We’ve previously done a blog on common gravestone symbols and their hidden meanings, well now it’s time for alternative gravestone symbols and their hidden meanings. Many of the traditional symbols we mentioned previously hold religious connotations, whilst some of the alternatives can be interpreted in additional ways that aren’t necessarily linked to just religion.
Read on below to learn more - you never know, one might resonate with you or remind you of a loved one!
Acorns
Various plants are often depicted on gravestones, with the acorn being a relatively popular motif. There are various interpretations of what acorns symbolise, though some widely accepted associations include potential, authority, strength and prosperity.
This is due to acorns being relatively small seeds with great potential to go on and grow into a mighty oak tree.
Thistle
A thistle (specifically a Scottish thistle) is another natural motif that is often found on gravestones. These are very heavily associated with Scotland, due to it being the country’s national flower, thus it is likely to be used on the headstone of those of Scottish nationality or heritage.
Alongside the celtic associations, this is also seen as a sign of resiliency and protection, likely because the thistle is able to endure the ever changing weather conditions of the Scottish highlands, while its spiny barbs protect the delicate flower at its centre.
Phoenix
You may be familiar with seeing doves on a headstone, but if you’re looking for something a bit more majestic, then you may opt for a phoenix. Known in Greek mythology as a bird that dies in flames and is reborn from its own ashes, the symbol of the phoenix represents the beauty of the soul and resurrection or new beginnings.
Some take this as a symbolism of life after death, whilst modern symbolism also sees the phoenix as a figure of success through turmoil.
Atomic Whirl
Often represented with a capital ’A’ in the centre and an open-ended orbital, the atomic whirl is a symbol that is predominantly used by the American Atheists organisation to symbolise that ‘only through the use of scientific analysis and free, open inquiry can humankind reach out for a better life’.
This is often used on military gravestones to indicate military personnel who were atheist, as opposed to using one of the symbols to signify a specific religion.
Draped Urn
For those who have been cremated and had their ashes buried rather than a traditional burial, then it isn't uncommon practice to see a draped urn as a cemetery monument. The urn itself represents the container in which ashes are placed, whilst the depiction of a cloth draping over the top is used to symbolically guard the ashes.
Some believe the shroud to mean that the soul has departed the body and began its journey to the afterlife, while others interpret it as signifying the last partition between life and death.
Bespoke Headstones in Lanarkshire
If you live in Lanarkshire and are in need of a burial or cremation headstone to commemorate a lost loved one, then you can rely on Stewarton Memorials.
Offering hand-crafted, bespoke headstones to your specification, let us know if there are any specific special symbols that we can engrave on your required headstone and we’ll do our best to ensure you receive exactly what you’re looking for.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.
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