A Partial Listing of Symbolism Found on New England Gravestones
| Symbol | Significance |
|---|
| Angels |
Symbolize heaven and the journey from earth to heaven |
| Arches (often seen with pillars) |
Arches symbolize the passage to heaven. The soul travels from earth to heaven through the symbolic arches |
| Arrows |
Arrows, quivers, javelins, and darts all symbolize death. This symbolism comes from the fact that the colonists were always threatened by the possiblility of an Indian attack |
| Candles |
Candles or lights symbolize life. Sometimes these are seen with a skeleton or father time trying to extinguish the light! |
| Cocks & Peacocks |
Symbolized vanity, a falling from grace, and also the awakening to repentence |
| Coffins |
Symbol of dying |
| Crowns |
Is thought to symbolize righteousness and the ability of the righeous soul to move from death to heaven |
| Death Head |
Death was preached all the time during colonial times. The death head (also see skeleton) could be seen as cheerful, angry or sad. Sometimes with wings, less frequently with scull and crossbones |
| Dove |
Symbolizes peace and devotion |
| Flowers |
Symbolize life, both its beauty and its temporary nature (Broken flowers symbolize death) |
| Gourds |
Coming and passing of the human life |
| Grapevine |
Symbolizes Christ and the church |
| Heart |
Symbolizes the soul in heaven |
| Heart in the Mouth of a Death's Head |
The soul emerging triumphant from death |
| Hourglass |
Symbolizes the temporary nature of life and the passing of time. Although less common it is sometimes seen with wings. |
| Hourglass |
Symbolizes the temporary nature of life and the passing of time. Although less common it is sometimes seen with wings. |
| Mermaids |
From mythology which was a part of the Puritan's life. Sirens or mermaids were the messengers of Prosperina and were sent to carry the souls of the dead to Hades. |
| Scallop Shell |
Shells were used by the Pilgrims for many day to day items. Therefore the scallop shell is seen as a humble symbol representing the crusade for life |
| scythe |
Symbolizes the end of life and the tempory nature of life. When seen in the hands of father time, it symbolizes the ending of a life. |
| Skeleton (death head or less commonly, the whole skeleton) |
Death was preached constantly during colonial times. Depending on the sculptor of the stone, the death head can be seen as cheerful, angry, or sad. It often has wings! The whole skeleton when seen is often whown with father time and at times with arrows in hand. |
| Sun |
Half suns can symbolize both the beginning and the end of life. The sun is also a symbol of heaven and the journey to heaven. |
| Stars |
Heaven |
| Tree of life |
Symbolized both earthly and heavenly life and spirituality. The "weeping willow" may have also symbolized the sadness family members felt at the time of a loved ones death. |
| Urns |
Symbols of earthly death |
