Grave Images & Messages

Soul Effigy and stars.

Since I was young I have always been wandering around cemeteries and the older the better. Growing up predominantly in New England my interest was spurred early. It was only natural that it led to genealogy and a love of history but I have also always been interested in symbols and the graveyard is full of symbolism.
In Puritan New England they believed that death was permanent and final, death was to be feared and many people actually suffered severe anxiety over their fate upon death. Children were taught from a young age that there was no guarantee of reaching heaven even if one led a strict and devout life.

They did not believe in graven images so the only grave decorations upon their stones were frightening "Death's Heads". Skulls chewing on crossed bones were the most common early decoration. As the puritans lost their hold upon a growing new nation, a new more hopeful attitude started to take over and the skulls then began to be portrayed with wings, suggesting the deceased had ascended to heaven and then the skulls gave way to cherubs or human faces with wings as shown above. Occasionally they were rough portrayals, effigy's of the deceased. These came to be known as "Soul Effigy's". These images suggested that there was every possibility of something more than the finality of death. This stone was found in a cemetery in Clark county, Ohio.

Acanthus leaves.

This stone also shows an acanthus leaf decoration. This was a thorny foliage which symbolized the difficulties that one experienced throughout life. It also symbolized protection. The stars represented divine guidance.

Weeping Willow with Obelisk monument beneath,

My favorite decoration though is the Weeping Willow tree and this is a lovely example. So graceful and detailed, the scene complete with its own miniature gravestones (above). This one found in a small cemetery south of Dayton, Ohio. The willow symbolizes of course, grief and sorrow at the loss of the loved one but also the promise of resurrection. The willow tree will continue to survive and flourish even as its limbs are removed.

Sheep with willow and grave.

This gravestone, besides depicting a Weeping Willow and a gravestone has a sheep as its focal point.
Again very detailed and this usually signaled that this was grave stone of a child or young person, it stands for innocence and refers to them being a lamb of God.

Stylized Weeping Willow, 1833.

Another stylized weeping willow tree above, circa 1833. Below is an interesting stone one of two that were made by the same carver obviously. Each appears broken in the same way on the same side so I wonder if it was actually made this way, as it does appear smooth. Each had the same interesting star motifs and the radiating sun. The six pointed star symbolizes creation, this one has a spiral in its center, and the shining sun promises ever lasting life.

Variety of stars and shining sun.

This was a hauntingly beautiful stone carving, one of which I have never seen before; the image of the deceased lying upon a bed with a draped curtain above, an angel with beautiful wings coming to guide them to heaven. The drape represents the thin veil that separates the mortal existence on earth from the after life beyond.
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Angel over sleeping figure, drape.

A beautiful angel with a prominent star decoration upon her forehead, looking towards heaven. The star I believe suggesting one who is led by divine guidance.

Angel with star on forehead. 

This lovely stone speaks volumes as it depicts the face and wings of an angel in the corner overlooking the sad scene of gravestones, one small one broken, a dead tree and a sleeping lamb all of which points to the fact that this is the grave of a young child, its life taken too soon.



Gravestones, sheep, broken dead tree and angel looking over.

This monument has a beautiful crown atop. The crown symbolizes reward and glory. It is said to suggest that in life you face trials and hardships and when you die you will experience victory in the afterlife. It is also a popular symbol used on gravestones of masons.

Monument with crown.

As I walk amongst these stones and the usually beautiful and serene surroundings I can't help but reflect that death is a mystery to us all. These monuments are for ourselves as much as they are for the loved one that they celebrate and remember. Each stone stands for a life. Every one has a story.