Category Archives: Symbolism

Many symbols in the graveyard are meant to remind passersby that life is short and that all will die.  These images are called Memento Mori and are a call to “remember death“.  The skeleton is one of these symbols.  The … Continue reading →

The neo-classical limestone monument that marks the graves of Owen and Ann Cwathmey in the Cave Hill Cemetery, in Louisville, Kentucky, features a bas-relief sculpture of the Grim Reaper in an oval medallion.   The dark figure is characterized by his … Continue reading →

The clasping hands above represent holy matrimony.  This motif symbolizes the holy union between a man and a woman.  The hand on the left side of the motif is clearly the hand of the female, her cuff is lace and ruffle.  … Continue reading →

Wheat’s origins are unknown but is the basis of basic food and a staple in many cultures and as such is viewed as a gift from Heaven.  It symbolizes immortality and resurrection.  But, like many symbols found on gravestones, they can have … Continue reading →

The Robert Maxwell gray granite block monument in the Fairmont Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, displays the initials B.P.O.E (Benevolent Protective Order of Elks) and one of the most important Elk’s motifs–the clock with the hands pointing to eleven o’clock.  The … Continue reading →

The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, one of the many fraternal organizations in the United States, was originally a drinking club called the Jolly Corks founded in 1866 by a group of actors, who evidently liked to drink.  The club … Continue reading →

 What lovesick boy doesn’t know the meaning of a single rose, standing there on the front porch, at the beginning of his first date, nervously clutching the flower while he waits expectantly for the door to open and for his … Continue reading →

The shell is an obvious symbol of baptism because of its association to water.  In fact, a shell is often used to scoop up and sprinkle water during the baptismal ceremony and often designed as part of the decoration and symbolism … Continue reading →