This article appeared in the Family Chronicle • March/April 2007. A special Thanks
to the Magazine, Halvor Morrshead the Editor & Publisher and the Author
Kathleen Shanahan Maca for allowing its use on the Dubois County Web Page.
Two or three books may indicate a Latter-day Saint's burial, and Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants.
• Celtic cross — faith, eternity
• Clouds — awakening to resurrection
• Crown — glory of life after death, victory, leadership, distinction; symbol of Christ's crown
• Cross with crown — sovereignty of the Lord
• Cup or chalice — the sacraments
• Flame — everlasting life
• Heart, flaming — religious fervor
• Heart pierced by the sword — Virgin Mary, Christ, repentance
• Heart wrapped in thorns —promise of heavenly assistance
• Harp — praise to the Maker, hope
• Heart — love, love of God
• IHS — eternity, Christian In His Service"
Menorah divine wisdom; usually on tomb of a "righteous" woman
• Obelisk — rebirth, connection between heaven and earth
• Olive branch —peace, forgiveness
• Open gates — soul entering heaven
• Pyramid — resurrection enlightenment
• Rock — permanence, stability Lord
• Rope circle — eternity
• Snake with tail in mouth — everlasting life in heaven
• Star of David — unity, transformation
• Steps (three-tiered) — faith, hope and charity
Fraternal/Professional Icons
Probably the most common emblems on gravestones in North America refer to the fraternal
organizations of the Masons and the Woodmen of the World. Each has numerous variations, with
specific meanings. Other associations and professions also have representative symbols.
Anchors/ships — hope or seafaring profession
Cannon — military service
Cog wheel — Rotary International
' Compass and set square —Freemasons, judgment
' Crescent — inverted, with saber and Egyptian head Shriners
Crossed axes with MWA
Modern Woodmen of America
Crossed swords — high-ranking military person, or life lost in battle
• Double eagle with "32" — Scottish Rite (32nd degree)
Dove holding chain, with inside crescent moon — Daughters of Rebekah
• Eagle — courage, faith, military
• Flag — military, patriotism
• Helmet — military service, strength
• Stars and Stripes around eagle — vigilance, liberty
Then there are the images that fall into their own categories, such as hands. Clasped hands (like a
handshake) appear regularly on mid-19 century stones. But look
closely at the sleeves. If they
appear to be the same, the image refers to the goodbyes said at death, and devotion to the
departed. If one is feminine and one masculine, it means that the person was married, and will
either see their mate again in heaven or is joining them there. It's all in the details.
Pointing may not be polite, but it can be revealing. A single finger pointing up, of course,;
refers to the journey to heaven. If two fingers are pointing skyward, it suggests that the deceased
was a member of the clergy. Fingers pointing down call the observer to reflect upon their earthly
existence. Other fingers may be breaking a link in a chain, signifying the end of a life.
Numerous other signs lie in the markers of graveyards, each with their own secrets. They offer
worthwhile clues to the sometimes mysterious puzzles of our ancestors' lives. So the next time you
walk through a ceme tery, look beyond the names and dates. The answers you are searching for
may already be set in stone.