Grave Markers

The terms gravestone and tombstone are used interchangeably, but according to historians that was not always the case. The original tombstone was the stone lid of the coffin or the coffin itself. The gravestone was a stone slab laid over a grave. Graves from the 1700's also had what was called a footstone. The footstone was placed at the foot of the grave. Footstones held the deceased's initials and the year of death. In many older cemeteries the footstones have been removed.

In the 18th century the gravestone evolved from the stone slab covering the grave to upright slabs. The shape of the top varied, it could be rounded, gabled, square or even pointed. Social status and wealth determined the size of the gravestone.

The carvings decorating the 18th century Gravestones were symbolic reminders of death. There were skulls, winged skulls called death's heads, and the grave digger's picks and shovels. Others depicted the life of the deceased or, more to the point, how they died.

In the 19th century the focus of the carvings on the headstones shifted from death to life after death. Crosses and angels became the norm.

Over the years a wide variety of stones have been used to mark the resting place of the dead. The earliest markers were fieldstone. Some were unmarked but some sported symbols or the deceased's name and age.

Wood has been used as a grave marker since the beginning of time. It was still commonly used during the Georgian and Victorian era. Some wooden headstones were quite ornate, unfortunately they decomposed over time.

Iron grave markers were popular in the Victorian era. The cast iron headstones made during that era have lasted for generations but ones made of wrought iron did not stand the test of time. What few are still in existence have eroded away. The rusty piles left in their wake are difficult if not impossible to read.

Limestone is fairly easy to carve and was extremely popular during the 1700's. Marble, which is re-crystallized limestone, replaced the limestone in the 1800's. Unfortunately both marble and limestone slowly dissolve when exposed to the weather. Normal rain is slightly acidic and slowly eroded the stones. Most inscriptions carved during the 17 and 1800's are no longer legible.

Sandstone is a durable stone and fairly easy to carve. It replaced the fieldstones in Colonial America in the 1600's. Some sandstone headstones are still easy to read after hundreds of years while others have crumbled into a pile of sand. If moisture finds a way in, the stone is stressed as the water freezes each winter. Over time the layers start flaking off.

Slate with its smooth texture was popular for a time. It was easy to carve and was often highlighted with white paint or gilding. Unfortunately slate was slightly porous and crumbled over time.

White Bronze is not bronze but sand cast zinc, and was used by a Monumental Bronze Company between 1874 and 1914. The white bronze headstones were marketed as more durable than marble and at one-third the price. White Bonze headstones can be seen in cemeteries throughout the United States and Canada.

Granite has been a popular choice in recent years, but it is a hard stone and requires a great deal of skill to carve. Now days a rubber stencil is used with the names, dates, and emblems are sandblasted onto the surface of the stone.

While walking through a cemetery, old and new alike, the gravestones are often adorned with symbols as well as the name of the deceased. The symbols are not just a random selection of pretty artwork. Some are simple statements of ones life, while others proclaim a belief in life after death. Listed below are some of the symbols commonly used and what they mean.

Anchor: The Anchor represents a steadfast hope. There is life after death.
Arch: We are separated from our loved ones now, but we will spend eternity together in heaven.
Birds: Birds represent the soul.
Cherub: A cherub represents divine wisdom.
Broken Column: A life cut short.
Conch shell: The wisdom of a wise man.
The Cross, the Anchor, and the Bible: The trial, the victory, and the reward.
Crown: Eternal reward and glory.
Dove: Holy Spirit, purity and love
Evergreen: Eternal Life
Garland: Christ was victorious over death.
Ivy: Faithfulness
Lamb: Innocence.
Laurel: Victory
Lily: The resurrection
Olive Branch: Peace and Forgiveness
Palms: Victory over death.
Peacock: Eternal life.
Skeleton: Life is short.
Star of David: God
Snake in a Circle: Everlasting life.
Crossed Swords: Lost in battle.
Torch: Eternal Life.
Triangle: The Trinity.
Weeping Willow: Grief

There has been a gradual shift over the last few decades. Grave Markers are simpler. They mark the resting place of a loved one but are not grave memorials. Today we remember our loved ones through writings, photographs and stories. We celebrate their life rather than mourn their death.

Ashes to Ashes...Dust to Dust