Obelisk gravestone meaning

Obelisks became popular gravestone motifs in 19th-century Britain due to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1801 and the English occupation of Egypt. To ancient Egyptians, obelisks were petrified rays of sunlight where the sun god Ra lived. In graveyards they symbolise ancient godliness, greatness.

1. What do the symbols on old gravestones mean?
2. What is the meaning of a skull with wings on a tombstone?
3. What does a cross on a grave mean?
4. What does a tilted cross on a headstone mean?
5. What is the difference between a gravestone and a headstone?
6. What does a butterfly on a grave mean?
7. What does snake in cemetery mean?
8. What does an hourglass on a grave mean?
9. What does an hourglass tombstone mean?
10. What does 3 X's mean on a grave?
11. Why put a fence around a grave?
12. What does white cross at grave mean?
13. How do you read old gravestones?
14. Why do some old graves have skull and crossbones on them?
15. How can you tell how old a gravestone is?
16. Can a person have 2 gravestones?
17. What does putting rocks on a gravestone mean?
18. Are graves reused after 100 years?

What do the symbols on old gravestones mean?

Following are some of the more common symbols found on gravestones and their meanings. ANCHOR - a symbol of hope, or the deceased was a seaman. ANGEL - a guide to Heaven. ARCH - symbolizing a triumphant entry into Heaven or victory over death. ARROW - symbolizing mortality or martyrdom.

What is the meaning of a skull with wings on a tombstone?

The second type of decorative motif used on Boston's seventeenth-century gravemarkers was the "death's head." A death's head, often with wings or crossed bones, or both, was a stylized skull. Some have speculated that winged skulls were intended to symbolize a combination of physical death and spiritual regeneration.

What does a cross on a grave mean?

With regard to its use on headstones, grave markers, and memorials, the cross most likely symbolizes that the deceased was a Christian, as well as his or her hope of new life in heaven.

What does a tilted cross on a headstone mean?

The symbolism behind this meaning is that devout Christians must take up their own cross and follow the Lord. In fact, some people believe that the sideways cross bares no difference from that of the standard Latin cross. To some, the sideways cross is a symbol of Earth lying between Heaven and Hell.

What is the difference between a gravestone and a headstone?

If you've ever visited a cemetery, we're sure you may have noticed the different types of stones that mark graves; some are more ornate than others. Essentially, a gravestone is placed at the head of the grave, and a headstone is placed at the foot of the grave.

What does a butterfly on a grave mean?

Butterfly A butterfly symbol may represent rebirth, resurrection, or the natural cycle between birth and death. It may represent the soul and may be found on children's headstones. Also: The soul. It is symbolic of the resurrection of Christ.

What does snake in cemetery mean?

Snake: Or, serpent, this animal, despite its nefarious reference in the Bible, has come to represent eternity and rebirth. The snake forming a circle and nearly devouring its own tail is known as an ouroboros and symbolizes infinity.

What does an hourglass on a grave mean?

The flying hourglass is one of the most mysterious symbols you will find in a graveyard. The hourglass is a representation of how fast time flies during our lives, with the wings possibly representing the 'flight' into the afterlife or even just the speed of life passing by.

What does an hourglass tombstone mean?

The winged hourglass, for example, tells us that time flies; the hourglass on its side, that time has stopped for the deceased; the broken flower or tree, that life has been cut short.

What does 3 X's mean on a grave?

The belief is that one must break off a piece of brick from another tomb, spin around three times, scrape three X's onto the tomb, and do some sort of knocking on the tomb. Then an offering should be left at the tomb and your wish will be granted. X's that are circled are said to mean that the wish had come true.

Why put a fence around a grave?

It defines the boundaries of a formal cemetery or a family plot. It keeps animals out, protecting graves and headstones from cattle and wild animals. Also, as a sign of respect to loved ones buried there, it should be attractive. If you visit historic cemeteries, you can learn a lot about history.

What does white cross at grave mean?

US Christian soldiers who die in the service of their country are buried in American military cemeteries in gravesites marked with white crosses.

How do you read old gravestones?

Mirrors. Occasionally, poor lighting makes headstones difficult to read. In this case, come prepared with a small mirror, such as a compact mirror. Aim the sunlight onto the stone at such an angle that creates shadows of the letters, allowing you to read the stone.

Why do some old graves have skull and crossbones on them?

These decorations - of skulls, bones and skeletons, along with hourglasses and sometimes scythes - are known as memento mori, meaning 'remember you need to die'.

How can you tell how old a gravestone is?

DATING A TOMBSTONE

If the stone is flat topped hard marble, dates are about 1830-1849. If your mystery stone is round or pointed soft marble with cursive inscriptions, look for a date of 1845-1868. Masonic four-sided stones began in 1850 and are still in use today.

Can a person have 2 gravestones?

Finding two gravestones for the same person – particularly a widowed person who marries again, or perhaps moves further west – is something not uncommon in genealogical research. A gravestone may be inscribed with both parties' names with the death date of the living party left empty for when their time comes.

What does putting rocks on a gravestone mean?

These stones remind them that someone they care for was visited, mourned for, respected, supported and honored by the presence of others who've visited their memorial. The Hebrew word for pebble is also a word that means “bond.” By placing a stone on the headstone, it bonds the deceased with the visitors.

Are graves reused after 100 years?

Do cemeteries reuse graves? Today, some cemeteries rent out plots, which allows people to lease a space for up to 100 years before the grave is allowed to be recycled and reused. Many countries around the world have resorted to this process as their available land begins to fill.