Funerary Symbolism's are symbols chosen by the family to adorn the headstones, monuments and tombs of their loved ones. Families had many different symbols to choose from and many times combined one or more symbols to express their feelings for the family member buried in the tomb. Following is a list of the Funerary Symbols and their meanings.

ANCHOR: This symbol of hope has been found in the art of the catacombs.

THE CROSS AND ANCHOR: An early Christian symbol which refers to Christ as the hope we have - as an anchor of the soul, both sincere and steadfast. (Hebrews 6:19)

ANGEL: These "messengers of God" are very popular funerary imagery. They are often depicted escorting the deceased to heaven or mourning untimely death.

BROKEN COLUMN: Symbol of life cut short.

BROKEN FLOWER: Symbol of a life terminated

CLASPED HANDS: Symbol of unity and affection even after death

COLUMN: Universally associated with commemoration. The column was used most often as a war memorial.

CROSS: Symbol of faith and resurrection. Considered the perfect symbol of Christ's sacrifice. Common variations include the Latin, Greek, Celtic, and Russian or Easter cross. Popular for tombstone markers, crosses can be found on tombs in ironworks, and as freestanding and relief ornamentation.

FLOWERS: The symbol of human life and beauty. Individual associations include:

Daisy - Innocence
Lily - Purity
Calla lily - Marriage
Lily of the Valley - Purity & Humility
Pansy - Remembrance & Humility
Poppy - Sleep
Rose - Associated with the Virgin Mary.

The red rose symbolizes martyrdom.
The white rose symbolizes purity.

GOD/EYE OF GOD: Symbol of the omnipresence of God. The eye of God enclosed in a triangle represents the Trinity.
HANDS: Hands have a variety of symbols.

A hand with the index finger pointing upward symbolizes the hope of heaven.
Hands holding a chain with a broken link symbolize the death of a family member.
The hand of God plucking a link of the chain represents God bringing a soul unto him.
A hand holding a heart is a symbol of the Lodge of Oddfellows.

HEART: Symbol of love, courage, and intelligence. The flaming heart signifies extreme ardor while the heart encircled with thorns symbolizes the suffering of Christ. A heart pierced by a sword symbolizes the Virgin Mary, according to Simeon's prophecy to Mary at the birth of Christ, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul."

HOURGLASS: Symbol of the attribute of death and Father Time - The passage of time and the shortness of life.

LAMB: Symbol of Christ in his sacrificeal role and personifies innocence, gentleness,and humility.

MOURNING FIGURE: Typical early twentieth century funerary image.

OBELISK: Nineteenth century Egyptian revival decoration universally associated with commemoration.

TORCH: Originally a Greek symbol of life and truth, but the inverted torch of funerary art symbolizes death.

TREES:

Oak - Symbolizes the tree from which the cross was made. Oak has become the symbol of Christ.
Palm - Originally a symbol of military victory, the palm was adapted into Christianity as a symbol of Christ's victory over death. It is also viewed as an attribute of martydom and eternal peace.
Weeping Willow - A symbol of sorrow and mourning.

URN: Originating as a repository for the ashes of the dead in ancient times, the urn has evolved into a popular symbol of mourning.

WREATH: Originating as an ancient symbol of victory, the wreath was adopted into the Christian religion representing the victory of the redemption. It is now a common memorial symbol

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Information and graphics for this page are derived from an article published in ANCESTRY.COM Magazine, September/October 1999, Vol. 17, No. 5. Compiled by Sharlene Rogers Babb. Originally published in "A Tale of Mid-Cities", Vol. 20, No. 1,. Fall, 1998.