Understanding Cemetery Symbols by Tui Snider
[The following is an adapted excerpt from my book, Understanding Cemetery Symbols. I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy my book after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.]
What do Alpha and Omega look like?
Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last. Since Alpha looks like an A and the Greek letter Zeta looks like a Z, people often assume that Zeta is the last letter in their alphabet. Well, surprise! It’s not. (But this is the just the sort of question you will encounter on a trivia question from time to time, so be prepared to amaze your friends!)
What do Alpha and Omega symbolize on a headstone?
In a historic cemetery, you will sometimes see Alpha engraved on one side of a tomb and Omega on the other. In the photo above, you can see Alpha on the left, Omega on the right, and the two letters combined into one symbol in the middle. Symbolically, Alpha and Omega stand for God, who created the beginning, the end, and everything in between.
Want to learn more about cemetery symbols?
BLOG POSTS: Click here to read a whole bunch more blog posts about historic graveyards and cemetery symbols. I’m constantly adding new content here!
READ MY BOOK: Check out my book, Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.
Want a FREE Guide to Historic Cemeteries?
Tui Snider is an author, speaker, and photographer who specializes in North Texas travel, cemetery symbols, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!”
Snider’s best-selling books include Paranormal Texas , Understanding Cemetery Symbols, and 100 Things to Do in Dallas - Fort Worth Before You Die.
Snider has several more books in progress, and enjoys connecting with writers and readers all over the globe through social media, her newsletter and her website: TuiSnider.com.
glad to have serendipitously uncovered your A-Z posts, do you have scorpio rising?
a-z visitor
Hey, Zannie! Thanks for visiting. Nah, pretty sure I’m Libra rising. How about you? :)
Good to have you back in the Challenge again, Tui! Another great sounding theme in store.
Thanks for promoting for us!
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out (A)
Hi Arlee! Thanks for stopping by! And, yes, I love spreading the word about the April A to Z Challenge. It’s such an energetic time of year. Thanks a million for creating it! :)
Thanks for the little lesson, Tui. =)
~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
My A to Z’s of Dining with IC
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
You’re most welcome, Patty! Thanks for dropping by. :D
Great post. Interesting subject.
Thank you, Juneta! Glad you enjoyed this post. There are a whole bunch more on the way! :D
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