Gravestones are designed to commemorate the life of the deceased. If you recently lost a loved one, you may be wondering how you can best capture their memory on their memorial monument. While monuments typically contain written inscriptions, many people also choose to use simple meaningful symbols or ornate carvings to personalize the headstone. Here are just a few of the traditional symbols on gravestones and what they represent.

5 Types of Symbols Found on Memorials & Gravestones

1. Crosses & Stars

Crosses are a type of religious symbol found on Christian memorial stones. For Jewish gravestones, you may find the Star of David. Other religious symbols include the Celtic Cross for Irish Catholics. Secular monuments may choose to a simple five-point star to represent the guiding light of the individual spirit. 

2. Hands

Hands are a common image on memorials and gravestones, and they represent a range of meanings. In tombs shared by couples, joined hands symbolize a bonding love in both life and death. A hand with a finger raised upwards evokes the ascent to heaven. Religious monuments may depict a pair of hands clasped in prayer for the deceased. 

3. Angels 

Spiritual symbols are a popular choice for memorials. Angels are the messengers between God and man, often represented with their hands pointing up towards the heavens. A weeping angel is symbolic of grief and mourning. 

4. Butterflies

For their beauty and delicateness, butterflies are a symbol of early death and often used on the gravestones of infants and young children. For some, they also represent the three stages of life: birth, death, and resurrection. 

5. Anchor

In Christianity, anchors symbolize the hope for salvation. However, this symbol may also be used when the deceased held a seafaring profession, or to represent their love of the ocean. 

If you want to incorporate any of the above symbols in a monument to honor a deceased loved one, contact the professionals at Gibney Monument Works in Perry, NY. They’ll guide you through every aspect of creating a gravestone, from choosing the style and materials to the engravings and plaques. One of their craftsmen will work with you to create a meaningful tribute for your loved one. Call (585) 237-2750 to schedule a consultation. Visit the company online to see pictures of custom monuments they’ve created.