Genealogy

Cemetery Art  (3)

Pike County,

Indiana
 

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 Pike 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 lookclosely 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.

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