Cemetery Symbolism

As we make our way through Minnesota cemeteries, we can't help from noticing the many different symbols placed on headstones.  Some symbols are old and forgotten and some are new.  I hope this beginning list of symbols can help you have a better understanding.

If you know of any additional symbols located throughout Minnesota, please feel free to list them.

Buds and Seeds - Life cut short.  Broken buds always decorate the grave of a child.
Daisy - Symbol of Virgin Mary's love.
Fern - Symbolizes frankness and sincerity.
Easter Lily - Symbol of purity.  Giving up earthly things and excepting of heavenly life.
Morning Glory - Resurrection.
Sunflower - Found in Catholic cemeteries.  Represents the divine light of God.
Thistle - Crown of thorns and the Passion of Christ.
Ivy - Friendship and affection.
Pine Tree Cone - Immortality and incorruptibility.


Tree-stones

Tree-stones - Popular from 1880s to the early 1900's.  Symbolism is more related to nature then to any spiritual meaning.
Lion - Earthly courage and strength.
Dove - Symbol of peace and the Holy Ghost.
Eye - Ancient symbol of God.
Hand Coming Down From the Clouds - Bible referencing, "the hand of God."
Hand Pointing Up to the Sky - Soul has risen to heaven.
Hands Together - Symbol of matrimony.  Meaning of sleeves: same gender, means heavenly welcome.  Opposite sleeves, matrimony.
Nudity - Virtue and innocence.
Gate - Passage of one realm to the next.
Rock - Powerful symbol of the Lord.
Stone - Large stone next to a tomb refers to the resurrection of Christ.
Broken Column - Life cute short.
Inverted Torch - Torch with flame; soul in heaven.  Torch without flame; life extinguished.
Draped Urn - Veil between earth and heaven.
Broken Wheel - Life journey has now ended.
Holy Ghost - Symbol of Holy Ghost. (Dive-bombing dove with an olive branch)
Symbol "INRI" - Meaning the Jesus of Nazareth.
Symbol "Pax" - Latin word for "peace."
Symbol "IC" - Greek meaning, "Jesus."
Symbol "XC" - Greek meaning, "Christ."
Symbol, "PX" - Oldest Christian symbol.  Greek meaning, "Peace."  (Over overlaid the letters and making them into a cross means.)
Pierced Heart - Repentance.
Flaming Heart - Religious zeal.
Bleeding Heart - Love and piety.
Exposed Heart with Seven Drops of Blood - Seven Virtues.


Lamps

Lamp - Loss of a young life or lighting your way from darkness to Heaven.
Menorah - Tombstone of a women, meaning, "righteous women."
Star of David - Divine protection.
Pepples - Leaving stone is a Jewish custom meaning, "someone still cares and remembers."


Angels

Angels - Guardian Angels.