We put together a list of common headstone symbols and their meanings, so next time you visit a cemetery you'll have a better appreciation for the customs, profession and personality of the deceased.

1. THE MEANING OF
MEMORIAL HEADSTONE SYMBOLS
When visiting a cemetery you may notice that there are many types of headstones
that depict different symbols. It’s important to understand the meaning
of these symbols since they represent information about the customs, profession
and personality of a deceased loved one.
Source Note: This information was obtained and rewritten where necessary for clarity from WifiAlliance
at: www.wifialliance.org/OpenSection/special-emblems-used-on-memorial-headstones.html
symbolizes the pathway to Heaven or the
deceased’s Heavenly reward.
is a symbol of death, rebirth or victory.
means truth, equality
and the holy trinity.
symbolizes the
cycle of life,
enlightenment
or spiritual power.
a rising sun symbolizes
renewed life or resurrection, a setting
sun represents death and a shining
sun is a symbol of everlasting life.
represents faithfulness,
memory and undying affection.
represents the body of Christ.
shows affection, love and devotion
for the dead. Two joined hearts on a headstone
depict a happy marriage.
Wheat
Heart
Triangle Pyramid
Finger
symbolizes that the deceased
was a member of the military.
Eagle
is a symbol of life and time.
Scroll
Sword
symbolizes triumph over
death or everlasting memory
of the deceased.
Laurel
represents divine wisdom or justice.
A sleeping cherub symbolizes innocence.
represents resurrection, life everlasting,
the pilgrimage of one’s
life and the baptism of one’s soul.
gentleness and
purity of thought.
Moon
symbolizes the power
of God and guards the
tomb against evil spirits.
Lion
Ivy
is a symbol of chastity, innocence,
purity and resurrection.
Lily
is a symbol of love, hope, unfailing love,
victory, triumph and purity.
Rose
is a symbol of
the swift passage of
time, or the shortness
of life on earth.
Hourglass
is symbolic of Christ’s resurrection.
Butterfly
Wheel
Chain
is a symbol of divine guidance.
A 5-pointed star represents the Star of Bethlehem;
a 6-pointed star represents God’s creation.
Star
highlights spiritual victory, success and eternal peace.
It also symbolizes Christ’s resurrection.
Palms
Lamb
means innocence. It is
often used on an infant’s or
a child’s headstone.
is a symbol for
resurrection, eternal life,
enlightenment
and spiritual attainment.
stands for
friendship,
love and truth.
Simplifiying End-of-Life Managment
is a symbol of reward and glory,
and life after death.
Crown
symbolizes a deceased’s
noble life. When depicted
as broken or in a draped
format, a column symbolizes
early death, mourning and grief.
Column
is a symbol of faith and resurrection.
In military graveyards a cross
represents trials, victory and reward.
Cross
are a symbol of the Bible,
Divine Words or the deceased’s
lifetime accomplishments.
Books
represents the soul, a messenger
of God or peace, eternal life, or spirituality.
Bird
symbolizes hope and
steadfastness. An anchor with
a broken chain indicates
cessation of life. Anchors are
often used on the headstone
of a deceased seaman.
Anchor
means awakening, courage and vigilance.
Rooster
Cherub
is a symbol of peace, forgiveness and humanity.
Olive branch
Sun
symbolizes the power of God and
guards the tomb against evil spirits.
is a symbol for eternal sleep.
Poppy
Conch shellDaisy
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