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.
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| Tree-stones |
Tree-stones - Popular from 1880s to the early 1900's. Symbolism is more related to nature then to any spiritual meaning.
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.
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| Lamps |
Lamp - Loss of a young life or lighting your way from darkness to Heaven.
Star of David - Divine protection.
Pepples - Leaving stone is a Jewish custom meaning, "someone still cares and remembers."
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| Angels |
Angels - Guardian Angels.
