Alpha and Omega

The Alpha and the Omega are the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet – they represent the beginning and the end; the totality.

Anchor

Anchors may signify a mariner, fisherman or a U.S. Navy burial. It is the Christian symbol for hope and steadfastness.

Anchor–Cross

Also known as crus dissimulata, it is actually a disguised cross used by early Christians to hide their religion so they would not be persecuted.

Angel

Angels engraved on tombstones mean spirituality; they guard the tomb and are thought to be messengers between God and man. Angel Photo Gallery.

Banner

A banner symbolizes victory, triumph, and rejoicing.

Books

A Holy Bible is often found on Christian stones. A Bible and the Book of Mormon may be found on Mormon stones. Books also symbolize knowledge; education.

Chalice

The chalice is a symbol of Christian Faith. The Chalice may represent Charity on the “Faith, Hope, Charity” triumvirate.

Cherub

Cherubs or Baby Angels are most commonly found on the graves of children. Also see Angels.

The LeBlanc cherubs at left are in the Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.

Cloud

Clouds typically represent Heaven.

Crook (Crosier)

Crosiers or Shephard’s Crooks are often associated with Odd Fellows. If carried by or before an abbot, bishop, or archbishop as a symbol of office.

Ecclesiastes 12.6-7

Depiction of Ecclesiastes 12.6-7 includes a wheel with a broken cord, a broken pitcher, a shattered bowl and water representing the well or spring.

Evangelist

The four Evangelists who wrote the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are generally represented by an angel, winged ox, winged lion and an eagle. Matthew: Winged Man, Mark: Winged Lion, Luke: Winged Ox, John: Eagle

Faith, Hope, Charity (Cross, Anchor and Heart)

A triumvirate of Biblical virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity. The cross is Faith, the anchor Hope, and the heart is Charity.

Flame

Eternal life or eternal vigilance.

Gate

An open gates symbolize afterlife; the entrance to heaven.

Harp or Lyre

Heavenly Music or Joy. The Harp is a symbol of hope–it may have a broken string. Symbol of Ireland.

Heart with Sword

Catholic symbol known as the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Key

Symbolizes the key to unlock the gates of heaven (St. Peter), or a learned person or a symbol of knowledge of the scriptures.

Lamp

A symbol of Immortality of the Spirit; illuminates the word of God.

Menorah

The Menorah, a seven-branched candelabra, is a symbol of divine wisdom and may be found on Jewish headstones. It also symbolizes a “righteous” woman.

Mitre

The liturgical headdress and part of the insignia of a Christian bishop. In the Western church it is a tall pointed hat with peaks in front and back, worn at all solemn functions.

Mizpah

Watch tower; the look-out. Mizpah is Hebrew for “watchtower.” As mentioned in the biblical story of Jacob and Laban, making a pile of stones marked an agreement between two people, with God as their watching witness.

Obelisk

Rebirth, connect between Heaven & Earth. An upright four-sided pillar, gradually tapering as it rises and cut off at the top in the form of a pyramid.

Rocks

Christian symbol for the Lord.

Sun

A shining sun represents Heavenly light. Also see “Winged Sun Disk.”

Tent

Societies associate tents with a place to summon the powers of God. A symbol used by the Masons as well as a Native American’s home.

Thorns

Denoting sin, sorrow and hardship, the thorn is one of the most ancient symbols in the world; together with the ROSE, it represents pain and pleasure, and the thorn is an emblem of Christ’s passion, as with the crown of thorns.

Trumpet

Praise of God, Judgement day.

Winged Sun Disk

Appears on many Egyptian tombs and temple entrances and commemorates the victory of light over darkness, and the life giving properties of the sun.