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Tag: symbolism

Cemetery Symbols: E is for Epitaph

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What exactly is an epitaph? EPITAPHS: Words of remembrance inscribed on a headstone are called an epitaph. Epitaphs run the gamut from brief phrases, poems, song lyrics and scriptures, to a lengthy list of of the deceased’s attributes. (I recently came across one that read more like a Linked In profile than an epitaph!) What I enjoy about epitaphs is how much personality, and even humor, they add to a cemetery visit. One of my favorite epitaphs can be found in Key West, Florida on the grave of a person who caught flack for being a hypochodriac. A lifetime of…

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Cemetery Symbols: D is for Dove

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What does a dove signify on a headstone? DOVE: In general, doves represent innocence, peace, and/or the Holy Spirit. The meaning of a particular dove depends on what it is doing. A dove that appears to be swooping down from above symbolizes a loved one taking the deceased up to heaven. If the dove itself appears dead, as in the photo above, it stands for someone who died young. The tiny tree stump here is another reference to a life cut short. So sad! (How to comment: Please comment about this post on Tui Snider’s Facebook. Leave your link in…

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Cemetery Symbols: C is for Cross

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What does a Greek Orthodox cross signify? GREEK ORTHODOX CROSS: Crosses come in many different forms! In the interest of keeping this A to Z post short and sweet, I’ll only discuss one. Anyway… I recently visited a monastery where I was told why the bar at the bottom of the Greek Orthodox cross is tilted: It is a symbolic way of expressing that the “wise thief” who was crucified on the right side of Christ went to heaven, while the unrepentant thief who was crucified on his left side went to hell. (How to comment: Please comment about this…

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Cemetery Symbols: B is for Books

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What do books signify on a headstone? BOOK:Books are a common feature in historic graveyards, but they rarely have actual words carved into them, as the one you see in the photo above. When books are open, it indicates that a person’s life was cut short, in mid-story, so to speak. A closed book acknowledges that a person’s story on earth has reached its end. Books may also represent The Bible or other holy scripture. (How to comment: Please comment about this post on Facebook: B is for Books. Leave your link in the comments, and I’ll drop by your…

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Cemetery Symbols: A is for Anchor

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What does an anchor signify on a headstone? ANCHOR: Anchors often refer to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. As a symbol, anchors represent hope in troubled times. During the Roman persecution of Christians, the anchor served as a secret symbol, a covert referral to the cross. (How to comment: My blog comments are broken, but I’m trying to get that fixed! In the meantime, please comment about this post on Facebook: A is for Anchor Leave your link in the comments, and I’ll be sure to drop by your blog, too. You can also tweet me at @TuiSnider.…

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