Common Cemetery Tombstone Symbols Found in Michigan

 

 

These are some of the very common symbols you will find on Michigan tombstones. Click on the slideshow above for more info on the tombstones and symbols pictured.

Dove- The dove is a very common animal symbol, mostly because of its Biblical meaning. Usually holding an olive branch which refers to Noah from the Bible. Also a symbol of purity and peace.  

Willow Trees- Grief, sorrow and immortality.  

Closed book- Many represent the bible but they can also stand for a life completed.  

Curtains- Passing into another existence. Protection 

Broken Column- Life cut short and life coming to an end. A very popular symbol in cemeteries in the 19^th century.  

Praying Hands- Christian symbol 

Lambs- Innocence. Usually found on the graves of children and babies.  

Flowers- Flowers have been used in burial ceremonies since the early days of civilization and before. Flowers have always held a soft spot in people. Their beauty and fragility is a symbol for life and love.  

Fingers pointing up- A symbol of the soul rising to heaven.  

Hands shaking- Matrimony. Sometimes there is one masculine hand and one feminine hand. Look at the sleeves of the hands. If there is no difference in the sleeves, then the hands are a symbol of being greeted into heaven or saying good-bye from earth.  

IHS and IHC- Many times these letters are seen connected with each other. IHS comes from the first three letter of Jesus’ name using the Greek alphabet: Iota, Eta, Sigma.” IHC stands for the same thing, but is Roman.  

Broken branches- Life cut short.  

Tree stumps- Life cut short.  

 

 

About Us | Contact Us | ©2007-2011 Michigan's Otherside. All Rights Reserved.