Table of Contents
- 1 What does a dove mean on a headstone?
- 2 What does a bird on a tombstone mean?
- 3 What do the symbols on old gravestones mean?
- 4 What does it mean when you see a white dove in a cemetery?
- 5 What does skull and crossbones mean on a gravestone?
- 6 What does a cross with a circle around it mean on a headstone?
- 7 What does a broken chain on a grave mean?
- 8 What finger represents death?
What does a dove mean on a headstone?
innocence
Dove on a Tombstone. Kimberly Powell. Seen in both Christian and Jewish cemeteries, the dove is a symbol of resurrection, innocence and peace. An ascending dove, as pictured here, represents the transport of the departed’s soul to heaven. A dove descending represents a descent from heaven, assurance of a safe passage.
What does a bird on a tombstone mean?
Birds: This particular species is popular on grave markers and cremation urns alike because they symbolize the freedom of the spirit. The bird in flight represents a soul free from its body. Lamb: Often a symbol of innocence and youth, it’s used predominantly on the graves and urns of children.
What do the symbols on old gravestones mean?
Aside from names, birthdates, and death dates, gravestones are often decorated with symbols and icons….Gravestone Symbols and Their Meanings.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Skull | death; mortal remains |
| Soul effigy | immortality of the soul; passage to the afterlife (especially if winged) |
What does a finger pointing down on a gravestone mean?
Research also revealed that the downward-pointing hand, without chain, does indeed exist as a gravestone symbol—but signifies not damnation but only a sudden death, or the finger of God coming down to select someone to take to heaven.
What is the meaning of releasing doves at a funeral?
The dove release usually takes place at the end of the funeral service or graveside service. The dove is considered a symbol of peace, hope, and freedom. Many families say the dove release helps begin the grieving process. The experience can be rather cathartic and it helps to symbolize the “letting go” of a loved one.
What does it mean when you see a white dove in a cemetery?
Symbolism is the rich and beautiful language of the Spirit……. White doves are symbolic of new beginnings, peace, fidelity, love, luck and prosperity.
What does skull and crossbones mean on a gravestone?
death
Skull and crossbones is a symbol of a human skull with two long bones crossed below it. Skull and crossbones (symbol), as a symbol of death and especially as a memento mori on tombstones, a warning symbol of poisonous substances and danger.
What does a cross with a circle around it mean on a headstone?
The most common is the Latin Cross. On some headstones this cross is inscribed in a circle, this is not a different symbol but rather an earlier engraver. Representing the Christian faith, this is the most commonly seen religious symbol.
What does an upside down flame mean?
TORCH WITH FLAME (INVERTED) – The inverted torch represents death or a life extinguished. The inverted torch with the flame still burning represents the death of the flesh, but the eternal life of the soul.
What does putting a penny on a grave mean?
you visited
A coin left on a headstone lets the deceased soldier’s family know that somebody stopped by to pay their respects. If you leave a penny, it means you visited. A nickel means that you and the deceased soldier trained at boot camp together. If you served with the soldier, you leave a dime.
What does a broken chain on a grave mean?
Broken Chain Medieval wisdom once held that a golden chain kept the soul in the body. In death, the chain is broken and the soul is freed.
What finger represents death?
HAND WITH FINGER POINTING DOWN – The hand of God descending from heaven to lift the soul. The finger pointing down does not indicate damnation; instead it most commonly represents and untimely, sudden, or unexpected death.