Symbols on gravestones meaning

What do symbols mean on gravestones?
What does the infinity symbol mean on a gravestone?
What does skull and crossbones mean on a gravestone?
What are the symbols on military headstones?
What does a butterfly on a grave mean?
Why do you put a rock on a gravestone?
What does a broken chain on a grave mean?
What does a finger pointing down on a gravestone mean?
What is the difference between a gravestone and a headstone?
Why are crosses sideways on graves?
What does a cross with a circle around it mean on a headstone?
What do skulls with wings mean?
How are graves marked?
What does a finger pointing up on a headstone mean?
What does a finger pointing down on a gravestone mean?
What is the difference between a gravestone and a headstone?
What is the difference between a gravestone and a tombstone?
What is usually written on a grave?

What do symbols mean on gravestones?

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 does the infinity symbol mean on a gravestone?

The infinity symbol is a never ending loop. So it means forever or always or limitless, never ending possibilities, no beginning and no end. Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow. Grove Springs Park. Pool.

What does skull and crossbones mean on a gravestone?

A skull and crossbones is a symbol consisting of a human skull and two long bones crossed together under or behind the skull. The design originated in the Late Middle Ages as a symbol of death and especially as a memento mori on tombstones.

What are the symbols on military headstones?

The VA only permits graphics on government-furnished headstones or markers that are approved emblems of belief, the Civil War Union Shield (including those who served in the U.S. military through the Spanish–American War), the Civil War Confederate Southern Cross of Honor, and the Medal of Honor insignia.

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.

Why do you put a rock on a gravestone?

Many people leave stones on a loved one's grave or memorial to mark their visit. The symbol of the stone can bring comfort to family and friends, letting them know their loved one has been visited, grieved and prayed for by others, too.

What does a broken chain on a grave mean?

The epitaph on the gravestone is “UNITED ABOVE.” Like much of the funerary art, the broken link of a chain represents the life that was ended. The message being conveyed is that death separates us, the circle of life is broken here on Earth, but we will be re-united in Heaven.

What does a finger pointing down on a gravestone mean?

Hands are found on many gravestones. It may be the hand of God pointing downward signifying mortality or sudden death. The hand of God pointing upward signifies the reward of the righteous, confirmation of life after death.

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.

Why are crosses sideways on graves?

Christianity & The Sideways Cross

Many people view the horizontal cross as a symbol of Jesus achieving the salvation of His people. As His work is finished, the cross has been laid down. He no longer has to carry the weight of the cross or the sins of His people.

What does a cross with a circle around it mean on a headstone?

The circle is an ancient symbol of eternity, often found on Christian graves together with a cross. The circle has no beginning or end and may also symbolise resurrection.

What do skulls with wings mean?

One of the earliest gravestone symbols is the death's head, or winged skull. These symbols reflect the strict orthodox Puritan values which were in practice from the 1620's to the early 1700's. The winged skull symbol pertains to life and death, and suggests the briefness of life and the power of death.

How are graves marked?

grave post a simple wooden post used as a grave marker. grave rail - a wooden rail placed along the long side (burial axis) of a grave on the surface as a grave marker. Normally, grave rails form a pair, one on each side of the grave. gravestone - a stone grave marker; more loosely, any grave marker.

What does a finger pointing up on a headstone mean?

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.

What does a finger pointing down on a gravestone mean?

What is the difference between a gravestone and a headstone?

What is the difference between a gravestone and a tombstone?

So, to sum up, historically, a “tombstone” was the stone placed on top of a stone coffin. A “gravestone” was a stone slab covering a grave. “Headstones” were generally markers denoting a grave. Today, though, all of these terms indicate a marker placed at the head of a grave.

What is usually written on a grave?

A short message referred to as an epitaph is usually added to a headstone along with a person's name, birth date, and death date. Typically, the goal of the epitaph is to leave some words of wisdom, share the most important values of the deceased, or summarize the person's life.