Cemetery Iconoggraphy

Memento Mori is Latin for Remember that you die or you must die is often depicted with skulls, clocks, hourglasses, extinguished candles or flowers. It is meant as a reflection of human mortality.

Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last symbolizing the beginning and the end. From Revelations 22:13 God is saying  "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." 

An anchor on a headstone today usually symbolizes someone who has served in the Navy, Fishermen or anyone who spent much of their time at sea. Historically it can be a tribute to St. Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Seamen. When depicted with a broken chain it usually credits "end of life." Also Ship or boats could accompany the anchor or be depicted alone. 

Angels are usually one of the most common images seen in cemeteries especially pertaining to religious beliefs and spirituality. Angels are the messengers of God. It was an Angel who guarded the tomb of Jesus. They are often used to represent the safe passage of one's soul to heaven. They are seen in many different poses as well. Sometimes cherubs are seen on the graves of children while a weeping Angel signifies an untimely death.

Flowers can symbolize the beauty and yet the briefness of life. They are a sign of remembrance as well which is why the tradition of bringing flowers to a grave became popular. There are even different meanings for different types of flowers. 

Buds are often used for children to symbolize a life cut short as well as daisies. 

Calla Lily symbolizes beauty or marriage. 

Clover with its three leaves depicts the Holy Trinity; God the Father, Son & Holy Ghost. 

Daffodil can symbolize rebirth or resurrection. 

Evening Primrose on a grave can represent eternal love, memory, youth, hope or sadness. 

A fern can mean humility. 

Sunflower were often used through the Catholic faith to depict someone who was truly devout in their practice. 

The Thistle is associated with earthly sorrow and hardships. 

A Laurel wreath symbolizes victory, eternity or immortality because their leaves do not wilt or fade. 

Morning Glories represent the Resurrection of Christ. 

The rose is commonly used to show beauty but is anything but common. Roses are the flowers of Queens, known for their fragrance, has been a symbol of love for millennia.

A single hand pointing down depicts God's outstretched hand coming through the clouds from heaven to man. 

A hand pointing upwards indicated the belief in the soul rising to heaven. Two fingers pointing up represented a man of the clergy. 

Hands together usually meant two people; one living, one departed yet joined together.

Animals seem to have the most connection with man as we share the  connection of life & death. But, like flowers, each animal signifies a different meaning.  

A donkey or Ass is a symbol of humility, patience or poverty. It was ridden by Jesus into Jerusalem but was also present for His humble beginnings and birth in the stable. Often depicted in the Nativity. 

A bear depicts reforming or regeneration of non-believers. 

While we all love cats, in ancient times a cat on a headstone meant laziness, lust, darkness or Satan. Today it probably signifies that you are waking through a pet cemetery. 

Like cats, dogs may depict a beloved pet but are also a sign of loyalty, fidelity, vigilance or watchfulness. Cerberus, a three headed dog is said to guard the door to the afterlife. 

Horses can mean all sorts of things depending on color or stance.  White horse means good while black means evil. They're seen to be bringers of life as well as death. Today it usually just means that the person who has passed had a love for horses.

Lambs can symbolize youth or innocence and are commonly used for children's graves. This is true even to this day. 

A lion on the other hand is used to show courage and strength. But it also represents royalty. Lions are often seen guarding the entrances to tombs and mausoleums.

A butterfly represents the three stages of life: Life, Death and Resurrection. Meanwhile a dragonfly means immortality and regeneration.

A crane is a symbol of vigilance and loyalty while a dove holding an olive branch symbolizes God's eternal promise.

The eagle, which represents strength and power is the symbol of America. But in funerary art symbolizes rebirth and resurrection.  A two headed eagle can symbolize power and respect.

An owl can mean wisdom, solitude or watchfulness. Sometimes owls are seen as a guide to those who are in darkness.

Snakes biting their own tail is a symbol of immortality, rejuvenation and eternity. 

Hebrew words, "po nikbar:" meaning, "Here lies" 

The seven stemmed candlestick called the Menorah, the Star of David and the Yahrtzeit (an oil lamp with floating flame) are all common depictions of Jewish faith or heritage.

Everybody wants to be "part of the club." Since before the birth of our nation there have been secret societies. Groups of likeminded individuals, some good some not so good, who gather together for reasons unknown to the every-man. From the Freemasons & Odd Fellows to the Illuminati; secret meetings, handshakes, passwords and bylaws is the name of the game. So it makes perfect sense that you need the magic decoder ring just to figure out what their headstone says. 

The compass & the square are the most notable symbol for the Freemasons. The square implies that you are honest and fair while the compass stands for restraint. The letter G in the middle is a different story. To some it means Geometry and the the use of it in great architecture. While others believe the G stands for God. Many of the nations founding fathers were part of the Freemasons but it was an ideology that was brought over to the new world from England. It is believed to have its origins date all the way back to the late 1500's. The Knight's Templar  is said to have ties to the Order of the Freemasons as well. Their Emblem is almost always a Maltese cross containing a crown.

The Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks also known as The Elks Club was originally started off as a drinking club for men. Their headstones are marked with the emblem of an elk head in the center of a clock with roman numerals showing eleven o'clock, which is a sacred time for the group.

The American Legion is a group started for veteran services. Their emblem consists of Rays of the sun, a wreath, a star, two large rings, two small rings and the words American Legion. They are known for their patriotism, honor & service to country.

The Boy Scouts of America BSA is another group or club with a very long and rich history. Founded in 1910 by men who wanted to instill virtues and good values into the youth of the nation as well as teaching them basic outdoors life skills and the spirit of public service. Their emblem consists of a fleur-de-lis, an eagle and a shield. 

The symbol of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows IOOF consists of three links of chain representing friendship, love & truth. On grave markers the links are usually adorned with the letters FLT which stands for the Fraternity of Three Links. This group also shares the emblem of the 'All Seeing Eye" with other secret patriotic societies such as the Freemasons.