Symbols: Flowers and the Frailty of Life

Symbols have been used on tombstones for centuries.  But it was not until the mid-1800’s that this secret code caught on with the ‘common folk’ who could finally afford to decorate their graves with statues and carvings.

Painting by James Tissot

The Victorians were known for their love of ornate designs, and this carried on to their gravestones.   Stone carvers of the period created works of art.  Rural cemeteries became the poor person’s art gallery, offering carvings, statues, and buildings of spectacular craftsmanship.

The Victorians were enamored with flowers, which were known to have their own language.  Give a woman a red rose and that signified love, a yellow rose indicated friendship, and a white rose meant innocence or secrecy.  It is no wonder they carried this silent language on to the grave.

Roses on a tombstone can have several meanings, depending on the number shown and if the rose is in bud or bloom.  A rose symbolizes love, hope and beauty.

Two roses joined together signified a strong bond, as on this couple’s stone.

A wreath of roses stands for beauty and virtue.

Age could also be noted with a rose bud indicating the grave of a child.  A partial bloom was used to show someone who had died in his or her teen or early adult life.  And a full bloom signified someone in the prime of life.

A broken blossom, whether a rose or another flower, indicated that someone had died too young.

Another flower that is abundant in the cemetery is the lily, which stands for innocence and purity.  There are several various types of lilies used on gravestones, each with a slightly different meaning.

The most popular is the Easter Lily, which represents resurrection and the innocence of the soul being restored at death.

Calla Lilies represent marriage and fidelity.

A Lily of the Valley signifies innocence, humility and renewal.

The Fleur de Lis is actually a stylized lily that represents the Holy Trinity.

And the Daffodil, also part of the lily family, indicated grace, beauty and a deep regard.  You’ll notice that live daffodils are abundant in older cemeteries during the spring.

Other flowers used on gravestones include the daisy, which means gentleness and innocence.  And the morning glory, which suggesting mourning, mortality and farewell.

Greenery is also used to convey unspoken thoughts.  Many stones are covered in Ivy to imply faithfulness, undying affection and eternal life.

The fern was very popular in Victorian times as an indicator of sincerity and solitude.

And the palm, another plant associated with Easter, signified triumph over death, and a forthcoming resurrection.

Wander any cemetery and you will discover a secret language communicated through symbols.  All it takes is the interest to learn what each generation wished to imply with their symbols, and the time to let them speak to you, offering interesting insights into someone’s life and time.

It’s the weekend; take some time to listen to this silent language.

~ Joy

(This is one of the topics I speak on for Genealogical and Historical societies.  If your group is interested in a presentation, please contact me here or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Grave-Interest/123365667736789)

The Different Types of Crosses in the Cemetery

With this being Good Friday for the Christian religion, I thought a brief look at crosses in the cemetery might be of interest.

A cross is defined as a structure with two intersecting pieces. To the Christian faith, a cross is the symbol of Christ and Christianity.  In the cemetery, a cross may be used as a monument or memorial for someone of the Christian religion.

Types of Crosses -

Calvary Cross  - There are 3 steps that make up the base on which the cross sets.  Some bases are shaped to resemble the hill where Christ died.  In the Protestant faith the three steps represent the Holy Trinity.  In the Catholic religion the three steps stand for faith, hope and love. There are many types of cemetery markers that use this 3-step foundation.

Celtic Cross - Similar to the Latin cross but with a circle intersecting the upright and the crossbar. There are many names for what we know as the Celtic cross – the high cross, ring cross, sun cross, solar cross, wheel cross, halo cross, disc cross, Irish Cross, Woden’s Cross, Ionic Cross, Odin’s Cross and St Brigid’s Cross, although each cross has some variation. Most are ornate. Celtic crosses became popular in U.S. cemeteries in the late 19^th- century.

Cement Cross - There have been many who could not afford granite or marble tombstones, so they made due with what they had.  A homemade cross, fashioned out of cement, was used as grave marker here.

Cross and Angel – Angels are believed to be the guardians of mankind and can intercede for assistance from Heaven.  Notice the wreath that indicates victory over death being hung on the cross to the left.  

The angel on the right stands on the 3-step formation.

Cross and Chalice – The chalice represents the sacraments and forgiveness.  It usually marks the grave of clergy or priests.

Cross and Crown - This symbolizes Christ suffering on the cross and victory over death.

Cross and Lilies - Be it one lily or several, located on a cross they represent resurrection and hope.

Cross and Scythe – The scythe is an instrument used to reap grain.  It represents someone cut down in the prime of life. But when attached to the cross, hints of the divine gathering up of souls.

Cross and Wreath – This symbolizes Christ’s victory over death and eternal life.

Crucifix – Used by the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and Eastern Orthodox religions.  The crucifix depicts the corpus or the body of Christ, indicating that Christ is more important that the cross itself.  The Virgin Mary and Saint John may be shown at the base of the Crucifix.

Draped Cross – The draping indicates the last veil between earth and heaven.  A cross that is draped may indicate the death of an older person. 

Epitaph Cross – A cross with an epitaph engraved on it. This marker shows the epitaph written in the style of a cross.

Fleur-de-lis Cross – The arms of this cross are stylized with 3 points or petals at the ends to represent the Holy Trinity.

Greek Cross – The arms are all the same length on this cross.  This is one of the most common types of crosses in the world.

Heart Cross – This is usually a Latin cross that is embellished with a heart symbolizing love.

I H S cross – The three letters usually appear on the crossbar and are derived from the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek – Iota, Eta and Sigma.  This has also been said to stand for the Latin words “Iesus Hominum Salvator – “Jesus, mankind’s savior.”

$ Cross - In the Latin alphabet, I H S O Y S, again, Jesus’ name, is combined and interwoven on the intersecting section of the cross.

Latin Cross – This cross has the cross bar about 1/3 of the way down from the top and does not include the corpus or body of Christ on it.  The Protestant religions use this cross as their symbol feeling that it represents their belief in resurrection.  This is the most common type of cross in cemeteries, but is very susceptible to being broken.

Metal Cross – Wrought iron metal crosses were cast from iron.  They are usually found in Catholic German and French cemeteries. The crosses are painted silver, white or black with decorative symbols added to the rectangular or heart shaped plate attached to the front.

Woman at Cross – The statue of a woman mourning the loss of someone abounds in cemeteries around the world for women have always had the distinct responsibility of attending to the dead.

These women are leaning on the cross to gain comfort and strength.

This woman is hanging on the cross indicating unwavering faith.  This marker is commonly used on Masonic graves.

Also, there is usually a wreath on the gravestone indicating victory over death.

Tuesday, we will explore the angels that flourish in the cemetery.  Enjoy your weekend!

~ Joy