Genealogy may very well be the only hobby that causes a person to want to hang around in graveyards and cemeteries. Many genealogists use the gravestones of their ancestors to confirm important information such as birth dates, death dates, and connection to other ancestors. Sometimes, you can learn more about the people you descended from, simply because you understand the symbolic meanings of the images that appear on their gravestone.
You might find images of animals, birds, and insects on a gravestone. Each one has it’s own meaning. An ant symbolizes “Christian industry”. Maybe this is because ants are busy workers, who never seem to tire in their efforts. A bee is the symbol for the resurrection of Christ, and also symbolizes chastity. I think this is because, with the exception of the Queen bee and her small selection of consorts, most bees do not reproduce. A butterfly, as you may have guessed, is the symbol of resurrection, and metamorphosis. It can also represent that the person lived a short life, or died an early death.
Birds, in general, are a symbolic representation of the soul. If the bird is flying, it is depicting the soul of the deceased flying back to God. A rooster, or a cock, is the symbol of vigilance, and refers to Saint Peter. Conversely, it can also represent a fall from grace, and repentance. Doves, of course, represent peace. If you see an eagle on a gravestone, it can mean more than one thing. Eagles are part of the national emblem of the United States. This could mean the deceased was a military professional, or was a casualty during the Civil War. In general, eagles symbolize fierceness, and ascension into heaven. A pelican represents “redemption through Christ”. Peacocks are a symbol of immortality.
Snakes are used to represent lots of things. A snake can be interpreted to symbolize death, sin, the fall of man, or Satan. If the snake has been formed into a hoop, or appears to be eating it’s own tail, then it symbolizes eternity. A sheep symbolizes that the deceased was a Christian. A goat means the person was “a nonbeliever”. Rams, on the other hand, represent sacrifice. Lambs are often used to symbolize aspects of Christianity. Lambs can represent Christ the Redeemer, can symbolize resurrection, and are often used on the gravestones of children. Lions symbolize courage and power. They may also be used to indicate that the deceased was royalty, or was a fallen hero. Fish represent Christ, which might possibly be a reference to Jesus as “a fisher of men”. Frogs represent resurrection. I think this is because many species of frogs hibernate during the winter. Their bury themselves under earth or ice, and their heart rate slows to almost nothing. When spring comes, they “thaw out”, and are “alive again”.
Image by Temari 09 by Flickr