  (Flying) – Speed of Passing Time

IHC – Greek word for Jesus (IHCOYC)

IHS – Latin – Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Ludaeorum)

Ivy - Attachment, Affection, Friendship, Eternal Life

Lamb - Innocence



Laurel Wreath - Victory in Death

Lily of the Valley – Innocence/Purity/Renewal

Morning Glory – Resurrection/Beginning of Life

Moon - Resurrection

Oak (Leaves or Acorns) – Strength/Endurance/Virtue

Palm Branch – Victory/Rejoicing

Pelican - Sacrifice

Poppy – Sleep/Eternal Sleep

Scales – Justice/Weighing of Souls

Seashell – Resurrection/Eternal Life

Scythe - Divine Harvest/Death

Ship – Seafaring

Skeleton – Mortality/Death.

Skull – Mortality/Death



Skull (Winged) - Flight of the Soul

Square & Compasses – Masonic Connection



Thistle – Remembrance/Scottish Connection

Torch – Life/Truth

Torch (Inverted) –Extinction of Life

Tree – Life/Life Everlasting

Urn  (With or Without Drapes/Drapery) - Mourning



Vessel with Flame - Eternal Spirit

Willow (Or Weeping Willow) -  Grief/Sorrow/Mourning

The following ...... Sorrow

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