Category Archives: Symbolism

Wheat

Posted on May 20, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Wheat’s origins are unknown but is the basis of basic food and a staple in many cultures. Because of wheat’s exalted position as a mainstay foodstuff, it is viewed as a gift from Heaven. Wheat symbolizes immortality and resurrection.  But, like many … Continue reading →

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Like the morning dew

Posted on May 18, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Displayed on the square-top white marble gravestone of 30-year old Arad Davis who died in 1852, is a highly-stylized willow tree, symbolizing sorrow and mourning.  The epitaph on the gravestone, faded and weathered but still legible, speaks to the fleeting … Continue reading →

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Cast iron willow

Posted on May 17, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The willow motif on this gravemarker is not unusual, in fact, the willow is one of the most common symbols found in American cemeteries.  What makes this willow special is that it is found on a cast iron gravemarker.  While … Continue reading →

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The Boat to the Other Side

Posted on May 6, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Since ancient times, the imagery of the boat to ferry a soul from one realm to the other has been a part of the symbolism of death.  In Greek mythology, the River Styx wrapped its way around Hades (the Underworld) … Continue reading →

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The American Flag

Posted on April 29, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

  The flag is often found on the graves of soldiers.  In this case, the flag marks the service of English-born immigrant Chaplain Reverend W. B. Linell of Muncie, Indiana, who served during the Civil War in the 10th Illinois … Continue reading →

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Lily of the Valley

Posted on April 22, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

  The lily of the valley is not actually a lily.  It belongs in the family Asparagaceae, not Liliaceae.   In spite of that, the lily of the valley is treated much like other lilies in funerary art as a symbol … Continue reading →

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A Crown of Victory

Posted on April 18, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Nearly obscured by the moss hanging on this tombstone is the  crown in the center of the cross.  The crown is a symbol of glory and reward and victory over death.  The epitaph on this memorial to prebyterian ministers makes it … Continue reading →

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The Finger Pointing Upward

Posted on April 16, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The finger pointing upward, indicates the soul traveling to Heaven, sometimes a presumptuous claim, though a hopeful one. The finger pointing upwards can be coupled with other symbols: a willow tree, a traditional symbol of sorrow indicating while the soul … Continue reading →

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Two little lambs

Posted on April 13, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

CHARLIE            BERTIE There  like an Eden blos- soming in gladness Bloom the fair flowers the earth too rudly prized. This gravestone displays twin lambs facing each other over the names of the twin brothers whose graves the tombstone marks. The … Continue reading →

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The All-Seeing Eye of God

Posted on April 10, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The all-seeing eye of God, also called the Eye of Providence is one of many symbols of Masonic iconography.  This symbol is to remind Masons that all of their actions and deeds are being observed by the watchful eye of the … Continue reading →

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