The Meaning of Gravestone Engravings
Courtesy of Carol Crowe Vivier
Anchor / ShipsHope, or a Mariner
ArchesVictory in Death
ArrowsMortality
BirdEternal Life
Bird flyingResurrection
Book openTeacher
Bible openMinister
Bouquets / FlowersCondolences, grief, sorrow
Broken columnLoss of head of family
BuglesResurrection, or Military
ButterflyShort lived, early death
Candle being snuffedTime, Mortality
CherubAngelic
CornRipe old age
CrossEmblem of faith
Crossed swordsHigh ranking military person
Darts / CoffinFather-Time, gentleness, affection, purity
Flying birdsFlight of the soul
FruitEternal plenty
GarlandsVictory in death
Hand of God choppingSudden Death
Hands shakingFarewell
HarpPraise to the Maker
HeartsSoul in bliss or love of Christ
HornsThe Resurrection
HourglassSwiftness of time
Hourglass with wingsTime flying, short life
ImpsMortality
IvyFriendship and Immortality
LambInnocence
LaurelFame or Victory
Lily / Lily of the ValleyEmblem of innocence and purity
Morning gloryBeginning of life
Oak leaves & acornMaturity and ripe old age
Palm branchesVictory and rejoicing
Picks & ShovelsMortality
PoppySleep
PortalsPassageway to eternal life
Rings brokenFamily circle severed
Rose budMorning of life, renewal of life
Rose fully openedPrime of life
RosesBrevity of earthly life
ShellsPilgrimage of life
Stars & stripes on EagleEternal vigilance, liberty
ThistlesRemembrance
TombsMortality
Torch invertedLife extinct
Tree stump with ivyHead of family, Immortality
TreesLife
TrumpetersHeralds of the resurrection
Urn with blazeUndying friendship
Urn with wreath / crepeMourning
Weeping willowEmblem of sorrow
Wheat sheafRipe for harvest, divine harvest, time
WillowsEarthly sorrow
Winged effigiesFlight of the soul