Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Angels in the Cemetery


Hierarchy of Angels

Angels are considered spiritual beings that guide and protect mankind, while interceding for him in heaven and acting as the  messengers of God.  There are nine levels of angels with 3 types in each group.  The Christian hierarchy is, from lowest to highest:  Angels, Archangels and Principalities; Powers, Virtues and Dominations; Thrones, Cherubims and Seraphims. Statues of angels, archangels and cherubims (actually Putto) flourish in cemeteries around the world, watching over the graves of children and adults, alike.

Song of the Angels
by Bouguereau
The belief in angels has existed since ancient times.  Folklore and legends from around the world have numerous stories involving angel and human interaction.  Most world religions that believe in one god share a belief in angels such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism.  Most eastern religions do not.  The acceptance of angels’ existence peaked during the Middle Ages and continued until the mid-19th century.  Renewed interest has developed in the past 30 years.  It is interesting that both religious and non-religious people believe in angels.  According to several surveys conducted in 2009, 55% of Americans reported believing in angels.  In Canada, over 67% of those polled said they believed in angels.

Cemetery angels can indicate many feelings and beliefs depending on what they are doing and how they are doing it.  Here are some examples -

An angel pointing upward is leading the soul toward heaven and it’s reward.







An angel with a trumpet represents the Archangel Gabriel who stands ready to issue the call to resurrection.







This angel holds flowers that indicate the death of a child.  The daisies specify the innocence and purity of a child; the roses are an appeal to the Virgin Mary.






Here the angel holds an extinguished torch, to indicate death.








This angel stands in prayer. The star on her crown indicates the spirit rising to heaven.  The crown represents victory over death.







Here an angel sits on the grave, grieving an untimely death.






This angel holds a rolled up scroll in her hand to show that the deceased’s life has been recorded.





Here a guardian angel is taking the child to heaven.  The baby is holding high a lit torch to signify life everlasting.  The roses in the angel’s hands indicate unfailing love.






Cherubs are used to designate the grave of a child.  Cherubs have actually been humanized and blurred with Putto, which are depicted as pudgy babies or toddlers with wings in Baroque artwork.  They are found on the gravestones of children and indicate the omnipresence of God. 

Here a cherub is sitting, grieving a child’s life cut short.








This cherub is erasing the name of the child who has passed on.








A cherub with an inverted torch indicating the death of a child.








This small, flying angel proclaims rebirth.









And this angel has fascinated me the most. The laurel leaves on her head indicate triumph over death.  But what is she dropping from her hand?  Flowers?  Also, here are two shots of the same statue, taken the same day.  The angle is not that different, but it appears she has raised her head.  






This Friday is Arbor Day.  I’ll have an interview with an international Arborist who will discuss those odd, interesting, sometimes spooky trees found in the cemetery.

Photo by Jim Champion

Now, all of these angels have put me in the mood to watch the movie ‘Michael” again…..(Remember, he’s an angel- not a saint ; )


~ Joy

Friday, April 22, 2011

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 19th- 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

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Religious Symbols in the Cemetery


It seems appropriate, with this upcoming religious holiday weekend, to take a closer look at what religious symbols can be found in the cemetery.  Here are several of them, listed alphabetically.
 
Alpha Omega – The first and last letter of the Ionic Greek alphabet.  A verse from the Book of Revelation, “I am the alpha and omega,” - the beginning and the end.






Anchor – The anchor has been a symbol of steadfastness and hope in the Christian religion.  Early Christians used the anchor as a secret symbol to guide the way to religious meetings.






Anchor with Cross – Another Christian symbol referencing a verse from the book of Hebrews referring to God as “hope we have as an anchor of the soul.”




Angels - Believed to be the spiritual messengers in most major religions.  Angels are seen as the guardians of death.  We will take a more in-depth look at angels in next Tuesday’s blog.




Book – It may be opened to indicate the Bible or The Book of Life.  A closed book may indicate the completion of a life's story.

Book with finger pointing upward indicates faith. 

Chalice – The cup represents the sacraments, especially in the Catholic rite of Communion.  Often a chalice marks the head stone of a priest.






Christ – Symbol of Christian religion.  The Savior or Redeemer.




Clergy – Those ordained to perform the duties of ministering in the Christian religion also have symbols that indicate the branch of faith they followed.






Columns joined with an archway – Portrays the entrance to heaven.

Cross – There are numerous versions of a cross.  We will take a more in-depth look at them on Friday.  For today, the cross is the most recognized Christian symbol.  Shown here are the Latin cross, used mostly in Protestant religions, and the Crucifix, used in the Catholic religion.




Crown
– A symbol of victory and righteousness, triumph over death.



Dove – The dove is a symbol of devotion.







Grapes, Grape Leaves, Grape Vines– All indicate the Christian faith.







Hands – We use our hands to communicate.  Two hands held in prayer show reverence and devotion.









A hand with a finger pointing up indicates a soul’s ascension to heaven.

Therefore, you might surmise that a finger pointing down would bode ill, but actually the meaning is mortality or sudden death.

  
Harp – A symbol of music and worship in heaven.



I H S – The three letters usually appear on a cross 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 Lain words “Iesus Hominum Salvator – “Jesus, mankind’s savior.”
 $ - In the Latin alphabet, I H S O Y S, again, Jesus’ name, is combined and interwoven.

Ivy - A plant that never losses it’s color and clings tenaciously symbolizes immortality and eternal life.









Lamb
– The lamb is used on the stones of children because it is a symbol of innocence.  It has been used to mark children’s graves since Egyptian times.  The lamb is also a symbol of Christ.




Lamp – Usually it has a flame rising up from it.  The lamp indicates a love of knowledge, wisdom and faith.






Lily - A lily or lilies may be used to symbolize innocence and purity.  Often they are associated with the Virgin Mary.







Rock
– May be used as a headstone and is a Christian symbol of St. Peter or the resurrection of Jesus.





Scared Heart - A heart encircled with thorns indicates Christ’s suffering.

Star – A 5-pointed star is symbolic with the five wounds of Christ.




Star of David – A symbol of Judaism.  This six-pointed star represents divine protection.







Thistle – A symbol of sin and earthly sorrow.
 








Woman hanging on cross – This was originally the drawing that accompanied the hymn “Rock of Ages.”  It indicates unwavering faith.  Commonly used on Masonic graves.





 Wreath – Symbol of eternity.






Many gravestones are a combination of religious symbols that look well thought out and artistic. 


On Friday, Good Friday in the Christian religion, we will explore the variations, designs and meanings of crosses in the cemetery.

~ Joy