Tombstone Symbols

Here is a list of other common (and not so common) tombstone symbols. You might want to print this off and carry it with you when you go tombstone hunting :

Religious:

Angels - Angels mean spirituality and they guard the tomb.

Bible - A single Holy Bible is often found on Christian stones.

Holy Books (2) - on Mormon headstones indicates the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Holy Books (3) - on Mormon Headstones, these indicate The Scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants.

Chalice - Usually used to represent the Sacraments.

Crescent - the deceased was probably a Muslim.

Crown - The soul's achievement and the Glory of life after death.

Cross - the Cross is an emblem of faith. There are many different types of crosses and each may mean something different. For a good explanation of the various types of crosses, see http://www.alsirat.com/symbols/cross.html, a part of The City of the Silent.

Heart (Sacred) - Usually found in Catholic cemeteries, this heart refers to the suffering of Christ for our sins.

Menorah - An emblem of Judaism

Star of David or Mogen David - Recognized as the international symbol of Judaism.

Mortality:

Arrow - Mortality

Broken Column - This image represents the decay. It usually represents the loss of the Family head.

Candle being Snuffed - Loss of life.

Coffin - mortality.

Figure with Dart - Mortality

Grim Reaper - Death personified.

Hourglass - Time has run out.

Scythe - An instrument of the harvest, death cuts us down.

Skull and or Skull/ Crossed Bones - Death.

Spade or Crossed Spade and Shovel - Death

Trade and Occupation: (emblems that MIGHT indicate a person's occupation in life)

Barber Bowl (for bleeding) & Razor.

Butcher - an axe, steel knife and cleaver.

Farmer: - Coulter (type of hoe), flail (threshing implement), swingletree (rod for beating flax), stalk of corn.

Gardener - Rake & Spade.

Mason - Wedge & Level

Mariner: - Anchor, Sextant & Cross Staff.

Merchant - Scales, some type of sign.

Minister - Bible

Shoemaker - Leather cutter's Knife, Nippers, Sole cutter & Awl

Smith - Crown, Hammer & Anvil

Teacher - Open Book.

Weaver - Loom, Shuttle & Stretchers.

Wright - (a worker skilled in the manufacture especially of wooden objects --usually used in combination (shipwright) (wheelwright) - Compasses Resurrection, Eternal Life, Immortality:

Angel, Flying or Trumpeting - Rebirth; Resurrection.

Bird or Bird Flying - Eternal life, Resurrection.

Cross: - The Cross means resurrection to many Christians.

Dove, Flying - Resurrection.

Flame, Light, Lamp or Torch: - Immortality of the Spirit, Resurrection.

Garland or Wreath - Symbol of saintliness and glory, Victory in death.

Horns -- The Resurrection

Ivy - Immortality

Rooster- Awakening; Resurrection.

Star - Death could not overpower the Light of the Spirit which still shines in the darkness.

Sun - A symbol of light and warmth, renewed life and life everlasting.

Trumpeters -- Harbingers of the Resurrection

Urn - Immortality (The storing of the vital organs was of extreme importance to the ancient Egyptians who believed that life would be restored through the vital organs placed in the urn).

Animals:

Birds - Eternal life or resurrection.

Butterfly - Short-life.

Dog - Implies a good master worthy of love.

Dove - Seen in both Christian and Jewish cemeteries, the dove means innocence and/ or peace.

Lamb - Usually marks the grave of a child and means Innocence.

Lion - The Lion's eternal watch guards the tomb and stands for Courage.

Rooster - Awakening; Resurrection.

Plants:

Fruits -- Eternal plenty as in the fruit of life.

Full-Blown Rose - The deceased died in the prime of life

Ivy -- Ivy stands for friendship and also immortality.

Laurel -- A symbol of worldly accomplishment and heroism.

Lily - The virgins' flower and also the symbol of innocence and purity.

Morning Glory - Signifies the beginning of Life

Oak., Oak Leaves and Acorn - Oak leaves on tombs can stand for power, authority or victory. Often seen on Military tombs.

Palm Branch - Signifies Victory and Rejoicing

Poppy - Eternal Sleep.

Roses - Roses signify completion and the brevity of earthly existence.

Rosemary - Rosemary is for remembrance. Thistles can also stand for remembrance.

Thistle - Deceased was of Scottish descent.

Tree or Trees

A Tree stands for life.

A Tree Sprouting stands for life everlasting.

Tree Trunk stands for the brevity of life.

Stones shaped liked Tree Stumps usually signify that the deceased was a member of The Woodmen of the World Weeping Willow Tree - Perpetual Mourning; Grief.

Wheat Strands or Sheaves - The divine harvest.

Miscellaneous:

Broken Ring -- The family circle has been severed.

Cherub - Cherubs are angelic and signify innocence.

Crossed Swords - Military person of high rank.

Hands:

Hands in cemeteries are usually in one of the following four positions; clasping, praying, pointing, and blessing. Hand, Pointing Up - Pathway to heaven.

Hands, Clasped - Farewells or the bond of marriage

Hands, Praying - Asking God for Eternal life.

Hands, Blessing - Blessing of those left behind.

Harp - Praise to the God.

Heart - Love. Stylized hearts stand for the affection of the living for the dead. Two joined hearts on a stone mark a marriage.

Rod or Staff - Comfort for the bereaved.

Stars and Stripes Around Eagle -- Eternal vigilance and liberty. Often seen on military markers.

Urn with Flame -- Undying remembrance

Initials of Fraternal Organizations:

AOH- Ancient Order of Hibernians

BPOE- Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks

CAR- Children of the American Revolution

DAR- Daughters of the American Revolution

FOE- Fraternal Order of Eagles

FOP- Fraternal Order of Police

F&AM- Free and Accepted Masons

GAR- Grand Army of the Republic

I.O.R.M.- Improved Order of Red Men

IOF- Independant Order of Foresters

IOOF- Independant Order of Odd Fellows

IOJD- International Order of Job's Daughters

J.O.A.M.- Junior Order of American Mechanics

J.O.U.A.M.- Junior Order of United American Mechanics

K.of C.- Knights of Columbus

K.of P.- Knights of Pythias

KT- Knights Templar

LOM- Loyal Order of Moose

M.W.A. Modern Woodmen of America

N.O.W. Neighbors of Woodcraft

RA- Royal Academy

RA- Royal Arcanum

R.A.M.- Royal Arch Masons

*R.N.A. Royal Neighbors of America

SAR- Sons of the American Revolution

S.F.W.C. Supreme Forest Woodmen Circle

U.S.A.- United States Army

U.S.A.F.- United States Air Force

U.S.M.C.- United States Marine Corp

U.S.N.- United States Navy

YMCA- Young Men's Christian Association

YWCA- Young Women's Christian Association

W.C. Woodmen Circle

W.O.W. Woodmen of the World

W.O.W. Women of Woodcraft

FRATERNAL ACRONYMS:

AAONMS Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Masonic) "The Shriners")

AASR Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Masonic)

ABA American Benefit Association

AF&AM Ancient Free and Accepted Masons

AMD Allied Masonic Degree

AMORC Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis(Rosicrucians)

AMOS Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans (see IOOF)

AOF Ancient Order Of Foresters

AOH Ancient Order Of Hibernians

AOKMC Ancient Order Of Knights of Mystic Chain

AOUW Ancient Order Of United Workmen

ALOH American Legion of Honor

APA American Protective Association

AUM Ancient Order of Mysteries (MASONS)

AUSA Association of the United States Army

AUV Association of Union Veterans

BARE Benefit Association Of Railway Employees

BAY Brotherhood of American Yeomen

BKA Benevolent Knights Association

BKofM Black Knights of Molders

BPOE Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

BPOEW Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World

BofRTM Brotherhood of Rail Road Track Men

BLE Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers

BLF&E Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Engineers

BRT Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen

CBL Catholic Benevolent Legion

CD of A Catholic Daughters of America

CKofA Catholic Knights of America

CMBA Catholic Mutual Benefit Association

COOF Catholic Order of Foresters

CTAS Catholic Total Abstinence Society

CBKA Commandery Benevolent Knights Association

CCTAS Crusaders-Catholic Total Abstinence Society

DAC Daughters of the American Colonists

DAR (NSDAR) National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

DAV Disabled American Veterans

D of A Daughters of America

DoL Daughters of Liberty

DAN Daughters of the Nile (Masonic)

DOKK Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan (Knights of Pythias)

DOLLUS Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States

DUV Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War

ECV E Clampus Vitus

EAU Equitable Aid Union

EBA Emerald Beneficial Association

FAM Free and Accepted Masons

F&AM Free and Accepted Masons

FCB Knights of Pythias

FLT Independent Order of Odd Fellows

FOE Fraternal Order of Eagles

FOAST Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers

FOF Fraternal Order of Firefighters

FOP Fraternal Order of Police

GALSTPTR German American Legion of St. Peter

GAR Grand Army of the Republic

GLAUM Grand Lodge Ancient Order of Mysteries- Masonic Order

GLDS Grand Lodge Daughters of Scotia

GUOOF Grand United Order of Odd Fellows

HZ Haro Zaro

IBBH International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers

ICBU Irish Catholic Benevolent Union

IHSV Red Cross of Constantine

IOA International Order of Alhambra

IODE Independent Order, Daughters of the Empire

IOGT International Order of Good Templars

IOH Improved Order of Heptasophs

IOHH International Order of Hoo-Hoo

IOI Independent Order of Immaculates

IOKP Independent Order of Knights of Pythias

IOOF Independent Order of Odd Fellows

IOOF-PM Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Past Master

ISH Independent Sons of Honor

IOStL Independent Order of St. Luke

IOF Independent Order of Foresters

IORM Improved Order of Redmen (Sons of Liberty)

IOR Independent Order of Rechabites

IOV International Order of Vikings

IUOM Independent United Order of Mechanics

IWW Industrial Workers of the World

IOF Independent Order of Foresters

IOOF Independent Order of Odd Fellows

IOJD Independent Order of Job's Daughters

IORG International Order of Rainbow Girls (Masonic)

ISDA Italian Sons and Daughters of America

JOAM Junior Order of American Mechanics

JOUAM Junior Order of United American Mechanics

JAOUW Junior Order-Ancient Order of United Workmen

JOUAM Junior Order-Order of United American Mechanics

KC Knights of Columbus

KGC Knights of the Golden Chain

KGC Knights of the Golden Circle

KGE Knights of the Golden Eagle

KGL Knight Grand Legion

KLH Knights and Ladies of Honor

KM Knights Militant (See KKK)

KofC Knights of Columbus

KofFM Knights of Father Matthew

KFM Knights of Father Matthew

KofH Knights of Honor

KOL Knights of Labor

KofL Knights of Loyola

KM Knights of Malta (Masonic)

KMC Knights of the Mystic Chain

KOTM Knights of the Macabees

KPC Knights of Peter Claver

KofTM Knights of the Macabees

KP Knights of Pythias

KofP Knights of Pythias

KSC Knights of St. Columbkille

KG Knights of St. George

KSTG Knights of St. George

KSTI Knights of St. Ignatius

KofSJ Knights of St. John

KSTJ Knights of St. Joseph

KSL Knights of St. Lawrence

KSTM Knights of St. Martin

KofSTP Knights of St. Patrick

KSTP Knights of St. Paul

KSTP Knights of St. Peter

KSTT Knights of St. Thomas

KofSTW Knights of St. Wenceslas

KT Knights of Tabor

KofT Knights of Tabor

KT Knights Templars (Masonic)

KWM Knights of Wise Men

KGE Knights of Golden Eagle

KHC Knights of Holy Cross

KKK Knights of Klu-Klux Klan

KOTM Knights of Macabees

KSF Knights of Sherwood Forest

LAOH Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians

LDG Independent Order of Foresters

LGAR Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic

LKofA Loyal Knights of America

LOL Loyal Order Orange Lodge (The Orange Order){Orange Men}

LOM Legion of the MOOSE

LOOM Loyal Order of the MOOSE

LOVUS Legion of Valor of the United States

MBS Mutual Benefit Society

MOLLUS Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States

MOOSE Loyal Order of the Moose

MOPH Military Order of the Purple Heart

MOVPER Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Mystic Realm (Grotto) (Masonic)

MRA Royal Arcanum

MCL Marine Corps League

MWA Modern Woodmen of America

NCOA Non-Commissioned Officers Association (Military Society)

NEOP New England Order of Protection

NOK New Order Knights (see KKK)

NL Navy League

NSDAR National Society Daughters of American Revolution

NSSUP National Society Sons of Utah Pioneers

NU National Union

OofA Order of Amaranth (Masonic)

OCF Order of Chosen Friends

OofUF Order of United Friends

OGC Order of the Golden Cross

ODHS Des Schwestern Verbandes (Sisters of the Federation

OES Order of the Eastern Star

OSC Order of Scottish Clans (St. Andrew's Societies)

OUAM Order of United American Mechanics

PFofA Patriotic Friends of America

PH The Order of Patrons of Husbandry (The Grange)

PM Patriarchs Militant (Independent Order of Odd Fellows)

POSA Patriotic Order of the Sons of America

RA Royal Academy

RA Royal Arcanum

RAM Royal Arch Masons

RC Republican Club

RMOKHSJ The Religious and Military Order of Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

RSGF Royal Society of Good Fellows

RSM Royal and Select Masons

ROJ Royal Order of Jesters (Masonic)

RSTV Rite of St. Vaclara

RSTV Rite of St. Vita

RK Roman Knights

RTT Royal Templars of Temperance

SAR Sisters of the American Revolution

SAR Sons of the American Revolution

SBCL Saint Bonifazius Catholic Union

SBL Society B. Lafayette

SCV Sons of the Confederate Veterans

SofE Sons of England

SMAA Scandinavian Mutual Aid Association

SNA-AUM Shrine of North America

SR Scottish Rite (Masonic Order)

SofSt.G Sons of St. George

ST Sons of Temperance

ST.G SoNY St. George's Society of New York

SUVCW Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

SV Sons of Veterans of the United States of America

TCL Tall Ceders of Lebanon (Masonic)

TH Temple of Honor and Temperance-Independent Order of Odd Fellows

TPLF Temple of Honor and Temperance, IOOF

TROA The Retired Officer's Association

UAOD United Ancient Order of Druids

UCV United Confederate Veterans

UDC United Daughters of the Confederacy

UFL Union Fraternal League

UFM United Friends of Michigan

UOPF United Order of Pilgrim Fathers

VFW Veterans of Foreign Wars

WKSC White Knights of the Southern Cross (See KKK)

WOW Woodmen of the World

YMCA Young Men's Christian Association

YWCA Young Women's Christian Association

Initials after ancestors' names may provide useful information. The following list includes initials you may come across when reading old wills or other documents.

a.a.s. died in the year of his/her age (anno aetitis suae) (86 y/o died in year 86)

d.s.p. died without issue (decessit sine prole legitima)

d.s.p.l. died without legitimate issue (decessit sine prole mascula supersita)

d.s.p.m.s. died without surviving male issue (decessit sine prole mascula supersita)

d.s.p.s died without surviving issue (decessit sine prole supersita)

d.unm died unmarried

d.v.p. died in the lifetime of his father (decessit vita patris)

d.v.m. died in the lifetime of his mother (decessit vita matris)

Et al and others (et alia)

Inst present month (instans)

Liber book or volume

Nepos grandson

Nunc Nuncapative will, an oral will, written by a witness

Ob he/she died (obit)

Rel. or Relict widow or widower (relicta/relictus)

Res. or Residue widow or widower

Sic so or thus, exact copy as written

Testes witnesses

Ult late (ultimo)

Ux or vs wife (uxor)

Viz namely (videlicet)