Victorian Cemetery Symbolism

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Birds in Flight: graves of children, eternal life.

Dove: holy spirit, purity, devotion, divine spirit. When shown with an olive sprig it means hope or promise.

Dog: loyalty.

Lamb: child’s grave, purity and innocence.

Lion: courage, resurrection.

Arms Outstretched: the plea for mercy.

Hands: symbol of leaving.

Hands, clasped: marriage, close bond between individuals, farewell or last good-bye. The person who died first holds the other’s hand.

Hands, holding an open book: the embodiment of Faith.

Hands, joined hearts: marriage.

Hand, pointing downward: mortality or sudden death.

Hand, pointing upward: confirmation of life after death, heavenly reward.

Hands, praying: connote devotion, asking God for eternal life.

Latin Cross: eternity or never-ending existence.

Cross: eternity or never-ending existence.

Angels: guardians of the dead, symbolizing spirituality.

Flying Angel: rebirth.

Weeping Angel: grief, mourning an untimely death.

Bible: religious lay person or a cleric.

Book: faith, knowledge (commonly a double page spread).

Cherubs: graves of children.

Column, broken: early grief, end of life, sorrow, life cut short too soon. Usually represents the loss of the family head.

Columns, with archway: heavenly entrance.

Drapery, over anything: sorrow, mourning.

Obelisk: marks a family plot.

Scroll: symbol of life and time, life that is unfolding, past and future hidden, honor and commemoration.

Stones, shaped like tree stumps: woodman of the world.

Sun Setting: death.

Sun Shining/Rising: renewed life.

Urn: mourning.

Urn, draped: death, often of an older person.

Calla Lily: symbolizes marriage.

Daffodil: death of youth, desire, deep regard.

Dogwood: Christianity, triumph of eternal life.

Fern: sincerity, sorrow.

Flower: frailty of life.

Ivy: memory, immortality, friendship, fidelity, faithfulness, undying affection, eternal life.

Grapes: represent Christ.

Grapes and Leaves: Christian faith.

Holly: foresight.

Laurel Leaves: special achievement, distinction, success, triumph.

Lily: majesty, innocence, purity and resurrection.

Oak Tree: hospitality, stability, strength, honor, eternity, endurance, liberty.

Rose: love, beauty, hope, unfailing love. Whether a rose is a bud, flower or somewhere in between indicates how old the person was at time of death.

Tree: tree of life.

Tree, severed branch: mortality.

Vine: the sacraments, God’s blood, God.

Weeping Willow: nature’s lament, a symbol of sorrow and mourning.

Wheat: resurrection, bread and wine, fertility.

Wheat, sheaves: the aged.

April 25, 2024