Tombstone MeaningsThe term "Relict" on a tombstone means that the woman was a widow at time of death, consort means that her husband survived her. "Cenotaph" engraved on a tombstone indicates an empty grave, with the stone erected in honor or memory of a person buried elsewhere - often erected in honor of a person lost at sea. Meanings of Carvings: Arches--- Victory in Death Arrows--- Mortality Bouquets/Flowers--- Condolences, grief, sorrow Buds/Rosebud--- Morning of Life or Renewal of Life Roses--- Brevity of earthly existence Portals--- Passageway to eternal journey Bugles--- Resurrection and the Military Crossed Swords--- High-ranking military person Flying Birds--- Flight of the Soul Fruits --- Eternal plenty Garlands --- Victory in death Imps--- Mortality Shells--- Pilgrimage of Life Thistles--- Remembrance Tombs--- Mortality Trees--- Life Trumpeters--- Heralds of the Resurrection Willows--- Earthly Sorrow Morning Glory--- Beginning of Life Butterfly--- Short-lived; Early Death Full-Blown Rose--- Prime of Life Palm Branch--- Signifies Victory and Rejoicing Ivy--- Friendship and Immortality Laurel--- Fame or Victory Oak Leaves & Acorn--- Maturity, Ripe Old Age Weeping Willow--- Emblem of Sorrow Corn--- Ripe Old Age Sheaf of Wheat--- Ripe for Harvest, Divine Harvest, Time Poppy--- Sleep Lamb--- Innocence Dove--- Innocence, Gentleness, Affection, Purity Cherub--- Angelic Cross--- Emblem of Faith Anchor/Ships--- Hope or Seafaring profession Broken Ring--- Family Circle Severed Broken Column--- Loss of Head of Family Torch Inverted--- Life Extinct Urn with Blaze --- Undying Friendship Harp--- Praise to the Maker Handshakes--- Farewell Hearts--- Soul in Bliss or Love of Christ Horns--- The Resurrection Hourglass--- Swiftness of Time Open Book/ Bible--- Deceased Teacher, Minister, etc. Lily or Lily of Valley--- Emblem of Innocence and Purity Tree Stump w/Ivy--- Head of Family; Immortality Urn with /Wreath or Crepe-- Mourning Stars & Stripes Around Eagle--- Eternal Vigilance, Liberty Hourglass w/Wings of Time--- Time Flying; Short Life Candle being Snuffed--- Time, mortality Coffin, Father Time, Picks/Shovels, Darts--- Mortality Hand of God Chopping--- Sudden Death Winged Effigies--- Flight of the Soul
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