ARCHITECTURAL
Archways, doors and gates: passageway into the next life
Benches: places of contemplation for mourners
Pillar or column, broken: life cut short or sudden death
ANIMALS
Bat: death; misfortune
Lamb: meekness, gentleness, innocence; God’s flock; most popular on children’s graves
Phoenix: resurrection
CLOTHING
Shoes, empty, one overturned: loss of a child
FIGURES
Angels, dropping flowers on grave: grief, mourning
Angels, pointing to heaven: rejoicing
Baby or child, naked: new life, innocence, purity
FRUITS, NUTS AND THE HARVEST
Acorn: strength, independence
Fruit: eternal plenty
Pineapple: welcome; perfection
Wheat: harvest, prosperity; deceased of full years
HANDS AND FINGERS
Forefinger pointing up: soul has gone to heaven
Handshake: God’s welcome into heaven and farewell to earthly existence
INITIALS
AAONMS: Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Masonic)
AASR: Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Masonic)
BPOE: Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
FOE: Fraternal Order of Eagles
IHC, IHS: the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek
IOOF: Independent Order of Odd Fellows
K of C: Knights of Columbus
MORTALITY
Bone: death
Candle: life
Clock: the march of time; usually stopped at hour of death
Winged death’s head: mortal remains of the deceased
OCCUPATIONS AND CRAFTS
Church with steeple: minister
Horses, two heads: International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America
Scales of justice: lawyer
ORNAMENTAL
Basket: maternal body; fertility
Shield: protection; faith; defense of the spirit
TREES, PLANTS AND FLOWERS
Oak leaves: strength of faith
Olive tree or branch: reconciliation between God and man; peace
Thistle: Scottish heritage
Tree stump: life cut short, often members of Woodmen of the World
From the November 2002 issue of Family Tree Magazine
