Other Gravestone Symbols and Meanings

For my second to last blog post I would like to cover some more gravestone symbols that didn't fit in any other categories.

The first of these symbols is the freemason symbol (seen below).

The Freemasonry was and is a fraternity that dates back before the Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated in Europe and transferred to the early American colonies. By using this symbol on a gravestone it signifies that that man was involved in this fraternity and dedicated his life to it.

The symbol consists of three elements to symbolize the ethics of their group: the letter "G" for "God" or "geometry" (the natural order of things); a carpenter's t-square (for measuring right angles and, via a metaphor, behaving justly); and the compass (used by architects to draw circles and create boundaries, leaving everything in its rightful place).

The anchor, an uncommon symbol during the colonial American era, was a symbol of hope or eternal life. The anchor is also a Masonic symbol for well-grounded hope.

The picture above contains many symbols that I've already covered: the hand (symbolizing life after death or the hand of God) and the Great Chain of Being (symbolizing life on Earth). The arrow in the background symbolizes mortality and martyrdom. The hand holding a heart is a symbol used by the I.O.O.F (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) and Masons, both fraternal organizations. It symbolizes charity.

This gravestone features the willow tree (symbol of mourning) and a lamb, which signifies innocence and is usually found on the gravestone of a child.

The picture on the left is a snake encircling a butterfly. The picture on the right is a snake encircling an hourglass. The snake symbolizes an eternal life without beginning or end. The butterfly symbolizes the soul leaving the body. The hourglass symbolizes the passing of time. 

Drapery symbolizes mourning or an entrance into a new life.

http://www.graveaddiction.com/symbol.html  ---This link will take you to a very informative site on this  subject, which covers many more symbols (it is difficult to determine which ones were used during the colonial time period). 

Next week I will be wrapping up this blog and revisiting my original question: “What are the meanings behind the carvings on the New England gravestones and in what time era were they used?” 

If you have any questions about my blog or want me to research any additional symbols please let me know in the comment box! I will do my best to answer all the questions.

Sources:

N.A. "Gravestone Symbolism". N.D. Web. Retrieved Dec 1 2013. <http://www.graveaddiction.com/symbol.html>.

Rainville, Prof. Lynn. "Gravestones of the Week". LoCoHistory. 2008. Web. Retrieved Nov 20 2013. <http://www.locohistory.org/Albemarle/gravematters.shtml>.