Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
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[[Image:finger.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Hand--if it reaches downward it is the hand of God or pointing upward to heaven]] | [[Image:finger.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Hand--if it reaches downward it is the hand of God or pointing upward to heaven]] | ||
Revision as of 20:53, 11 October 2010
GRAVESTONE ART. Between 1840 and 1905 symbols used on grave markers were a common language to visitors in cemeteries. The symbols were designed to show ideas about the character and attitudes of the deceased. This language is gradually being lost. The symbols described below are only a few of the many once used.
Alpha and Omega--the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet symbolizing the beginning and end of life
Angel--a guide to heaven
Anvil--symbolizing the creation of the universe
Arch--passage to heaven
Arrow--Christian symbol of the sure salvation of the soul
Artillery--military service
Beehive--often used by the Free masons symbolizing faith, education and domestic values
Bible--indicates the deep Christian belief of the person, often used on graves of clergy
Bird--messenger of God
Boat--voyage, crossing over to the other side
Bones--death, decay
Broken Bud or Branch--symbol of someone who died an untimely death
Broken Chain--loss in the family
Broken Wheel--a break in the cycle of life
Butterfly--short life or resurrection
Century Plant--everlasting life
Chain--a full chain represents a family, a broken chain shows the loss of a person
Circle--eternal life
Clock--time has run out for this person
Coffin--symbol of mortality and death
Column--with a capital showed that the person had lived to the expected age of 70, a shorter column indicated that the person had died earlier
Corn--fertility
Cornucopia--symbol of an abundant life
Cross--promise of salvation
Daisy--symbol of innocence
Dog--vigilance, watchfulness, loyalty
Dove--represents the Holy Spirit or a messenger of God
Hammer--power of creation
Harp--symbol of joy
Hour Glass--indication that time has run out for the dead
Ivy--friendship
Keys--spiritual power on earth and in heaven
Lamp--the light of eternal life, wisdom
Lion--courage
Lotus--symbol of creation and rebirth
Moon or Star or Sun--a heavenly body meaning that the dead has gone to heaven
Ox--patience and strength
Palm tree or frond--victory over death
Poppy--eternal sleep
Rabbit--humility, self-sacrifice
Rooster--vigilance
Scales--represent judgment
Shell--rebirth
Sickle--reaping of life
Soldier on Horse--two or more feet raised--death in battle, one leg raised off the ground--death from wounds in battle, standing with all four legs on the ground--natural death
Sun--soul rising to heaven
Sunflower--devotion to God
Swords--martyrdom
Torch--upside down meant death, most were shown lighted showing life after death
Thistle--earthly sorrow
Trumpet--symbol of judgment and resurrection
Wheel--symbol of old age, often shown broken representing death
Wreath--victory in death