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Cemetery and Tombstone Symbols |
| Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the County Coordinator. | |
| Here is a list of common (and not so common) tombstone symbols. | |
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Gravestone Symbolism |
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| Religious: Angels - Angels mean spirituality and they guard the tomb. Bible - A single Holy Bible is often found on Christian stones. Holy Books (2) - on Mormon headstones indicates the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Holy Books (3) - on Mormon Headstones, these indicate The Scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants. Chalice - Usually used to represent the Sacraments. Crescent - the deceased was probably a Muslim. Crown - The soul's achievement and the Glory of life after death. Cross - the Cross is an emblem of faith. There are many different types of crosses and each may mean something different. Heart (Sacred) - Usually found in Catholic cemeteries, this heart refers to the suffering of Christ for our sins. Menorah - An emblem of Judaism Star of David or Mogen David - Recognized as the international symbol of Judaism. Mortality: Arrow - Mortality Broken Column - This image represents the decay. It usually represents the loss of the Family head. Candle being Snuffed - Loss of life. Coffin - mortality. Figure with Dart - Mortality Grim Reaper - Death personified. Hourglass - Time has run out. Scythe - An instrument of the harvest, death cuts us down. Skull and or Skull/ Crossed Bones - Death. Spade or Crossed Spade and Shovel - Death Trade and Occupation: (emblems that MIGHT indicate a person's occupation in life) Barber Bowl (for bleeding) & Razor. Butcher - an axe, steel knife and cleaver. Farmer: - Coulter (type of hoe), flail (threshing implement), swingletree (rod for beating flax), stalk of corn. Gardener - Rake & Spade. Mason - Wedge & Level Mariner: - Anchor, Sextant & Cross Staff. Merchant - Scales, some type of sign. Minister - Bible Shoemaker - Leather cutter's Knife, Nippers, Sole cutter & Awl Smith - Crown, Hammer & Anvil Teacher - Open Book. Weaver - Loom, Shuttle & Stretchers. Wright - (a worker skilled in the manufacture especially of wooden objects --usually used in combination - Compasses Resurrection, Eternal Life, Immortality: Angel, Flying or Trumpeting - Rebirth; Resurrection. Bird or Bird Flying - Eternal life, Resurrection. Cross: - The Cross means resurrection to many Christians. Dove, Flying - Resurrection. Flame, Light, Lamp or Torch: - Immortality of the Spirit, Resurrection. Garland or Wreath - Symbol of saintliness and glory, Victory in death. Horns -- The Resurrection Ivy - Immortality Rooster- Awakening; Resurrection. Star - Death could not overpower the Light of the Spirit which still shines in the darkness. Sun - A symbol of light and warmth, renewed life and life everlasting. Trumpeters -- Harbingers of the Resurrection Urn - Immortality (The storing of the vital organs was of extreme importance to the ancient Egyptians who believed that life would be restored through the vital organs placed in the urn). Animals: Birds - Eternal life or resurrection. Butterfly - Short-life. Dog - Implies a good master worthy of love. Dove - Seen in both Christian and Jewish cemeteries, the dove means innocence and/ or peace. Lamb - Usually marks the grave of a child and means Innocence. Lion - The Lion's eternal watch guards the tomb and stands for Courage. Rooster - Awakening; Resurrection. Plants: Fruits -- Eternal plenty as in the fruit of life. Full-Blown Rose - The deceased died in the prime of life Ivy -- Ivy stands for friendship and also immortality. Laurel -- A symbol of worldly accomplishment and heroism. Lily - The virgins' flower and also the symbol of innocence and purity. Morning Glory - Signifies the beginning of Life Oak., Oak Leaves and Acorn - Oak leaves on tombs can stand for power, authority or victory. Often seen on Military tombs. Palm Branch - Signifies Victory and Rejoicing Poppy - Eternal Sleep. Roses - Roses signify completion and the brevity of earthly existence. Rosemary - Rosemary is for remembrance. Thistles can also stand for remembrance. Thistle - Deceased was of Scottish descent. Tree or Trees A Tree stands for life. A Tree Sprouting stands for life everlasting. Tree Trunk stands for the brevity of life. Stones shaped liked Tree Stumps usually signify that the deceased was a member of The Woodmen of the World Weeping Willow Tree - Perpetual Mourning; Grief. Wheat Strands or Sheaves - The divine harvest. Miscellaneous: Broken Ring -- The family circle has been severed. Cherub - Cherubs are angelic and signify innocence. Crossed Swords - Military person of high rank. Hands in cemeteries are usually in one of the following four positions; clasping, praying, pointing, and blessing. Hand, Pointing Up - Pathway to heaven. Hands, Clasped - Farewells or the bond of marriage Hands, Praying - Asking God for Eternal life. Hands, Blessing - Blessing of those left behind. Harp - Praise to the God. Heart - Love. Stylized hearts stand for the affection of the living for the dead. Two joined hearts on a stone mark a marriage, Rod or Staff - Comfort for the bereaved. Stars and Stripes Around Eagle -- Eternal vigilance and liberty. Often seen on military markers. Urn with Flame -- Undying remembrance Initials of Fraternal Organizations: AOH- Ancient Order of Hibernians BPOE- Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks CAR- Children of the American Revolution DAR- Daughters of the American Revolution FOE- Fraternal Order of Eagles FOP- Fraternal Order of Police F&AM- Free and Accepted Masons GAR- Grand Army of the Republic I.O.R.M.- Improved Order of Red Men IOF- Independent Order of Foresters IOOF- Independent Order of Odd Fellows IOJD- International Order of Job's Daughters J.O.A.M.- Junior Order of American Mechanics J.O.U.A.M.- Junior Order of United American Mechanics K.of C.- Knights of Columbus K.of P.- Knights of Pythias KT- Knights Templar LOM- Loyal Order of Moose M.W.A. Modern Woodmen of America N.O.W. Neighbors of Woodcraft RA- Royal Academy RA- Royal Arcanum R.A.M.- Royal Arch Masons *R.N.A. Royal Neighbors of America SAR- Sons of the American Revolution S.F.W.C. Supreme Forest Woodmen Circle U.S.A.- United States Army U.S.A.F.- United States Air Force U.S.M.C.- United States Marine Corp U.S.N.- United States Navy YMCA- Young Men's Christian Association YWCA- Young Women's Christian Association W.C. Woodmen Circle W.O.W. Woodmen of the World W.O.W. Women of Woodcraft FRATERNAL ACRONYMS: AAONMS Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Masonic) ("The Shriners") AASR Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Masonic) ABA American Benefit Association AF&AM Ancient Free and Accepted Masons AMD Allied Masonic Degree AMORC Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (Rosicrucian's) AMOS Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans (see IOOF) AOF Ancient Order Of Foresters AOH Ancient Order Of Hibernians AOKMC Ancient Order Of Knights of Mystic Chain AOUW Ancient Order Of United Workmen ALOH American Legion of Honor APA American Protective Association AUM Ancient Order of Mysteries (MASONS) AUSA Association of the United States Army AUV Association of Union Veterans BARE Benefit Association Of Railway Employees BAY Brotherhood of American Yeomen BKA Benevolent Knights Association BKofM Black Knights of Molders BPOE Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks BPOEW Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World BofRTM Brotherhood of Rail Road Track Men BLE Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers BLF&E Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Engineers BRT Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen CBL Catholic Benevolent Legion CD of A Catholic Daughters of America CKofA Catholic Knights of America CMBA Catholic Mutual Benefit Association COOF Catholic Order of Foresters CTAS Catholic Total Abstinence Society CBKA Commandery Benevolent Knights Association CCTAS Crusaders-Catholic Total Abstinence Society DAC Daughters of the American Colonists DAR (NSDAR) National Society Daughters of the American Revolution DAV Disabled American Veterans D of A Daughters of America DoL Daughters of Liberty DAN Daughters of the Nile (Masonic) DOKK Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan (Knights of Pythias) DOLLUS Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States DUV Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War ECV E Clampus Vitus EAU Equitable Aid Union EBA Emerald Beneficial Association FAM Free and Accepted Masons F&AM Free and Accepted Masons FCB Knights of Pythias FLT Independent Order of Odd Fellows FOE Fraternal Order of Eagles FOAST Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers FOF Fraternal Order of Firefighters FOP Fraternal Order of Police GALSTPTR German American Legion of St. Peter GAR Grand Army of the Republic GLAUM Grand Lodge Ancient Order of Mysteries- Masonic Order GLDS Grand Lodge Daughters of Scotia GUOOF Grand United Order of Odd Fellows HZ Haro Zaro IBBH International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers ICBU Irish Catholic Benevolent Union IHSV Red Cross of Constantine IOA International Order of Alhambra IODE Independent Order, Daughters of the Empire IOGT International Order of Good Templars IOH Improved Order of Heptasophs IOHH International Order of Hoo-Hoo IOI Independent Order of Immaculate IOKP Independent Order of Knights of Pythias IOOF Independent Order of Odd Fellows IOOF-PM Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Past Master ISH Independent Sons of Honor IOStL Independent Order of St. Luke IOF Independent Order of Foresters IORM Improved Order of Redmen (Sons of Liberty) IOR Independent Order of Rechabites IOV International Order of Vikings IUOM Independent United Order of Mechanics IWW Industrial Workers of the World IOF Independent Order of Foresters IOOF Independent Order of Odd Fellows IOJD Independent Order of Job's Daughters IORG International Order of Rainbow Girls (Masonic) ISDA Italian Sons and Daughters of America JOAM Junior Order of American Mechanics JOUAM Junior Order of United American Mechanics JAOUW Junior Order-Ancient Order of United Workmen JOUAM Junior Order-Order of United American Mechanics KC Knights of Columbus KGC Knights of the Golden Chain KGC Knights of the Golden Circle KGE Knights of the Golden Eagle KGL Knight Grand Legion KLH Knights and Ladies of Honor KM Knights Militant (See KKK) KofC Knights of Columbus KofFM Knights of Father Matthew KFM Knights of Father Matthew KofH Knights of Honor KOL Knights of Labor KofL Knights of Loyola KM Knights of Malta (Masonic) KMC Knights of the Mystic Chain KOTM Knights of the Macabees KPC Knights of Peter Claver KofTM Knights of the Macabees KP Knights of Pythias KofP Knights of Pythias KSC Knights of St. Columbkille KG Knights of St. George KSTG Knights of St. George KSTI Knights of St. Ignatius KofSJ Knights of St. John KSTJ Knights of St. Joseph KSL Knights of St. Lawrence KSTM Knights of St. Martin KofSTP Knights of St. Patrick KSTP Knights of St. Paul KSTP Knights of St. Peter KSTT Knights of St. Thomas KofSTW Knights of St. Wenceslas KT Knights of Tabor KofT Knights of Tabor KT Knights Templars (Masonic) KWM Knights of Wise Men KGE Knights of Golden Eagle KHC Knights of Holy Cross KKK Knights of Klu-Klux Klan KOTM Knights of Macabees KSF Knights of Sherwood Forest LAOH Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians LDG Independent Order of Foresters LGAR Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic LKofA Loyal Knights of America LOL Loyal Order Orange Lodge (The Orange Order){Orange Men} LOM Legion of the MOOSE LOOM Loyal Order of the MOOSE LOVUS Legion of Valor of the United States MBS Mutual Benefit Society MOLLUS Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States MOOSE Loyal Order of the Moose MOPH Military Order of the Purple Heart MOVPER Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Mystic Realm (Grotto) (Masonic) MRA Royal Arcanum MCL Marine Corps League MWA Modern Woodmen of America NCOA Non-Commissioned Officers Association (Military Society) NEOP New England Order of Protection NOK New Order Knights (see KKK) NL Navy League NSDAR National Society Daughters of American Revolution NSSUP National Society Sons of Utah Pioneers NU National Union OofA Order of Amaranth (Masonic) OCF Order of Chosen Friends OofUF Order of United Friends OGC Order of the Golden Cross ODHS Des Schwestern Verbandes (Sisters of the Federation OES Order of the Eastern Star OSC Order of Scottish Clans (St. Andrew's Societies) OUAM Order of United American Mechanics PFofA Patriotic Friends of America PH The Order of Patrons of Husbandry (The Grange) PM Patriarchs Militant (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) POSA Patriotic Order of the Sons of America RA Royal Academy RA Royal Arcanum RAM Royal Arch Masons RC Republican Club RMOKHSJ The Religious and Military Order of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem RSGF Royal Society of Good Fellows RSM Royal and Select Masons ROJ Royal Order of Jesters (Masonic) RSTV Rite of St. Vaclara RSTV Rite of St. Vita RK Roman Knights RTT Royal Templars of Temperance SAR Sisters of the American Revolution SAR Sons of the American Revolution SBCL Saint Bonifazius Catholic Union SBL Society B. Lafayette SCV Sons of the Confederate Veterans SofE Sons of England SMAA Scandinavian Mutual Aid Association SNA-AUM Shrine of North America SR Scottish Rite (Masonic Order) SofSt.G Sons of St. George ST Sons of Temperance ST.G SoNY St. George's Society of New York SUVCW Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War SV Sons of Veterans of the United States of America TCL Tall Ceders of Lebanon (Masonic) TH Temple of Honor and Temperance-Independent Order of Odd Fellows TPLF Temple of Honor and Temperance, IOOF TROA The Retired Officer's Association UAOD United Ancient Order of Druids UCV United Confederate Veterans UDC United Daughters of the Confederacy UFL Union Fraternal League UFM United Friends of Michigan UOPF United Order of Pilgrim Fathers VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars WKSC White Knights of the Southern Cross (See KKK) WOW Woodmen of the World YMCA Young Men's Christian Association YWCA Young Women's Christian Association Initials after ancestors' names may provide useful information. The following list includes initials you may come across when reading old wills or other documents. a.a.s. died in the year of his/her age (anno aetitis suae) ( 86 y/o died in year 86) d.s.p. died without issue (decessit sine prole legitima) d.s.p.l. died without legitimate issue (decessit sine prole mascula supersita) d.s.p.m.s. died without surviving male issue (decessit sine prole mascula supersita) d.s.p.s died without surviving issue (decessit sine prole supersita) d.unm died unmarried d.v.p. died in the lifetime of his father (decessit vita patris) d.v.m. died in the lifetime of his mother (decessit vita matris) Et al and others (et alia) Inst present month (instans) Liber book or volume Nepos grandson Nunc Nuncapative will, an oral will, written by a witness Ob he/she died (obit) Rel. or Relict widow or widower (relicta/relictus) Res. or Residue widow or widower Sic so or thus, exact copy as written Testes witnesses Ult late (ultimo) Ux or vs wife (uxor) Viz namely (videlicet) |
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