Symbolism–Human

Human symbolism includes body parts such as hands, fingers and eyes as well as symbols relating to an occupation, hobby or human condition.

Bed -- Only Sleeping

Bed

A bed is a denial of death; “She is not dead, but sleepeth.” “Cradle Graves” are making a come back from the Victorian era as a convenient place to plant flowers and are in use for children and adults.

Boots

Boot

A boot on a grave probably represents a cowboy of sorts. They may represent the loss of a child.

Buoy with Anchor

Buoy

A Buoy is generally a symbol of a mariner.

Masonic Symbolism Compass, Square, Book, Heart

Compass

A compass is typically represents a Mason. A compass on a Coat of Arms or Family Crest represents “direction.”

Coat of Arms, Phoenix, Helmet

Crest/Coat of Arms

Family Crests/Coat of Arms are sometimes found on tombstones with incredible detail. The crest at left is that of Bartholomew Gedney and is in the King’s Chapel Burying Ground in Boston, Massachusetts.

Dove with All Seeing Eye

Eye/Eye of Ra

The Eye is a metaphor for the source of creation – the Eye of God. Eye with a pyramid: Masonic representation of the Great Architect of the Universe. The Eye of Ra represents the right eye of the Egyptian Falcon God Horus and was associated with the Sun God Ra.

Hand with Finger Pointing Down, Scroll, Drapery

Finger Pointing Down

Calling the earth to witness. The Deceased has been chosen by God. This person may have had a sudden death from an accident or illness.

Hand with Finger Pointing Up

Finger Pointing Up

Pathway to heaven, heavenly reward, the soul has risen to Heaven.

Hands with Fingers Pointing Left and Right

Finger Pointing Left or Right

The pointing fingers of this couple in the Lodi Cemetery in Saline, Michigan is unusual. One is pointing at their parent and one is pointing at their child. According to Laurie Taylor, Admin for Facebook Group Grave Topics, the fingers are called “manicules” which are the Medieval equivalent of today’s highlighters.

Dog with hand

Hands

Hands are sometimes seen on tombstones simply holding things, such as flowers or patting a dog.

Hands Clasped, Male and Female

Hands Clasped

Two hands clasping signifies a union. The sleeves may be both masculine and feminine, indicating marriage. A finger on either hand may be pointing down or up. When the hands are clasped and the index finger of one hand points down, it means this person was a member of the Masonic Order. If both hands point their index fingers, then the spouse was a mason as well; if female, the Order of the Eastern Star.

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Hand with Bone

Hand Holding a Bone

A hand holding a bone represents an occupation called a Bonesetter. The bonesetter was typically a local and not a physician, and were used to reset a bone. Bonesetters were the main providers of joint manipulation before chiropractors.

Hand Holding Cross, Finger Pointing Up

Hand Holding a Cross

A hand holding a cross symbolizes resurrection and the eternal life of the soul.

Hand Holding Heart, IOOF, Cloud

Hand Holding a Heart

The heart represents charity and generosity. Often associated with the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, if shown with three chain links.

Hand of God, Clouds, Bellflower

Hand with Cloud – Hand of God

A hand with a cloud represents the hand of God.

Cohen Hands

Hands–Cohen

‘Cohen hands’ is used when the Kohanim bless the congregation in synagogue. This symbol may only be used for a deceased male Cohen. The positioning of the hands look a bit like Spock hands.

Coat of Arms, Heart, Bird, Helmet

Heart

The heart symbolizes love and may be associated with the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows.

Ladder, Orangemen Emblem

Ladder

Resurrection – stairway to Heaven. In Masonic beliefs, the ladder introduction of Jacob’s Ladder into speculative Masonry is traced to the vision of Jacob, which is recorded in the book of Genesis. A ladder may also represent an occupation – fireman, or membership such as the Orangemen (photo at left.)

Star with Crescent

Moon or Crescent

Eternity; sign of the second coming. See also Masons, Shriners. The crescent moon with a star is symbolic of the Muslim religion

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Magnolia Cemetery

Mourning

There are many beautiful statues in the cemetery depicting mourning or grief.

Train Representing Occupation

Occupations, Hobbies and other Human Interests

Modern tombstones frequently include symbolism for the occupation, interests, or hobbies of the deceased. This can vary from music, art as well as medical insignia such as the Caduceus.

Baymen's Benevolent Association, Rope, Pulley, Wagon, Tools

Rope

Binding together, as in a fraternal organization. Sometimes just decorative. The statue at left represents Baymen’s Benevolent Association in the Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.

Mourner with Scroll

Scroll

Scrolls are sometimes used instead of a book to represent the writings, wisdom or beliefs of the deceased.

Cemetery Symbolism Shield, Sword

Shield

A shield may be a family crest, or may indicate a soldier’s burial. Union Civil War soldiers typically had their epitaph engraved within a shield.

Ship, Avery, Story Stone, Abolitionist

Ship

Ships are generally used to mark a grave of one who led a seafaring life or one that died at sea. Christians also use the symbol to represent passage to afterlife.

Shoes

Shoes

Shoes may be a symbol of a profession, such as a dancer. Empty shoes may represent the loss of a child.

Sleeping

Sleeping

Eternal Rest. A child sleeping is a common Victorian era symbol. A common epitaph, still in use today, is “Only Sleeping.”

Tools of Workingmen's Timber And Cotton Association

Tools

Tools are generally a symbol of the trade of the deceased. The tools at left represent the Workingman’s Timber and Cotton Association in the Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.