When you are putting together a memorial for someone, you want to put something together that will look good for decades to come. This is when drawing on tradition comes in handy. By using tombstone symbols that have been in use for generations, you can be sure that your loved one’s memorial will appear dignified. It also saves on having to create a design from scratch during an overwhelming time.

There is a variety of headstone symbols and meanings to choose from, so you can still create a unique image even with traditional symbols.

Read on to find out why these cemetery symbols have worked so well for so long.

Drapery

Drapery always works well in gravestone symbolism. It represents the veil that exists between life and death. Veils and shrouds have been associated with funerals in many cultures throughout history.

Their soft appearance is comforting yet somber and creates the perfect frame for your memorial.

Books

A book can put you in the mind of the story of someone’s life. This is the perfect symbol for someone who has had many adventures and loved to tell jokes.

It can also represent a bible or other religious book for someone whose faith was important to them.

Wings

Wings are one of the most popular tombstone symbols. They represent a soul taking flight. Wings tell the viewer that the person being remembered was a good person who is in a better place now.

Obelisk

Obelisks became popular in the nineteenth century when archeological excavation in Egypt revealed many incredible examples of this ancient type of memorial.

These tall geometric forms are strong and proud, and perfect for someone who commanded respect and admiration in life.

Ivy

Ivy is one of the hardiest plants that can grow in any garden. It just keeps coming back. This makes them a fitting ornament for someone whose spirit was so powerful and vibrant that it simply must still be resonating somewhere.

Ivy is a good way of saying that the impact of a life lives on.

Scrolls

Like books, scrolls send the message that this person’s life was full of adventure and wisdom. The shape of a scroll can be preferential to that of a book when designing a memorial because it can fit off to the side as a framing element. But they can make a beautiful feature as well.

Laurel Wreath

Laurel wreaths represent victory and are one of the most common images found in cemeteries.

Life and death are both scary in their own ways, and it is a true victory to face them both with hope and courage. A laurel wreath is perfect for someone who never let the slings and arrows of life get them down.

Broken Pillar

Sometimes, a person is taken from us far too abruptly. A broken pillar connotes a life that was cut short.

This may not be the most uplifting symbol, but sometimes a memorial must have an element of sadness to do justice to the story of a person’s life.

Let Us Help You Choose Your Tombstone Symbols

We understand that thinking about things like tombstone symbols can be painful to think about while grieving for a loved one. We are here to help you find the perfect way to remember your person.

If you don’t know where to begin, please take a look at our comprehensive guide. We hope it will answer your questions and make your journey a little bit lighter.