Category Archives: Symbolism

Tree-Stump Squirrel

Posted on November 25, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The Eberle Martin tree-stump tombstone in Mitchell, Indiana, is an unique example of this type of marker because of its bas-relief profile of the deceased at the top. Many of the tree-stump tombstones are carved to appear as if the … Continue reading →

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Grape clusters and leaves

Posted on November 16, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The gravestone above is surrounded by a metal trellis decorated with tinted grape clusters and leaves.  In Christianity the Eucharist, which is part of a religious ceremony also called Holy Communion, is a time when Christ’s followers are to do as … Continue reading →

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The Squirrel

Posted on November 12, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The squirrel is not a commonly seen symbol in the cemetery, even though, the live ones are regular inhabitants.  This intricately carved limestone marker has three squirrels, one on top of the main stone, perched on its haunches, the other … Continue reading →

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The Horseshoe

Posted on November 7, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

To the ordinary superstitious person, a horseshoe with the ends pointing up, is viewed as good luck.  These can ususally be found tacked up above a doorway and kept as a talisman.  The claim is that the luck stays in … Continue reading →

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Corn

Posted on October 21, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Corn is an ancient American crop that has been exported to all corners of the world.  More than 300,000 million tons of corn are grown in the United States every year.  It is not only ubiquitous in our Midwestern fields but corn syrup is in … Continue reading →

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Passionflower

Posted on October 3, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The passionflower was so named by Spanish Christian missionaries because they identified parts of the flower with the passion of Jesus Christ.  Then ten petals represent the ten faithful disciples.  The two apostles who were not considered were St. Peter, the … Continue reading →

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Angel and Open Gates

Posted on October 2, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

This beautiful gray granite monument in the Crown Hill Cemetery displays two symbols–the angel holding a trumpet standing in front of open gates.  The angel is a messenger for God.  In this example, the angel is holding the trumpet, the message being delivered is … Continue reading →

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Book and Crown

Posted on September 29, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

In keeping with the book theme of the past couple of days on the blog, carved on the top of this gravestone is an elaborately carved crown resting on a closed book with the following epitaph: “YE SHALL RECEIVE A CROWN OF GLORY, … Continue reading →

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Open Book

Posted on September 28, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The tombstone above is topped with an open book that has a mourning drape over the right corner of the column.  The open book is a fairly common symbol found on gravestones. The motif can represent the Book of Life with the … Continue reading →

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Closed book

Posted on September 27, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The white marble tombstone above has a closed book carved on it resting on top of a draped square column.  In Victorian times, heavy black drapery was used during funerals.  The use of it here represents mourning.  The closed book is … Continue reading →

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