Understanding cemetery symbols pdf

1. What do the symbols on gravestones mean?
2. What is the graveyard symbol?
3. How are graves marked?
4. What does a butterfly on a grave mean?
5. What does an upside down star on a grave mean?
6. What's the difference between a gravestone and a grave marker?
7. What are the different types of grave markers?
8. How do you read a cemetery plot?
9. What are the elements of a graveyard?
10. What does snake in cemetery mean?
11. Why is the woman buried on the left?
12. What does a rock on a grave mean?
13. What does DEA mean on a gravestone?
14. What does it mean when someone leaves a rock on a headstone?
15. What does skull and cross bones on a grave mean?
16. What does a finger pointing down on a gravestone mean?
17. Why are graves marked with crosses?
18. What is the difference between a gravestone and a headstone?
19. Why do people leave pebbles on graves?
20. Why do grave stones face east?
21. What does a snake on a grave mean?
22. What does a broken chain on a grave mean?
23. What does shaking hands on a grave mean?

What do the symbols on 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 graveyard symbol?

The inverted torch is a true cemetery symbol, symbolizing life in the next realm or a life extinguished. A lit torch represents life, immortality and the everlasting life. Conversely, an inverted torch represents death or the passing of the soul into the next life.

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 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 an upside down star on a grave mean?

“The star itself stands for Order of the Eastern Star — the eastern star that lead the three wise men to the manger to Christ and Mary. It's associated a lot with Mary, that's why the females have this as their symbol. It's upside down because it was pointing the way for the wisemen — there's nothing bad about it.

What's the difference between a gravestone and a grave marker?

People use the terms interchangeably, but there is a difference between grave markers and headstones. In general, grave markers lie flat on the ground while headstones rise above the grave in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Neither flat markers nor raised stones are “better.” Both have their places.

What are the different types of grave markers?

The three main types of grave markers are granite, marble and bronze; all of which can be customized based on individual preferences.

How do you read a cemetery plot?

The number is the grave number and the letters are an abbreviation of the plot name. See the list below to find the meaning of the plot name and the map for the location of the plot. The newer plots have Row Numbers to make it easier to locate a grave. This is grave number 12 in row 3 in St George's Plot.

What are the elements of a graveyard?

Cemetery element means grave spaces, cremation grave spaces, Columbariums, or other items associated with the cemetery, including fences, roads, curbs, walls, paths, gates, benches, lighting and landscaping.

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.

Why is the woman buried on the left?

One theory is that long ago husbands decided their wives belonged on their left side, the side closest to their heart. Other theories hold this placement is a reflection of a couple's wedding day. When walking down the aisle, the man is traditionally standing to the right of his bride.

What does a rock on a grave mean?

To Symbolize Their Visit

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 DEA mean on a gravestone?

United States Drug Enforcement Administration

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What does it mean when someone leaves a rock on a headstone?

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.

What does skull and cross bones on a grave mean?

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 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.

Why are graves marked with crosses?

Crosses such as these are known as crucifixes. 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 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 do people leave pebbles on graves?

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.

Why do grave stones face east?

Most Christians tend to bury their dead facing east. This is because they believe in the second coming of Christ and scripture teaches that he will come from the east. In this manner, they place their dead in a position so they can meet Christ face-to-face during his second coming.

What does a snake on a grave mean?

Snake. Snakes and serpents are ancient symbols of everlasting life, and are often depicted on gravestones to create a circle, another symbol of eternity.

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 shaking hands on a grave mean?

When seen on a cemetery headstone or gravemarker, two clasped hands on the same level with matching cuffs typically represent: A farewell/goodbye to earthly life. The continuity/unity of life and death as a human condition. A greeting/welcome to eternal life.