Memorial Symbolism
Religious and Spiritual Symbols
Alpha and Omega (ΑΩ): The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, representing God’s eternal nature, the beginning and the end, and Christ’s omnipresence
Anchor: Hope, steadfastness, and security in faith. Also, a subtle Christian symbol (disguised cross) or a direct reference to a seaman.
Angel:
- Weeping Angel: Grief, sorrow, mourning for the deceased
- Angel in Flight/Ascending Angel: The soul ascending to heaven, resurrection
- Trumpeting Angel: The call to resurrection or judgment day, divine announcement
- Guardian Angel: Protection, guidance, watching over the deceased
- Cherub/Baby Angel: Innocence, purity, commonly on children’s graves
Bible/Book: The Divine Word, wisdom, knowledge, a scholar, a life dedicated to faith. An open book can signify a life story still unfolding (for early deaths) or a life fully lived and openly read. A closed book means the life story is complete
Candle/Candle Flame: Life, the spirit, the soul. A snuffed or broken candle signifies loss of life or a life cut short. An upright burning candle represents eternal life or the enduring spirit
Chalice: The Eucharist, Holy Communion, often on the gravestones of priests or devout Catholics
Cross (Various Forms): The most universal Christian symbol, representing faith, sacrifice, and resurrection
- Latin Cross: The most common form, symbolizing Christianity
- Celtic Cross: Cross within a circle, symbolizing eternity and everlasting life, often with intricate knotwork; denotes Irish or British Isles heritage
- Calvary Cross (Latin cross on three steps): Represents faith, hope, and charity (love), or the hill of Golgotha
- Botonee Cross (Budded Cross): Trefoil (three-lobed) ends representing the Trinity
- Fleuree/Gothic Cross: Flared ends, representing the adult Christian, or royalty
- Ankh (Egyptian Cross): Ancient Egyptian symbol of life, adapted by Coptic Christians for everlasting life
- Jerusalem Cross (Crusader’s Cross): Five crosses, symbolizing Christ and the four Evangelists, or the five wounds of Christ
- Cross with Crown: Victory over death through Christ
- Cross with Rosary: Devout Catholic, prayer, devotion to the Virgin Mary
Crown: Glory, triumph, eternal reward, victory over death, righteousness. A crown of thorns signifies Christ’s suffering
Chi Rho (XP): Monogram for Christ’s name in Greek, symbolizing Christ and resurrection
Clouds: The divine abode, Heaven, the veil between worlds, spiritual ascent
Column/Pillar:
- Broken Column/Pillar: A life cut short, often signifying the death of a family head or someone in the prime of life
- Unbroken Column/Pillar: A complete and full life, strength, stability, noble life
- Column with Urn: A funerary sign, representing the soul and the body’s return to dust
Dove: Peace, purity, love, innocence (especially on children’s graves), resurrection, or the Holy Spirit. A dove in flight signifies the soul ascending to Heaven. An olive branch in a dove’s mouth symbolizes peace and forgiveness (from Noah’s Ark)
Eye (All-Seeing Eye/Eye of Providence): God’s omnipresence, watchful care, divine guidance, or the Trinity. Often enclosed in a triangle and surrounded by rays of light. (Also a common Masonic symbol)
Fish (Ichthys): A traditional Christian symbol for spiritual nourishment, faith, or simply that the deceased was a Christian
Fleur-de-lis: Purity, royalty, often associated with the Virgin Mary or the Trinity
Grapes and Vine: Christ and his followers, the Church, unity, the blood of Christ, resurrection
Harp: Heavenly music, praise to God, hope of heaven, spiritual harmony. Sometimes indicates Irish heritage
IHS/JHS: Abbreviation for “Iesus Hominum Salvator” (Jesus, Savior of Mankind) or the first three letters of Christ’s name in Greek (iota-eta-sigma)
Lamb: Innocence, gentleness, purity, most commonly used on the gravestones of infants or children. Associated with the “Lamb of God” (Jesus). A sleeping lamb signifies peace and innocence.
Ladder: The scale of perfection, ascent to heaven, spiritual progress
Lily: Purity, innocence, chastity, resurrection
- Calla Lily: Marriage, fidelity, purity, resurrection
- Lily of the Valley: Innocence, humility, sweetness
Menorah: Seven-branched candlestick, a Jewish symbol for the divine presence of God
Open Gates/Archway: Passage into the next life, the deceased’s soul entering Heaven, a triumphant entry into Heaven
Palm Branch/Frond: Victory over death, triumph, divine blessing, eternal life, or martyrdom
Phoenix: Resurrection, eternal life, triumph of life over death, renewal
Praying Hands: Prayer, devotion, submission, and obedience to God, faith, a life of piety
Pyramid: Eternity, resurrection, spiritual attainment (especially popular in the 1880s-1930s)
Rainbow: Union, fulfillment of the promise of resurrection, a bridge between heaven and earth
Rose: Love, beauty, virtue, purity, and the fragility of life
- Rosebud: A child or youth whose life was cut short (life not fully bloomed)
- Partial Bloom: A teenager
- Full Bloom: An adult, often in their early to mid-twenties
- Broken Rose/Stem: A life cut short
- Intertwined Roses: A strong bond between two people, e.g., spouses or mother and child who died simultaneously
- Wreath of Roses: Heavenly joy and bliss, eternal love
Scallop Shell: Pilgrimage, baptism, resurrection, life everlasting
Scroll: The book of life, unfolding life, honor, remembrance, divine decree. If both ends are rolled up, it can mean a life of uncertain length, with past and future hidden.
Serpent (Ouroboros): A serpent swallowing its own tail, symbolizing eternity, cyclic renewal, spiritual striving
Star: Guidance, hope, eternity, immortality, spiritual light
- Star of David (Magen David): The most recognized symbol of Judaism, divine protection
- Five-Pointed Star: Can represent the life of Christ, the five wounds of Christ, or spiritual light rising to heaven, or a single person
- Six-Pointed Star (Other than Star of David): Divine creation, balance
- Seven-Pointed Star: Perfection, God’s completeness
- Morning Star: Hope, the advent of Christ, the resurrection
Sun (Rising): Renewed life, resurrection, hope, the dawn of a new day
Sun (Setting/Setting behind clouds): Death, the end of earthly life
Thistle: Sorrow, remembrance, earthly pain, or Scottish ancestry
Torch (Upright/Lit): Life, eternal life, enlightenment, the enduring spirit
Torch (Inverted/Extinguished but still burning): Death, but with the hope of life after death, or a life extinguished too soon
Tree: Life, knowledge, human frailty, eternal life
- Tree Stump: A life interrupted or cut short (often for someone who died young). Also a symbol for Woodmen of the World members.
- Weeping Willow: Mourning, sorrow, grief, remembrance, everlasting life
- Oak Tree/Leaves: Strength, endurance, faith, virtue, longevity, wisdom
- Cypress Tree: Hope, sorrow, mourning
- Evergreen (e.g., Pine, Fir): Eternal life, immortality
Trumpet/Horns: Announcing the resurrection or the day of judgment
Urn: The soul, immortality, penitence, or a general symbol of mourning and the containment of earthly remains. Often draped to signify sorrow.
Wheel: The cycle of life, enlightenment, spiritual power, providence
Human and Life-Related Symbols
Acorn: Potential, strength, prosperity, new life, growth, from small beginnings come great things
Arrow/Quiver: Mortality, martyrdom, a life cut short. A broken arrow signifies a life taken suddenly.
Baby’s Chair/Cradle: An unfulfilled life, a child now gone, often with small shoes, signifying the inability to achieve adulthood
Bell: Religious faith, religion, mourning (toll of a bell), the passage of time
Bird (General): Eternal life, spirituality, Messenger of God, peace. A flying bird can signify rebirth.
- Cardinal: A beloved one who has passed is visiting, spiritual messenger, hope, renewal, vibrant life
- Doves (Specific): See above entry under “Religious and Spiritual Symbols”
- Swallow: Motherhood, the spirit of children, consolation, rebirth, the return of spring
- Eagle: Courage, strength, immortality, soaring spirit, freedom
- Robin: Renewal, new beginnings
Butterfly: Resurrection, transformation, a short life, the soul
Chain (Broken): The family circle has been severed by death, or a life cut short.
Cherries/Cherry Tree: Sweetness, love, often associated with childhood or purity
Clock (Stopped): The march of time, usually stopped at the hour of death, or life has ceased
Coffin/Sarcophagus: Mortality, the physical end
Comb (Broken): The head of the family has passed (from “comb of the family” in some traditions)
Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty): Abundance, nourishment, a fruitful life, prosperity, generosity
Door/Gateway: Passage into the afterlife, heavenly entrance
Dolphin: Salvation, bearer of souls to Heaven, portrays resurrection, swiftness
Drapery/Shroud: Sorrow, mourning, the veil between earth and heaven. If a flag, it may signify military service or death in battle.
Drum: Military honor, a call to eternity
Easel: An artist or painter
Feather: Immortality, innocence, faith, lightness, the soul’s flight
Fruit/Fruits: Eternal plenty, the “fruit of life,” good deeds, the harvest of a life well-lived
Garland/Wreath: Victory over death, eternity, remembrance, glory, honor
Grim Reaper/Figure with Dart/Scythe: Mortality, the inevitability of death, the final harvest (associated with Father Time, more common on older stones)
Hair (Braided or Woven): Eternal love, remembrance
Hands:
- Clasped Hands: Farewell, hope of reunion in eternity, a strong bond (between spouses if sleeves differ), friendship, brotherhood
- Pointing Upward: The soul’s passage to Heaven, the deceased found heavenly reward
- Pointing Downward: God reaching down for the soul, or calling the earth to witness, or the end of earthly life
- Blessing Hand: A blessing from God or the deceased
- Heart in Hand: Cheerful giving (Odd Fellows symbol)
Heart: Love, devotion, joy, mortality, the center of emotion. A flaming heart signifies extreme religious fervor or passion. A heart with thorns represents Christ’s suffering, victory, and love. Two joined hearts on a stone mark a marriage.
Horse/Horseshoe: Protection, good luck, love of horses, or cavalry service
Hourglass: The swift passage of time, the shortness of life on earth. A winged hourglass signifies the swift flight of time. An hourglass on its side means time has stopped.
Keys: Spiritual knowledge, keys to heaven (St. Peter), a learned person, knowledge of the scriptures, or a master of a trade
Knotwork (Interlacing): Eternity, endless love, spiritual connection (especially Celtic)
Lamp/Lantern: Knowledge, spiritual immortality, enlightenment, guiding light
Labyrinth: The passage of life, a spiritual journey, eternity
Laurel Wreath: Victory over death, distinction in arts, literature, athletics, or military, honor
Lion: Courage, strength, protection of the tomb, resurrection, ferocity
Mirror: Reflection of life, vanity, self-awareness
Moon and Stars: Heavenly home, the never-failing order of nature, the celestial realm
Musical Instruments (e.g., Lyre, Lute): Love of music, heavenly music, sorrow
Owl: Wisdom, nocturnal vigilance
Parchment: Knowledge, learning, or a life story
Pitcher or Ewer: Traditional Jewish symbol on a man’s gravestone, signifying a Levite (responsible for cleaning the hands of Temple Priests, who wash the hands of the Kohanim/Priests)
Pinecone: Immortality, enlightenment, spiritual regeneration
Plumb and Level: Balance, equality, integrity
Rainbow: Hope, new beginnings, the bridge to heaven
Ram’s Horn (Shofar): A Jewish symbol, used in religious ceremonies, represents the call to repentance or the resurrection
Rising Sun: Rebirth, new life, resurrection, hope
Rod or Staff: Comfort for the bereaved, divine support
Skull/Winged Death’s Head: Mortality, the inevitability of death. A winged skull symbolized the deceased ascending to Heaven (more common on older gravestones, 17th-18th century).
Snake (Coiled): Wisdom, healing, eternity
Sundial: Nearness of death, time’s passage
Sword/Crossed Swords: Military service, courage, a life of honor. Crossed swords can mean death in battle or a military person of high rank.
Tablets (Two): The Ten Commandments, signifying a righteous life or Jewish faith
Teddy Bear: Innocence, childhood, love, often for a child’s grave
Temple: A noble life, permanence, a house of God, a sacred structure
Train/Locomotive: A railroad worker, or life’s journey
Trumpet: The call to resurrection, the Day of Judgment
Urn: The soul, immortality, penitence, or a general symbol of mourning and the containment of earthly remains. Often draped to signify sorrow.
Vase: Containing flowers, represents remembrance, a vessel for the spirit
Vines: Everlasting life, Christ as the vine
Flower & Plant Symbols
Acacia: Immortality of the soul, enduring love
Anemone: Frailty, brevity of life, anticipation
Artichoke: Hope, promise, devotion
Bells (Bluebell, Canterbury Bell): Humility, constancy, remembrance
Carnation: Love, fascination, distinction. Pink Carnation: Mother’s love. Red Carnation: Admiration. White Carnation: Pure love, innocence.
Chrysanthemum: Cheerfulness, rest, devotion. In some cultures, associated with death.
Clover/Shamrock: The Trinity, hope, faith, charity. Denotes Irish heritage.
Columbine: Fidelity, peace
Corn: Harvest, sustenance, a fruitful life
Crocus: Youthful gladness, cheerfulness
Daffodil: Unrequited love, regard, chivalry, death of youth
Daisy: Innocence of a child, purity of thought, new beginnings
Dandelion: Faithfulness, happiness
Dogwood: Christian sacrifice, resurrection (due to the shape of its petals resembling a cross)
Fern: Sincerity, humility, solitude, new life
Forget-Me-Not: Remembrance, true love
Four-Leaf Clover: Good luck, hope, faith, love, happiness
Foxglove: Insincerity, but also protection and healing
Fuchsia: Humble love, elegance
Geranium: Steadfastness, true friendship
Gladiolus: Strength of character, sincerity
Honeysuckle: Bonds of love, devotion, affection
Hyacinth: Playfulness, sport. Purple Hyacinth: Sorrow
Iris: Faith, hope, wisdom, valor
Ivy: Fidelity, friendship, immortality, eternal life, attachment
Jasmine: Grace, elegance, purity
Laurel: Glory, triumph, honor, victory over death
Lavender: Devotion, serenity, purification, remembrance
Lily (Specific):
- Easter Lily: Resurrection, purity
- Tiger Lily: Wealth, pride
- White Lily: Purity, innocence, sympathy
Lotus: Purity, spiritual awakening, rebirth (often seen in Eastern-influenced designs)
Magnolia: Dignity, nobility, perseverance
Marigold: Grief, despair, but also remembrance
Morning Glory: Affection, mortality, the brevity of life (blooms in morning, fades by evening)
Myrtle: Undying love, peace, fidelity
Narcissus: Self-love, new beginnings, rebirth
Olive Branch: Peace, forgiveness, the soul departed in peace with God, reconciliation between God and man
Orchid: Love, beauty, luxury, strength
Pansy: Remembrance, loving thoughts
Passionflower: The Passion of Christ (symbolizes the crucifixion)
Peony: Honor, prosperity, bashfulness
Periwinkle: Pleasant memories, friendship, immortality
Pine/Pinecone: Immortality, eternal life, spiritual regeneration
Poppy: Eternal sleep, death, peace, remembrance (especially for soldiers)
Primrose: Early youth, hope
Rosemary: Remembrance
Sunflower: Adoration, longevity, loyalty
Sweet Pea: Departure, pleasure
Thistle: Sorrow, remembrance, pain, Scottish ancestry
Thyme: Courage, strength
Tulip: Perfect love. Red Tulip: True love. Yellow Tulip: Cheerful thoughts
Violet: Modesty, humility, faithfulness. Blue Violet: Faithfulness. White Violet: Innocence. Yellow Violet: Modest worth
Wheat: Old age, a fruitful life, the divine harvest
Yew: Immortality, regeneration, resurrection
Occupational, Affiliation, and Fraternal Symbols
Anchor: Seaman, naval service
Anvil and/or Hammer: Blacksmith or ironworker
Axe: Logger, woodcutter, or can symbolize a life cut short
Caduceus (often confused with Rod of Asclepius): Historically commerce and messengers; mistakenly widely used for medical professions
Carpenter’s Tools (Square, Compass, Ruler): Carpenter, builder, or Masonic association
Chemist’s Flasks/Retort: Chemist, pharmacist
Doctor’s Bag/Medical Cross: Physician, medical professional
Farmer’s Tools (Plow, Scythe, Sheaf of Wheat): Farmer, agricultural worker
Firefighter Maltese Cross: Protection, honor, bravery, selflessness of a firefighter
Gavel: Judge, lawyer, leader
Hourglass with Wings: Flight of time, brevity of life (often a Masonic symbol too)
Lighthouse: Guidance, safe passage home, a beacon
Lyre: Musician, poet
Masonic Symbols (Freemasons):
- Square and Compasses: Morality, integrity, wisdom, and the balance between earthly and spiritual responsibilities
- Letter ‘G’: God (Grand Architect of the Universe) and Geometry
- All-Seeing Eye: God’s watchful eye, divine providence
- Plumb: Uprightness, integrity
- Level: Equality among all men
- Trowel: Spreading the “cement” of brotherly love
- Acacia Branch: Immortality of the soul
Military Emblems (Swords, Flags, Specific Branch Insignia, Rank Insignia): Indicates military service. Crossed swords can mean death in battle.
Nursing Lamp/Cap: Nurse, caregiver
Order of the Eastern Star (OES): A women’s auxiliary to Freemasonry. A five-pointed star with a pentagon in the center, often containing an altar with an open Bible. Each point of the star has a specific meaning (Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, Electa).
Printer’s Stick/Typeset: Printer, journalist
Scales: Justice, law, a merchant. Can also represent the weighing of souls by the Archangel Michael.
Ship/Sailboat: Mariner, naval service, or life’s journey
Train/Locomotive: Railroad worker
Animals and Creatures
Ant: Industry, hard work
Bee: Industry, immortality, resurrection
Beaver: Industry, perseverance
Cat: Independence, domesticity
Deer: Piety, devotion, gentleness; deep connection to nature, hunting, or a love for the outdoors
Dog: Loyalty, faithfulness, a good master
Dragon: Power, protection
Eagle: Courage, strength, immortality, soaring spirit, freedom
Fish: Christian symbol (Ichthys), spiritual nourishment
Fox: Cunning, cleverness
Frog: Resurrection, new beginnings
Griffin: Guardian, protector
Horse: Fidelity, loyalty, swiftness
Lamb: Innocence, purity, especially for children
Lion: Courage, strength, protection of the tomb, kingly power
Owl: Wisdom, nocturnal vigilance
Raven: Wisdom, death, mourning
Rooster: Awakening, resurrection, vigilance
Snail: Perseverance, slow but steady progress
Snake (Coiled): Wisdom, healing, eternity
Spider: Diligence, fate
Squirrel: Foresight, provision
Turtle: Longevity, wisdom
Unicorn: Purity, innocence
Wolf: Loyalty, cunning