Have you ever wandered through a cemetery and wondered about the meanings of the designs carved on old gravestones? Thousands of different religious and secular symbols and emblems have adorned tombstones through the ages, indicating attitudes towards death and the hereafter, membership in a fraternal or social organization, or an individual's trade, occupation or even ethnic identity. While many of these tombstone symbols have fairly simple interpretations, it is not always easy to determine their meaning and significance. We were not present when these symbols were carved into the stone and can't claim to know our ancestors' intentions. They may have included a particular symbol for no other reason than because they thought it was pretty.
While we can only speculate what our ancestors were trying to tell us through their choice of tombstone art, these symbols and their interpretations are commonly agreed upon by gravestone scholars.
- Eastern Orthodox CrossPhoto of an Eastern Orthodox Cross, also known as a Russian, Ukraine, Slavic or Byzantine cross.
- Hands - Pointing FingerHands with a pointing forefinger are a common symbol on cemetery headstones
- HorseshoeHorseshoe shaped tombstone in Fort Ann Cemetery near Glens Falls, New York
- Ivy & VinesVining ivy and flowers are carved in relief on this tombstone
- Knights of PythiasPhoto of a symbol of the Knights of Pythius on a tombstone in the Robinson's Run Cemetery in PA.
- Laurel WreathSymbol of a laurel wreath on the Robb family tombstone, Robinson's Run Cemetery, South Fayette, Pa
- LionThe lion is often found guarding a tomb in the cemetery
- Oak Leaves & AcornsOak trees, oak leaves and acorns are commonly seen cemetery icons
- Olive BranchPhoto of an olive branch carved into the gravestone of John & Freda Kress, Robinson's Run Cemetery
- Sleeping ChildThe sleeping child is one of the most common decorations on Victorian-era children's graves
- SphinxGreek Sphinx guards the entrance to a mausoleum in Allegheny Cemetery
- Square & CompassThe compass and square is the most common Masonic symbol found on cemetery headstones
- Graphic Index
- Text Index