Headstone Symbols and Meanings: A Guide to Cemetery ...

When selecting headstones or grave markers, many of us tend to choose design elements without a deep understanding of their inherent symbolism.

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This guide to cemetery symbolism offers insights into the meanings behind various design elements.

For further exploration of different emblems and their significance, the accompanying emblem article is particularly informative.

A Comprehensive Collection of 180+ Common Gravestone Symbols

We have compiled a list of over 180 symbols commonly found in modern cemeteries. You can easily navigate through this extensive list by selecting a letter from the alphabet below.

[A-Z list]

Gravestone Symbols by Letter

A

Acanthus Leaf

The Acanthus leaf is linked to the rugged terrain where many ancient Greek cemeteries were located, symbolizing peace within the Garden of Eden.

A.E.F.

This refers to the American Expeditionary Forces.

Alpha Omega

A significant emblem from the second century, it represents the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, denoting the beginning and end of life.

Anchor

Used by early Christians, the anchor served as a disguised cross, guiding others to secret meetings. It symbolizes hope and steadfastness, often associated with Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. A broken chain anchor indicates the end of life.

Angel

As messengers of God, angels are guardians of the deceased, often depicted pointing to heaven. Different angels represent unique symbols: Michael carries a sword, while Gabriel is depicted with a horn. They are portrayed in various poses that symbolize different concepts.

• Blowing a trumpet symbolizes the Day of Judgment and Resurrection.
• Carrying the departed soul denotes a guardian's embrace.
• Flying signifies rebirth.
• Many angels gathered in clouds represent Heaven.
• Weeping indicates grief or mourning for untimely death.

Arch

This symbol represents the victory of life or victory over death.

Arms Outstretched

This symbolizes a plea for mercy.

Arrow

Indicates mortality.

B

Baby's Chair

This small, empty chair symbolizes unfulfilled lives of children, representing the loss of a child.

Bamboo

A representation of Buddha, the seven-knotted bamboo indicates the degrees of initiation in Buddhism and symbolizes devotion in Japanese memorials.

Bible

This signifies a religious figure, whether layperson or cleric.

Bird in Flight

This symbolizes the flight of the soul, a concept dating back to ancient Egypt, representing eternal life.

Book

Denotes faith and learning and may symbolize the Book of Life, often visualized as a Bible.

Bugles

Symbolizing resurrection, they also relate to military honors.

Buttercup

This flower symbolizes cheerfulness.

Butterfly

Representing the soul, the butterfly symbolizes the resurrection of Christ through its life cycle stages.

C

Calla Lily

This flower symbolizes marriage.

Candle

In Christian contexts, candles symbolize the spirit or soul, sometimes representing Jesus, especially when left burning on graves.

Candle with Flame

This represents eternal life.

Chains

Indicating the connection between the soul and body, broken chains represent the release of the spirit.

Chalice

This symbolizes sacraments, often depicted with a white circle designating the Holy Communion.

Cherubs

Representing angels and often found on children's graves, they symbolize divine wisdom and justice.

Chrisma

This symbol combines two Greek letters, representing Jesus Christ.

Circle

This universally signifies eternity and everlasting existence, often depicted in religious iconography.

Cinquefoil

This symbolizes maternal affection and may be seen in recognition of a beloved daughter.

Clouds

A veil that conceals God from worshippers.

Clover

This represents the Holy Trinity and is often associated with Ireland.

Coffin, Sarcophagus, Cemetery Monument

These elements signify mortality.

Columns

• Regular: signifies noble life.
• Broken: indicates early death.
• Complete: signifies completion of life.
• Urn on Top: symbolizing death.
• Shroud on Urn: indicates burial.
• With Archway: representing heavenly entrance.

Conch Shell

This symbolizes wisdom.

Christ, Virgin Mary, a Saint, or an Angel

Denotes devotion and a desire for assistance to attain heaven.

Crocus

This flower symbolizes youthful gladness.

Cross

The cross carries significant symbolism across various religions, particularly Christianity, representing love, faith, and eternal hope.

• Botonee Cross: Represents the Holy Trinity.
• Calvary Cross: Signifying faith, hope, and love.
• Celtic Cross: This circle symbolizes the connection between earth and sky.
• Eastern Cross: Used in Orthodox religions, representing Christ’s inscription.
• Flueree Cross: Symbolizes the adult Christian.
• Ionic Cross: Suggests eternal salvation.
• Latin Cross: One of the oldest and simplest forms of the Christian symbol.

Cross & Crown

Symbolizes victory over death with Christ.

Cross & Anchor

Refers to the hope found in Christ.

Crossed Swords

This indicates a high-ranking military individual.

Crown

This symbolizes reward, glory, and the triumph of death.

Cypress Tree

This signifies hope.

D

Daffodil

This flower represents the loss of youth and beauty.

Daisy

This symbolizes innocence and purity.

D.A.R./S.A.R.

Designations for Daughters/Sons of the American Revolution.

Dog

This signifies loyalty.

Dogwood

This tree symbolizes divine sacrifice and resurrection.

Dolphin

Dolphins are symbolic of salvation.

Dove

A key Christian symbol representing the Holy Spirit and peace.

Doors & Gates

Denote a passage into the afterlife.

Dragon

Represents sin and worldly pleasures.

Draperies / Curtains

These represent mourning, often found in traditional burial practices.

Drapery Over Anything

This signifies sorrow and lament.

E

Eagle

Symbolizing courage, often associated with military service.

Eye in the Triangle

This symbolizes the all-seeing Eye of God.

F

Fern

This signifies sincerity and sorrow.

Figs or Pineapple

Representing prosperity and eternal life.

Fish

This symbolizes faith in Christianity.

Flame

Represents eternity.

Fleur De Lis

This signifies passion.

F.L.T. (in three links of a chain)
I.O.O.F.

This stands for Friendship, Love, and Truth.

Frog

Represents worldly pleasures or resurrection.

Fruits

This symbolizes eternal abundance.

G

G.A.R.

Denotes the Grand Army of the Republic.

Garland or Wreath

This symbolizes victory and remembrance.

• Ivy Wreath: Symbolizes gaiety and memory.
• Laurel Wreath: Denotes achievement and distinction.

Geometry Compass

This indicates Masonic affiliation.

Grapes

This symbolizes Christ and God's care.

Grim Reaper

This symbolizes death personified.

H

Hands

• One hand: Represents the hand of God.
• Two hands clasped: Denotes holy matrimony.
• Two hands praying: Represents devotion.

Harp

Symbolic of worship in Heaven.

Hart / Male Deer

This represents faithfulness.

Heart

• Love: Symbolizing mortal love and courage.
• Bleeding: Represents Christ’s suffering.

Holly

This symbolizes foresight.

Horse

This indicates courage and generosity.

Horseshoe

This represents protection against evil.

Hourglass

• This denotes the swiftness of time.
• On its side: Represents time stopped.

I

IHS (occasionally seen as IXC)

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This letter symbolizes devotion to Jesus Christ.

Ivy

Ivy represents immortality and eternal life.

K

Keys

Stand for spiritual knowledge.

Knot

This interlaced symbol represents resurrection.

L

Labyrinth

This symbolizes the journey of life.

Lamb

This reflects purity and innocence.

Ladder

This symbolizes the scale of perfection.

Lamp

This denotes knowledge and immortality.

Lily

This flower indicates innocence and purity.

Lily of the Valley

This symbolizes return to happiness.

Lion

This creature represents God's power and resurrection.

M

Menorah

A Jewish symbol of God's presence.

Mermaid

Represents the duality of Christ.

Moss

This symbolizes merit.

Morning Glory

This symbolizes resurrection and the brevity of life.

Mulberry

This signifies a message of finality.

O

Oak

This tree symbolizes strength and life.

Olive Branch

This symbolizes peace.

P

Pall, Pick, Spade

Representing mortality.

Palm

This symbolizes spiritual victory.

Pansy

This symbolizes remembrance.

Passion Flower

This flower includes elements representing the passion of Christ.

Peacock

This bird symbolizes resurrection and immortality.

Pentagram

This symbol carries rich historical significance.

P. of H.

This refers to Patrons of Husbandry.

Pine

This symbolizes fertility and fidelity.

Pineapple

This denotes hospitality.

Pitcher or Ewer

This symbolizes a Levite's duties.

Poppy

This flower signifies eternal sleep.

Portals

This symbolizes the passage to eternity.

Pyramid

This symbolizes eternity and protection.

R

Relict

This denotes a widow.

R.I.P.

Shorthand for Requiescat In Pace (Rest In Peace).

Rod or Staff

This symbolizes comfort.

Rooster

This symbolizes awakening.

Rose

This signifies love and beauty.

• Just a bud: Indicates a child's passing.
• Partial bloom: A teenager’s grave.
• Rosebud, broken: signifies a life cut short.

S

Scallop

This symbolizes a pilgrim's journey.

Scroll

This symbolizes the unfolding of life.

Scythe

A symbol of death’s harvesting.

Serpent

This often symbolizes spiritual striving.

Shamrock

This denotes Irish origin.

Shell

This symbolizes fertility and memory.

Ship

This symbolizes the grave of a sailor.

Sickle

This reflects the concept of the divine harvest.

Skull / Skeleton

This represents mortality.

Snake in a Circle

This symbolizes everlasting life.

Soldier on Horseback

In military contexts, the horse’s position indicates the nature of the person's death.

Square

This symbolizes earthly existence.

Squirrel with Nut

Represents spiritual striving.

Star

• Five-pointed star: Represents the life of Christ.
• Star of David: Symbolizes divine protection.

Sun Setting

This symbolizes death.

Sun Rising / Shining or with Rays

This symbolizes renewed life and resurrection.

Swastika

This has various interpretations across cultures.

Sword

This indicates a military career.

• Broken sword: Life cut short.
• Crossed swords: Life lost in battle.

T

Thistle

This symbolizes Christ's crown of thorns and remembrance.

Tree

This represents life and love.

Torch

This symbolizes life.

Torch Inverted

This symbolizes extinguished life.

Triangle / Trefoil / Triquetra

These shapes symbolize the Trinity and divine knowledge.

Trumpets

This indicates victory and resurrection.

Trumpeters

Heralds of resurrection.

U

Urn

This represents mourning and the body's role as a vessel for the soul.

Urn with Blaze

This symbolizes undying friendship.

V

Vessel with Flame

This represents the eternal spirit of man.

Vine

This symbolizes God’s sacraments.

W

Weeping Willow

This tree represents mourning and grief.

Wheat

This symbolizes resurrection and fertility.

Winged Face

This symbolizes the essence of the deceased's soul.

Winged Globe

This denotes divine power and creativity.

Winged Skull

This symbolizes the soul’s journey beyond mortal life.

Winged Wheel

This signifies the Holy Spirit.

Woman Hanging onto Cross

This symbolizes faith and devotion.

Y

Yew Tree

This symbolizes sadness yet represents eternal life.

Gravestone Symbols Wrap-Up

In conclusion, we have provided an overview of over 180 gravestone symbols along with their meanings and illustrations. We hope you found this guide educational. Please share your thoughts in the comments if you believe we've overlooked any symbols. We aspire to make this guide the most comprehensive resource available online.