What Is the Significance of Gravestone Markings?

Gravestone decoration

Gravestone markings often attempt to communicate something about the life and religious beliefs of the deceased or the hopes and feelings of surviving family members. Gravestone markings might include graphic symbols, poems or verses from spiritual texts.

Angels

Depictions of angels flying or trumpeting represent the concept of resurrection or rebirth. Grieving or crying angels embody the sadness and grief felt by loved ones left behind.

Birds

Birds can be depicted flying or perching and function as a symbol of eternal life or the religious concept of resurrection.

Seafaring Imagery

Anchors, ships and other seafaring imagery could indicate an ocean-related profession or the concept of hope. Anchors shown overgrown with vines may represent the Christian faith.

Books and Crosses

Books often illustrate gravestones as a reference to a holy book. In regions where Christianity has historical influence, this generally refers to the Bible. Crosses and other religious symbols also typically adorn gravestones to indicate the religious leanings of the individual.

Broken items

Broken columns or vases indicate a life cut short or the death of the head of a family.

References

• Olive Tree Geneology: Grave Initials and Symbols
• Spiritedghosthunting.com: Gravestone Symbols