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Archiver > AUS-VIC-GOLDFIELDS > 2002-06 > 1024960527


From: ParnellFamily <>
Subject: Re: Cemetery symbolism
Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 09:22:26 +1000
References: <200206241700.g5OH08Q28167@lists5.rootsweb.com>


Hi List,

Over the years I have collected a number of definitions of
"tombstone symbolism" - I am pasting some of them through to
the list, if anyone is interested, there are several more pages, which
I will paste over the next few days.
Cheers
Tricia

TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTION MEANINGS

Religious:
Angels - Angels mean spirituality and they guard the tomb.
Bible - A single Holy Bible is often found on Christian stones.
Holy Books (2) - on Mormon headstones indicates the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
Holy Books (3) - on Mormon Headstones, these indicate The Scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants.
Chalice - Usually used to represent the Sacraments.
Crescent - the deceased was probably a Muslim.
Crown - The soul's achievement and the Glory of life after death.
Cross - an emblem of faith. There are many different types of crosses and each may mean something different. For a good explanation of the various types of crosses, see http://www.alsirat.com/symbols/cross.html, a part of The City of the Silent.
Heart (Sacred) - Usually found in Catholic cemeteries, this heart refers to the suffering of Christ for our sins.
Menorah - An emblem of Judaism
Star of David or Mogen David - Recognized as the international symbol of Judaism.

Mortality:
Arrow - Mortality
Broken Column - This image represents the decay. It usually represents the loss of the Family head.
Candle being Snuffed - Loss of life.
Coffin - mortality.
Figure with Dart - Mortality
Grim Reaper - Death personified.
Hourglass - Time has run out.
Scythe - An instrument of the harvest, death cuts us down.
Skull and or Skull/ Crossed Bones - Death.
Spade or Crossed Spade and Shovel - Death

Trade and Occupation: (emblems that MIGHT indicate a person's occupation in life)
Barber - Bowl (for bleeding) & Razor.
Butcher - an axe, steel knife and cleaver.
Farmer: - Coulter (type of hoe), flail (threshing implement), swingletree (rod for beating flax), stalk of corn.
Gardener - Rake & Spade.
Mason - Wedge & Level
Mariner: - Anchor, Sextant & Cross Staff.
Merchant - Scales, some type of sign.
Minister - Bible
Shoemaker - Leather cutter's Knife, Nippers, Sole cutter & Awl
Smith - Crown, Hammer & Anvil
Teacher - Open Book.
Weaver - Loom, Shuttle & Stretchers.
Wright - (a worker skilled in the manufacture especially of wooden objects usually used in combination Shipwright, wheelwright - Compasses





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