Symbols on the stones
Old stones talk in pictures. Find the one you’re looking at and read what it traditionally means. It all loads with the page, so it works with no signal.
45 symbols, with their traditional meanings. Meanings vary by family and carver; the stone’s own words come first.
Mourning and farewell
- Weeping willowMourning and grief.
- Draped urnMourning; the soul’s departure from the body.
- Clasped handsFarewell, or reunion in the afterlife.
- Hand pointing downGod reaching down for the soul; sometimes a sudden death.
- PoppyEternal sleep, and remembrance.
Time and death
- Winged hourglassTime flies.
- Inverted torchA life extinguished.
- Broken columnA life cut short.
- ScytheDeath the reaper; a life cut down.
- Skull and crossbonesMortality; common on stones from the 1600s and 1700s.
- Death’s head (winged skull)Remember that you will die; early New England stones.
- Soul effigy (winged face)The soul flying to heaven.
Children and young lives
- LambInnocence; most often marks a child’s grave.
- CherubInnocence; often on a child’s grave.
- RosebudA child or young person, gone before full bloom.
- ButterflyResurrection; sometimes a short life.
Faith and the soul
- CrossChristian faith.
- Celtic crossChristian faith with Irish or Scottish roots.
- Star of DavidJewish faith.
- Blessing hands (thumbs touching)A Kohen, descended from the ancient Jewish priests.
- IHSThe first letters of Jesus’ name in Greek.
- ChaliceHoly Communion; often a priest’s grave.
- Praying handsDevotion; a prayer for eternal life.
- Open bookThe Book of Life, or scripture.
- DovePeace; the Holy Spirit; the soul at rest.
- AngelA guardian guiding the soul to heaven.
- TrumpetThe call to rise on Judgment Day.
- CrownVictory over death; the crown of glory.
- Hand pointing upThe soul has gone to heaven.
- Rising sunResurrection and renewal.
- Eye of ProvidenceThe eye of God watching over all; also Masonic.
- AnchorHope; sometimes a sailor’s grave.
Leaves and flowers
- IvyFriendship, faithfulness and undying memory.
- Oak leavesStrength, endurance and a long life.
- Wheat sheafA long, fruitful life; the harvest of old age.
- FernHumility and sincerity; a Victorian favorite.
- LilyPurity and resurrection.
- Laurel wreathVictory, honor and distinction.
Lodges and service
- Square and compassA Freemason.
- Three chain linksOdd Fellows: friendship, love and truth.
- Tree stump (Woodmen of the World)A Woodmen of the World member; also a life cut short.
- GAR starGrand Army of the Republic: a Union Civil War veteran.
- Elk head (BPOE)A member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
The stone itself
- ObeliskEternal life; an Egyptian Revival favorite.
- White bronze markerCast zinc, blue-gray; sold from the 1870s to about 1914.
Put them to use
Scan a stone in the Stamp Kit and Claude names the symbols it can see, with a link back here. Or hunt them down on a Tombstone Bingo card.