Headstones are just as much for the people who have passed as they are for those who are still alive. Whether you're etching their spirit, passion, or your everlasting love for them onto their tombstone, you don't want to make a mistake. Learn all about the possible headstone symbols you can include on their marker to see which fits them best.
Religious Headstone Symbols & Their Meanings
Many people guide their lives with an overarching spiritual belief system, one they want to carry with them into the afterlife. These are just some of the common religious headstone symbols that are added around the world.
- An angel blowing a trumpet (Angel Moroni) to represent Mormonism
- An atomic whirl to represent the American Atheist
- A crescent moon with a star to represent Islam
- A menorah to represent the Messianic Judaism
- A pentagram to represent the Wicca religion
- A pointed star to represent the Baha'i faith
- A ship's steering wheel to represent the Buddhist Wheel of Righteousness
- The Star of David to represent Judaism
- A pair of Kohanim hands to represent Judaism
- A medicine wheel to represent Indigenous American spiritual beliefs
- A traditional teepee to represent the Native American Church of North America
The U.S. government recognizes nearly 100 separate headstone symbols for various belief systems.
Judeo-Christian Headstone Symbols & Their Meanings
Judeo-Christian religious motifs have embedded themselves in the West's cultural lexicon. This means even nonreligious people might include these symbols on their headstones.
- Angel: Flying angels can symbolize rebirth while a praying angel is thought to be watching over the deceased.
- Cherub: Cherubs can represent innocence, virtue, and purity and are commonly seen on children's headstones.
- Crown: The crown is a Christian symbol of the soul's ascension into heaven.
- Gates: The gates have Christian roots and represent someone's admittance into heaven.
- Hand with finger pointing up: This Christian symbol supposedly points the way to heaven.
- Bunch of grapes or grapevine: Grapes/a grapevine represents the blood of Jesus Christ as transformed during transubstantiation.
- Book: This symbol is typically rooted in the Christian faith and represents the Bible.
- Cross: The cross is a generic Christian symbol, though different denominations may have unique stylings.
- Flame: A flameRepresents the eternal life of the soul.
- Harp: This is a Christian symbol and is intended as a tribute to God.
Animal Symbols for Gravestones & What They Mean
Ancient Egyptians frequently mummified their pets to have them by their side in the afterlife, so it makes sense people would find comfort in animal symbology on their tombstones.
Some popular animal and insect symbols include:
- Beehive: The beehive is simultaneously a Freemason and Mormon symbol.
- Bird: A bird can represent immortality or everlasting life.
- Butterfly: A butterfly can represent an abbreviated life and is more commonly seen on a younger person's headstone.
- Dove: A dove on a headstone can represent peacefulness and innocence.
- Dragonfly: A dragonfly represents eternal life.
- Lamb: A lamb is used to represent virtue or purity and is commonly seen on children's headstones.
- Deer: A deer is used to show the deceased was an avid hunter or sportsman.
- Lion: A lion represents bravery.
- Rooster: A rooster represents revival.
- Peacock: A peacock represents rebirth.
- Ouroboros: The ouroboros (a snake eating its tail) represents eternal life.
- Dog: A dog represents allegiance.
- Pelican: A pelican can represent generosity and philanthropy.
According to the Association for Gravestone Studies, many headstone images date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Flora Headstone Symbols & Their Meanings
The natural world has provided a lot of inspiration to people over the centuries. These are some of the flowers, trees, branches, and sprigs of plants that you might find on headstones.
- Acorns/Oak leaves: Acorns and oak leaves can indicate strong influence and authority.
- Bellflower: A bellflower is meant to represent graciousness and thankfulness.
- Lily: A lily represents virtue and innocence.
- Morning glory: A morning glory represents a new beginning.
- Pine tree/cone: A pine tree/pine cone can represent everlasting life.
- Rosebud: A rosebud can indicate an abbreviated life.
- Wreath: A wreath represents greatness or devoutness.
- Fruit: Fruit on a headstone can represent everlasting abundance.
- Gourd: Gourds on a headstone can represent life and fruitfulness.
- Poppy: A poppy can represent everlasting rest.
- Tree/branches: Trees and branches represent existence.
- Ivy: Ivy can represent everlasting life or companionship.
- Wheat: Wheat can represent abundance or productiveness.
- Rosemary: Rosemary is meant to indicate you're keeping the deceased in your memory.
- Weeping Willow: A weeping willow represents bereavement.
- Tulip: A tulip represents life.
- Palm: A plam branch represents peace forevermore.
- Buttercup: A buttercup represents happiness.
- Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle can represent devotion and/or strong feelings.
- Pineapple: A pineapple represents generosity and/or accommodation.
Architectural and Decorative Headstone Motifs & Their Meanings
Headstones aren't limited to one shape. They can be carved into architectural marvels like a mausoleum or obelisk or can feature images of them. Some of the more prevalent decorative tombstone motifs include:
- Draperies: Draperies can mean many things including sadness, grief, and the transition from life to death.
- Urn: An urn represents the end of life.
- Arch: An arch can represent triumph over death and/or two souls reuniting.
- Double arch: A double arch represents joining a life partner in death.
- Broken column: A broken column represents the loss of a family patriarch or matriarch.
- Sphinx: A sphinx is a typical guardian of the dead.
- Fleur-de-Lis: A fleur-de-lis represents either intense love and devotion or courage.
- Anvil: An anvil represents self-sacrifice.
- Bridge: A bridge represents going from one place to another.
- Coat of Arms: A coat of arms connects to the deceased's family/ancestral history.
- Steps: Steps represent ascension into the afterlife.
Related: 10 Fascinating Famous Graves That Share Stories of the Eternal
Common Headstone Motifs & What They Mean
The Association for Gravestone Studies' 19th Century guide has collated some of the more common headstone symbols and their meanings.
- Bones or Arrows: Bones or arrows can represent the end of life or extinction or serve as a reminder that everyone dies.
- Candle with a flame: A candle with a flame represents existence.
- Anchor: An anchor can represent anticipation, hope, or optimism.
- Ring: A ring usually represents matrimony.
- Greek Letters Alpha and Omega: The Alpha and Omega symbols represent the start and end of life.
- Broken chain: A broken chain can represent the loss of a husband or wife.
- Interlocked Compass and Square: A compass and square indicates the deceased was a Freemason.
- Hourglass: An hourglass represents the end of life and/or too little time.
- Clock: A clock represents the passage of time and/or the end of life.
- Scythe: A scythe represents the end of life.
- Clasped hands: Clasped hands can represent a final goodbye or a bond that lasts through life and death.
- Pile of books: A pile of books represents wisdom and/or scholastic pursuits.
- Egg and Dart: An egg symbolizes being, and a dart means the end of life.
- Staff: A staff represents relief and caring.
- Heart: A heart can symbolize everlasting love.
Profession Headstone Symbols & Their Meanings
Throughout history, gravestones have used symbols to pay homage to the deceased's beloved careers. Some of the livelihoods you can honor with funerary symbolism include:
- Pile of books topped with apple: A pile of books topped with an apple indicates the deceased was a professor or teacher.
- Quill and ink: A quill and ink indicate the deceased was an author/writer.
- Hammer and anvil: A hammer and anvil indicate the deceased was a blacksmith.
- Rake and spade: A rake and spade indicate the deceased was a landscaper.
- Scales: Scales indicate the deceased was a salesman and/or purveyor of goods.
- Bowl and razor: A bowl and razor indicate the deceased person cut or styled hair.
- Axe, knife, and cleaver: An axe, knife, and/or cleaver indicates a person who prepares meat.
- Corn: An ear of corn indicates the deceased was a farmer.
- Hammer and square: A hammer and square indicate the deceased was a builder
- Mortar and pestle: A mortar and pestle indicates the deceased was a medical professional.
Headstone Symbols Are Your Spiritual Short-Hand
While a loved one's passing can be incredibly difficult, their headstone can be a way for you to keep their memory alive for years to come. Consider your loved one's values and beliefs and honor them with an appropriate headstone symbol or two.
