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Inspired by a Pilgrimage
This week’s Historic Cemetery Symbols post was inspired by Rev. Dr. Raymont Anderson. I had the pleasure of interviewing him on a recent episode of Teal Gray Worldwide Radio. It was a lively interview; we discussed some deep stuff while having plenty of laughs along the way. (Check out the replay here: TGWW Radio: Rev. Dr. Raymont Anderson )
Afterwards, Raymont shared a link to a series of articles he wrote about a recent pilgrimage he took to the New York City. The Big Apple is probably not the first place to come to mind when you think of the word “pilgrimage,” but I invite you to read Ray’s take on it: Pilgrimage of Raymont Anderson.
As you can see, Ray uses the image of a scallop shell in his first article, which reminded me that I hadn’t yet written about the meaning of seashells at grave sites. As always, my upcoming Field Guide to Historic Cemetery Symbols will have a much more expanded version of this, but here’s the quickie version for this week:
What’s the meaning of seashells at a grave site?
Seashells are an ancient Christian symbol referring to religious pilgrimages and spiritual protection. During the Middle Ages, pilgrims often wore scallop shells. Seashells were also used to mark the path for those on a pilgrimage.
Here in Texas, I often see seashells in historic cemeteries. I’ve never actually seen a scallop shell, but a lot of times, I come across clam shells pressed into raised cement tombs. Occasionally, I find a headstone that has a shell on top of it – and it’s nearly always a conch shell. When a seashell has been left behind at a grave site and it not a part of the actual headstone, it means a loved one made a pilgrimage to the deceased’s grave, leaving a shell behind as a reminder of their visit.
Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism:
I am currently creating a field guide to cemetery symbolism. Each Tuesday, I share a small snippet from my upcoming book. It’s my goal to create a handy-dandy pocket guide for taphophiles, genealogists, ghost hunters, and anyone else interested in the historic graveyard symbols that have become forgotten over the years.
What symbols are you curious about?
Let me know in the comments if there is a certain symbol that you are curious about. Also, if you would like to know when the cemetery symbolism guide is available for purchase, scroll down and sign up for my newsletter! I look forward to hearing from you!
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FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:
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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.
I have sometimes seen conch shells placed on or lying near old gravestones in cemeteries in central Scotland. They are all old cemeteries – 18th and 19th centuries, so not modern graves, and the conches themselves look very weathered so may have been there for a long time. So, here anyway, there is nothing in the practice being in any way related to Africa.
How interesting, Steve! Thank you for sharing that! Yeah, the more I look into the practice of leaving seashells at gravesites, the farther back the practice goes. I’d sure love to visit Scotland and see some historic burial grounds there, in person. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! :)
I walked the Necropolis in Glasgow today and can send some pics
Oh, very cool! I would love to see your pics. Could you email them to me at TuiSnider at gmail.com, pretty please? Thanks! :)
White conch shells are also a symbol of Buddhism, and have been seen on Jewish gravestones, unlikely in relation to a Christian tradition.
You should also check out the extensive literature on the Bakongo (in Africa) and the role of shells in their funeral practices, since there is a direct connection. Enslaved people brought this custom with them when they arrived in the South as captives. Whites then adapted and adopted similar practices. This short article is a good starting point: https://southwritlarge.com/articles/african-american-funeral-and-mourning-customs-in-south-carolina/.
Thank you, Kristen! I will read that article. Since first posting this blog entry, I’ve learned so much more about shells on grave
sites. I was surprised by how far back the practice goes. And, fortunately, I do make mention of the African origins in my latest book (Understanding Cemetery Symbols.) It’s such a fascinating topic! Thanks again. :)
I asssociate scallop shells with the pilgramages to Santiago de Compestela. Although I’ve never seen seashells in a cemetery, the Christian symbolism makes sense.
Hi, Ann! Well, now I’m going to have to read up on what pilgrimages to Santiago de Compestela are all about! Thank you for dropping by! :D
I am so excited about your “Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism”. I love strolling through graveyards and often wonder at the meaning of symbols used. Great post.
Thank you, Sarah! I love all the positive feedback I’m getting about this book. So encouraging to know I’m not alone in my passion for this subject. I *hope* to have it done by next March, but we shall see! :D