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Funerary
Symbolism
While
families chose the tomb type and style to be constructed, they also
chose the symbols they wanted to adorn the tomb or be inscribed on
the enclosure tablet (an enclosure tablet is found on the front of
the tomb and lists the names of the people buried in the tomb). Families
had many different symbols to chose from and many times combined one
or more of the following to express their feelings for the family
members buried in the tomb.
- Anchor
- this
early Christian symbol of hope has been found as funerary symbolism
in the art of the catacombs.
- The
"Cross and Anchor" - another early Christian
symbol referring to Christ as "hope we have as an anchor of
the soul, both sincere and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19).
- Angel
- these "messengers of god" are very
popular funerary imagery, often depicted escorting the deceased to
heaven or mourning untimely death.
- Broken
column - symbolizes life cut short.
- Broken
flower - symbolizes a life terminated.
- Clasped
hands - a symbol originating centuries ago, the clasped
hands symbolize unity and affection even after death.
- Column
- universally associated with commemoration. The column was used most
often as a war memorial.
- Cross
- symbolizes faith and resurrection and considered the perfect symbol
of Christ's sacrifice in the Christian religion. Common variations
include the Latin cross, the Greek cross, the Celtic cross, and the
Russian or Eastern cross. Popular for tombstone markers. Crosses can
be found on tombs in ironworks, and freestanding and relief ornamentation.
Crown - immortality.
- Flowers
- flowers symbolize human life and beauty, but also have individual
associations. Daisy: innocence. Lily: symbolizes purity. Often associated
with the Virgin Mary and resurrection. A calla lily particularly symbolizes
marriage and the lily of the valley is associated with purity and
humility.
- Oak-
because the oak was looked upon as the tree from which the cross was
made, it became a symbol of Christ.
- Palm
- originally a symbol of military victory, it was adapted
into Christianity as a symbol of Christ's victory of death. Often
seen as an attribute of martyrdom and eternal peace.
- Pansy
- symbolizes remembrance and humility.
- Poppy
- sleep.
- Rose
- associated with the Virgin Mary, the "rose
without thorns." A red rose symbolizes martyrdom and a white
rose symbolizes purity.
- God/Eye
of God - symbolizes the omnipresence of God. The eye
of God enclosed in a triangle represents the Trinity.
- Hands
- a hand with the index finger pointing upwards symbolizes the hope
of heaven. Hands holding a chain with a broken link symbolizes the
death of a family member. The hand of God plucking a link of the chain
represents God bringing a soul unto himself. A hand holding a heart
is a symbol of the Lodge of Oddfellows.
- Heart
- traditionally a symbol of love, courage and intelligence,
the flaming heart signifies extreme ardor. The heart encircled with
thorns symbolizes the suffering of Christ. A heart pierced by a sword
symbolizes the Virgin Mary, hearkening to Simeon's prophecy to Mary
at the birth of Christ, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through
thine own soul."
- Hourglass
- the attribute of death and Father Time, the hourglass
symbolizes the passage of time and the shortness of life.
- Lamb
- this symbolizes Christ in his sacrificial role and
personifies innocence, gentleness and humility.
- Mourning
figure - typical early 20th century funerary image.
- Obelisk
- 19th century Egyptian revival decoration universally associated
with commemoration.
- Torch
- originally the torch was a Greek symbol of life and truth, but the
inverted torch in funerary art symbolizes death.
- Urn
- originating as a repository for the ashes of the dead
in ancient times, the urn has evolved into a popular symbol of mourning.
- Vessel
with flame - represents the eternal flame or the eternal
spirit of man.
- Weeping
willow - a symbol of sorrow and mourning.
- Wreath
- originating as an ancient symbol of victory, it was adopted into
the Christian religion as a symbol of the victory of the redemption.
It is now a common memorial symbol
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