Mississippi Tombstone Symbols & their Meanings
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Acorns - Power; Authority; Victory. Often seen on military graves.
Alpha and Omega - The beginning and the end.
Anchor - Hope; Steadfastness.
Anchor, Sextant, & Cross Staff - Could mean the person was a Mariner.
Anchor with Crossed Canons - Confederate States Navy.
Anchor with Chain or Rope - Emblem of the United States Navy.
Anchors, Double with Shield - United States Coast Guard.
Angels - Spirituality; Guardians of the tomb.
Angel, Flying - Rebirth; Resurrection.
Angel, Praying - Advocate asking God for mercy on behalf of the deceased.
Angel, Trumpeting - Rebirth; Resurrection.
Arch - Victory in death; Door to Salvation.
Arches, Double Stone - Being Rejoined in Heaven With Partner.
Arrow(s) - Mortality; Death.
Axe, Knife, & Cleaver - Could mean the person was a Butcher.
Awl, Knife, & Nippers - Could mean the person was a Shoemaker or Cobbler.
Barber Bowl & Razor - Could mean the person was a Barber.
Bee Flying with Gun - Seabees (US Navy)
Beehive - Symbol of Mormonism; Masonic symbol of productivity.
Bells & Doves - Marriage.
Bellflower - Gratitude
Bible - The Holy Bible is often found on the tombstones of Christians.
Bird - Eternal Life.
Bird Flying - Ressurection.
Books, Holy - Often found on the tombstones of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). Two books indicate the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Three books represent the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
Books, with or without Apple - Could mean the person was a Teacher.
Book, Open - Book of Life.
Butterfly - Shortened life.
Candle (snuffed) - Loss of Life.
Candle, Burning - Everlasting Life.
Castle - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Chain, Broken Links of - Death of a Spouse.
Chain, Three Links - Grand United Order of Oddfellows
Chalice - Sacrement.
Cherubs - Innocence.
Chi Rho - The first two letters, X (chi) & P (rho) in the Greek word for Christ.
Child, Sleeping - Grave of a young child; Not dead, just sleeping.
Circle of Leaves - The Circle (Womens auxillary - Woodmen of the World)
Clover, Four-Leaf - The 4H Club.
Coffin - Mortality.
Column, Broken - Decay / Loss of the Head of the Family
Compass & Square - Masons.
Corn, Stalk of - Could mean the person was a Farmer.
Coulter (hoe) - Could mean the person was a Farmer.
Crescent - Muslum faith.
Cross - General Symbol of Christianity. Represents the Ressurection to many Christian religions.
Cross with Crown - In Mississippi it is usually a Christian symbol of sovereignty of the Lord.
Cross with Flames - Symbol of the Methodist Religion.
Cross with Jesus Christ - The Crucifixion; The Sacrifice of Christ.
Cross, Bontonee - The Trinity.
Cross, Celtic or Irish - Episcopalians call this the Celtic Cross, while Catholics call it the Irish Cross. Often used to denote the graves of Monks or Priests.
Cross, Crusader's - Symbol used by Europeans during the Holy War against the Muslims.
Cross, Egyptian or Coptic - Used by the Gnostics and the Copts, it was devised from the ancient Egyptian symbol, ankh, which symbolizes life.
Cross, Greek - Most commonly known as the symbol adopted by the International Red Cross.
Cross, Jerusalem - Adopted by the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This is another cross from the Crusades.
Cross, Maltese w/ Firefighter Equipment. - Firefighters Emblem.
Cross, Orthodox, Patriarchal, or Eastern - The top cross bar represents the sign "Jesus Christ, King of the Jews", placed on Jesus' cross by the Romans.
Cross, Presbyterian - Presbyterian Religion.
Cross, Roman or Latin - Came about as a result of the Great Schism between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism.
Cross, Southern Cross of Honor - Usually found on the tombstones of Confederate Veterans.
Cross, St. Andrew's - According to legend, when St. Andrew was martyred he claimed he was not worthy to be hung on a cross shaped as Jesus' cross. He requested that this shape be used for his execution.
Crossed Swords - High Ranking Military Person.
Crown - The soul's achievement and the Glory of life after death.
Crown with Cross - In Mississippi it is usually a Christian symbol of sovereignty of the Lord.
Crown with Knight's Head, Crossed Swords, Moon & Stars - Order of DeMolay.
Curtains / Drapes - Mourning; End of Life on Earth.
Daffodil / Narcissus - Rebirth and Ressurection.
Dart w/ figure - Mortality.
Deer - Outdoorsman; Hunter.
Dog - A Master worthy of love; Dog lover; Hunter
Dove - Innocence; Peace.
Dove, Ascending - Soul rising to heaven.
Dove, Dead - Premature death.
Dove, Decending - Decent from heaven to accompany soul to heaven.
Dove, Dive Bombing with Twig - Holy Ghost.
Dove, Flying - Ressurrection.
Dragonfly - Immortality and regeneration.
Eagle - U.S. Postal Service.
Eagle with Stars & Stripes - Eternal vigilance and liberty.
Eagle and Shield on Fleur de lis - Boy Scouts of America
Eagle Clutching Arrows with Shield - United States Army.
Eagles, Double w/ pyramid & the number 32 - Emblem of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons (32nd Degree).
Eye with Sunburst or Triagle - Masonic Symbol.
Firefighter Helmet & Double Axes crossed - Mississippi State Firefighters Association.
Flail - Could mean the person was a Farmer.
Flame - Immortality of the Spirit; The Resurrection.
Fleur-de-Lis - Faith, wisdom and valor; The Trinity, passion and love.
Fruit - Eternal Plenty; Fruit of Life.
Garland - Saintliness; Glory; Victory in Death.
Gates - Pearly Gates; Entrance to Heaven.
Grapes / Grapevine - Blood of Christ; Sacrament.
Grim Reaper - Personification of death.
Hammer, Anvil, & Crown - Could mean the person was a Blacksmith.
Hammer & Square - Could mean the person was a Carpenter.
Hand, Pointing Up - Pathway to Heaven.
Hands with Rosery Beads - Symbol of the Catholic Religion.
Hands, Blessing - Blessing those remaining behind.
Hands, Clasped - Farewell.
Hands, Holding - Unity of Marriage.
Hands, Praying - Asking God for Eternal Life.
Hands reaching for the Lord's Hand - Faith that the Lord will help us to Heaven & Eternal Life.
Harp - Praising God.
Heart - Love; Affection of the living for the dead.
Heart, Sacred - Commonly found in Catholic Cemeteries. Representative of the suffering of Christ for our sins.
Hearts, Two interlocked - Marriage.
Heart and Rose in Cupped Hands - Organ Donor.
Horns - The Resurrection.
Horse and Rider superimposed on Globe. - United Methodist Clergy
Hourglass - Time has expired; Brievity of Life.
"I" made with railroad tie - Employee of Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.
Ivy - Immortality; Friendship.
Lamb - Innocence. Usually marks a child's grave.
Lamp - Immortality of the Spirit; The Resurrection.
Laurel - Worldly accomplishment; Heroism
Light - Immortality of the Spirit; The Resurrection.
Lily - Flower of a Virgin; Purity & Innocence.
Lion - Courage. The Lion's eternal watch guards the tomb.
Loom, Shuttle, & Stretcher - Could mean the person was a Weaver.
Medal, Ribbon with Heart & likeness of George Washington. - Purple Heart, a U.S. Military medal given to soldiers wounded in action.
Medal, Ribbon with 5-Pointed Star. - The Bronze Star, a U.S. Military medal awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service.
Menorah - An Emblem of Judaism.
Militia Soldier w/ Rifle & 5 Stars - Army National Guard.
Mississippi Map with Eagle, Shield, & Stars - Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Morning Glory - Beginning of Life.
Mortar and Pestle - Pharmacists (sometimes Doctor).
Navy Seal - United States Navy.
Oak Leaves - Power; Authority; Victory. Often seen on military graves.
Palm Branch - Victory; Rejoicing.
Pine Tree, Cones, Branch, and/or needles - Immortality.
Poppy - Eternal Sleep.
Rake & Spade - Could mean the person was a Gardener.
Ring - Marriage.
Ring, Broken - A Family Circle has been severed.
Rings, Interlocked - Marriage.
Rod - Comfort for the Bereaved.
Rooster - Awakening; Resurrection.
Rose, Fully opened - Death in the prime of life.
Rosebud - Death early in life.
Rosemary - Remembrance.
Scales - Could mean the person was a Merchant.
Scimitar & 5-pointed Star - Emblem of the Shriners.
Scimitar with Rose & Crescent - Daughters of the Nile.
Scythe - Harvest of death.
Sissors, Brush, Razor, &/or Comb - Person was probably a Barber / Hairdresser / Beautician.
Skull or Skull & Crossbones - Death.
Spade or Spade crossed with Shovel - Death.
Spinning Wheel - Heroines of Jericho (Masonic).
Spinning Wheel over Distaff filled with Flax - Daughters of the American Revolution.
Staff - Comfort for the Bereaved.
Staff of Aesculapius w/ wings & the letter "V" superimposed (Caduceus) - Veterinarian.
Staff of Asklepios with wings & double snakes (Caduceus) - Medical Doctor.
Staff of Asklepios with wings, double snakes & the letter "D" (Caduceus) - Doctor of Dentistry.
Star - The Order of the Eastern Star (Masonic).
Star - The Light of the Spirit overpowers death.
Star of David - International Symbol of Judaism.
Star, 5-Pointed with Wreath & "US" in Center - American Legion Emblem.
Sun - Light and warmth; Renewed life and life everlasting.
Sunrise / Sunset - The Ressurection; Life Ending.
Thistles - Remembrance.
Tourch - Immortality of the Spirit; The Resurrection.
Tree - Life.
Tree, Sprouting - Everlasting Life.
Tree Stump - Life Cut Short.
Tree Trunk - Brevity of Life; Member of Woodmen of the World.
Triangle with 3 joined "T's" - Royal Arch Mason.
Trumpeters - Harbingers of the Resurrection.
Urn - Immortality.
Urn with Flame - Undying Remembrence.
Wedge & Level - Could mean the person was a Mason by trade.
Weeping Willow - Perpetual Mourning; Grief.
Wheat Sheaves or Strands - Divine Harvest.
Wreath - Saintliness; Glory; Victory in Death.
Wings with Crest - U.S. Air Force Pilot.
Wings with Parachute & Star - U.S. Army Airbourne.
Wings with Propeller - U.S. Army Air Corps.
Wings with Star and Wreath - U.S. Army Master Aviator.
Wings, Pilot's, with "L" in Center - WW II U.S. Military Liaison Pilot.
Wreath - Saintliness; Glory; Victory in Death.