Symbols

A universal symbol representing spiritual sight, inner vision, higher knowledge, insight into occult mysteries. Refers to Free Masonry too.

All Seeing Eye

First and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Symbolizes the beginning and the end.

Alpha-Omega

The American Legion was founded in 1919 by World War I veterans seeking to preserve comradeship.

American Legion

Hope or Eternal Life

Anchor

Spirituality and Tomb Guarding

Angel

Represents death bed, may only be a pillow also.

Bed / Pillows

A string would have been attached, if the interred were to awake while entombed he/she would pull the string, to signal the bell of life.

Bells

Resurrection / Short Life

Butterfly / Moth

Represents Military Service

Cannon

Eleventh Hour, Representing Death passage of time.

Clock

Decay, loss of family

Column

Military of World Wars

Commander

Farmer and Growth, Rebirth

Corn

The symbol for a cultural blend of medieval Catholicism and ancient Celtic traditions.

Celtic Cross

Symbolizes both victory and Christianity

Cross and Crown

Confederate Soldiers of America

C.S.A.

Represents Death of a Youth

Cypress

Daughters of the American Revolution

D.A.R.

Represents members of Aaron.

Descendant Cohanim Hands

Daughters of the Confederacy

D.O.C.

The two Snakes, wings, birds, lamp or any other such symbol represents the enlightened soul, well being of a person, a person with a physical, social, mental and spiritual well being.

Doctors

Good master worthy of love, Forever Faithful, Watchful

Dog

Innocence and Peace

Dove

The principals of friendship, charity, and benevolence (FCB) Knights of Pythias

F.C.B.

Military Service. Usually on Veterans Graves.

Flag

Life Extinguished / End of Life

Flame Down

Fraternal Order, symbol of the compass and the T-square represents movement toward perfection and a balance between the spiritual and physical.

Freemason

Gargoyle

“Gargoyle", the dictionary definition: a spout usually in the form of a grotesquely carved face or figure, projecting from a roof gutter. From the Old French "Gargouille" and the Late Latin "Gurgulio", both meaning throat, This Gargoyle has a Lion Head, Bat wings and Eagle claws.

Leading to Heaven

Gates

A member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal and benevolent secret society, connected to Freemasonry.

Good Fellows

G.A.R.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC…. GAR was founded by Benjamin F. Stephenson, M.D., on April 6, 1866 in Decatur, Illinois. Its organization was based partly on the traditions of Freemasonry, and partly on military tradition; it was divided into "Departments" at the state level and "Posts" at the community level, and military-style uniforms were worn by its members. There were posts in every state in the U.S., and several posts overseas.

The Grand Master is the supreme governor of the Freemasons within a given jurisdiction. He presides over his Grand Lodge and has certain rights in each private lodge within his jurisdiction.

Grand Master

Blood of Jesus Christ

Grapes

Farewell or the Bonds of Marriage

Hands Clasp

Hand of God descending to take you away

Hands Down

Pointing to God in Heaven

Hands Up

Harbingers of the Resurrection

Horn

White means good …In most cases Black could suggest evil unsure if this still applies in modern days

Horse

Passage of time, Time Flies on gates of Freemason Section.

Hour Glass

First three letters of "Jesus" in Greek

I.H.S.

Friendship and immortality

Ivy

The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress (approved May 5, 1870) It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone who had been inspired by a play by the Irish poet John Banim about the legend of Damon and Pythias. And illustrates the ideals of loyalty, honor and friendship that are central to the order.

Knights of Pythias

Officially endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church in 1128, the Order became a favored charity across Europe and grew rapidly in membership and power. Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles each with a red cross, were among the best fighting units of the Crusades.

Knights of Templar

Innocence, usually a child’s grave. Lamb of God

Lamb

Lighting the way, Wisdom

Lamp

Accomplishment and Heroism / Memory of the deceased

Laurel Palm Branch

Innocence and purity, the virgins’ flower

Lily

Strength and support

Lion Feet

An ancient symbol of the sun, dominion, power, ferocity and bravery, the "king of the beasts"

Lion

Most have broken strings , Symbolizing the end of life

Lyre

Flame, light, lamp, torch–immortality of the spirit, resurrection.

Never Ending Flame

Protection and defense, Based on Egyptian rituals to the Sun God. Has Masonic connections.

Obelisk

Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world for women. It was established in 1850.

O.E.S.

Extended Peace and Friendship

Olive Branch

Optimist International

Optimist International commonly called Optimist Clubs, is an international service club organization with 3,200 clubs and over 103,000 members in 200 countries around the world. The international headquarters is located in St. Louis, Missouri. It was founded in the U.S.A. in 1911 in Buffalo, New York. Membership is set by each club, but is usually open to anyone and attendance at meetings is expected on a monthly or twice-monthly basis.

Infinite and Never-Ending

Orbs

Faith and Piety

Passion Flower

Represents rebirth, Resurrection and Immortality

Phoenix

Full Long Life, With children Raised

Pine Cone

Prying asking God for Eternal life

Pray

Stands for the Latin word Pax which means Peace

P and X

Rest in Peace typically occurs on headstones, often abbreviated "RIP." "Rest in peace" is a prayer that the deceased may rest peacefully, not in torment, while awaiting Judgment Day. The expression comes originally from "requiescat in pace", Latin for "may he/she rest in peace." In Italian, it is said as "Riposi In Pace."

Rest In Peace

Signifies Military service and Bravery

Rifle

Everlasting Strength and Foundation

Rocks

Different styles of Roses have different meanings but generally means “Silence"

Rose

Means suffering of Jesus for our sins asking for quick passage from purgatory.

Sacred Heart

It is written in the scriptures

Scroll

Going to a sacred place, Shells are usually placed by visitors to help with the Pilgrimage to the other side.

Shell

Carries the Faithful to God, as faith carried them in life.

Ship

It is a men's fraternity rather than a religion or religious group. Its only religious requirement is indirect: all Shriners must be Masons, and petitioners to Freemasonry must profess a belief in a Supreme Being.

Shriners

Reaping of Life

Sickle

Death

Skull

In a circle means eternity some are found at the bases of Mother Mary statues

Snake

Spanish-American War. April 1898 to February 1899 The fighting was pretty much over by July 1898, but the Treaty was not signed until February 6,1899

Spanish War Veterans

Guardian of Sacred Places strength and protection

Sphinx

Divine protection

Star of David

Death could not overpower the light

Star

Means time is up

Sundial

Justice and Strength

Sword

32 degrees commonly known as simply the Scottish Rite, is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. A Rite is a series of progressive degrees that are conferred by various Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which operates under the control of its own central authority. In the Scottish Rite the central authority is called a Supreme Council. 33 being the Highest Degree.

32nd Degree

Knowledge Gained

Tree

Symbolic in Virginity

Unicorn

Evolution from beginning to end, But not 100% can’t find any concrete proof as to what it exactly means.

Unknown

Immortality, Penitence

Urn (Draped)

Death of the body and it has gone to Dust.

Urn

Perpetual mourning, Grief

Weeping Willow

Divine harvest, Old age, Long life.

Wheat

Victory of light over Darkness.

Winged Sun Disk

Woodsmen of the World…..The organization was founded in 1890 in Omaha, Nebraska by Joseph Cullen Root. Root, who was a member of several fraternal organizations including the Freemasons, founded Modern Woodmen of America in Lyons, Iowa.

W.O.W.

Victory in Death

Wreath


	First and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Symbolizes the beginning and the end.

Alpha-Omega

	The American Legion was founded in 1919 by World War I veterans seeking to preserve comradeship.
American Legion

	Hope or Eternal Life
Anchor

	Spirituality and Tomb Guarding
Angel

	Represents death bed, may only be a pillow also.
Bed / Pillows

	A string would have been attached, if the interred were to awake while entombed he/she would pull the string, to signal the bell of life.
Bells

	Resurrection / Short Life
Butterfly / Moth

	Represents Military Service
Cannon

	Eleventh Hour, Representing Death passage of time.
Clock

	Decay, loss of family
Column

	Military of World Wars
Commander

	Farmer and Growth, Rebirth
Corn

	The symbol for a cultural blend of medieval Catholicism and ancient Celtic traditions.
Celtic Cross

	Symbolizes both victory and Christianity
Cross and Crown

	Confederate Soldiers of America
C.S.A.

	Represents Death of a Youth

Cypress

	Daughters of the American Revolution
D.A.R.

	Represents members of Aaron.
Descendant Cohanim Hands

	Daughters of the Confederacy
D.O.C.

	The two Snakes, wings, birds, lamp or any other such symbol represents the enlightened soul, well being of a person, a person with a physical, social, mental and spiritual well being.
Doctors

	Good master worthy of love, Forever Faithful, Watchful
Dog

	Innocence and Peace
Dove

	The principals of friendship, charity, and benevolence (FCB) Knights of Pythias
F.C.B.

	Military Service. Usually on Veterans Graves.
Flag


	Life Extinguished / End of Life
Flame Down

	Fraternal Order, symbol of the compass and the T-square represents movement toward perfection and a balance between the spiritual and physical.
Freemason

Gargoyle	“Gargoyle", the dictionary definition: a spout usually in the form of a grotesquely carved face or figure, projecting from a roof gutter. From the Old French "Gargouille" and the Late Latin "Gurgulio", both meaning throat, This Gargoyle has a Lion Head, Bat wings and Eagle claws.

	Leading to Heaven
Gates

	A member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal and benevolent secret society, connected to Freemasonry.
Good Fellows

G.A.R.	GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC…. GAR was founded by Benjamin F. Stephenson, M.D., on April 6, 1866 in Decatur, Illinois. Its organization was based partly on the traditions of Freemasonry, and partly on military tradition; it was divided into "Departments" at the state level and "Posts" at the community level, and military-style uniforms were worn by its members. There were posts in every state in the U.S., and several posts overseas.

	The Grand Master is the supreme governor of the Freemasons within a given jurisdiction. He presides over his Grand Lodge and has certain rights in each private lodge within his jurisdiction.
Grand Master

	Blood of Jesus Christ
Grapes

	Farewell or the Bonds of Marriage
Hands Clasp


	Hand of God descending to take you away
Hands Down

	Pointing to God in Heaven
Hands Up

	Harbingers of the Resurrection
Horn

	White means good …In most cases Black could suggest evil unsure if this still applies in modern days
Horse

	Passage of time, Time Flies on gates of Freemason Section.
Hour Glass

	First three letters of "Jesus" in Greek
I.H.S.

	Friendship and immortality
Ivy

	The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress (approved May 5, 1870) It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone who had been inspired by a play by the Irish poet John Banim about the legend of Damon and Pythias. And illustrates the ideals of loyalty, honor and friendship that are central to the order.
Knights of Pythias

	Officially endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church in 1128, the Order became a favored charity across Europe and grew rapidly in membership and power. Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles each with a red cross, were among the best fighting units of the Crusades.
Knights of Templar

	Innocence, usually a child’s grave. Lamb of God
Lamb

	Lighting the way, Wisdom
Lamp

	Accomplishment and Heroism / Memory of the deceased
Laurel Palm Branch

	Innocence and purity, the virgins’ flower
Lily

	Strength and support
Lion Feet

	An ancient symbol of the sun, dominion, power, ferocity and bravery, the "king of the beasts"
Lion

	Most have broken strings , Symbolizing the end of life
Lyre

	Flame, light, lamp, torch–immortality of the spirit, resurrection.
Never Ending Flame

	Protection and defense, Based on Egyptian rituals to the Sun God. Has Masonic connections.

Obelisk

	Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world for women. It was established in 1850.
O.E.S.

	Extended Peace and Friendship
Olive Branch

Optimist International	Optimist International commonly called Optimist Clubs, is an international service club organization with 3,200 clubs and over 103,000 members in 200 countries around the world. The international headquarters is located in St. Louis, Missouri. It was founded in the U.S.A. in 1911 in Buffalo, New York. Membership is set by each club, but is usually open to anyone and attendance at meetings is expected on a monthly or twice-monthly basis.

	Infinite and Never-Ending
Orbs

	Faith and Piety
Passion Flower

	Represents rebirth, Resurrection and Immortality
Phoenix

	Full Long Life, With children Raised
Pine Cone

	Prying asking God for Eternal life
Pray


	Stands for the Latin word Pax which means Peace
P and X

	Rest in Peace typically occurs on headstones, often abbreviated "RIP." "Rest in peace" is a prayer that the deceased may rest peacefully, not in torment, while awaiting Judgment Day. The expression comes originally from "requiescat in pace", Latin for "may he/she rest in peace." In Italian, it is said as "Riposi In Pace."
Rest In Peace

	Signifies Military service and Bravery
Rifle

	Everlasting Strength and Foundation
Rocks

	Different styles of Roses have different meanings but generally means “Silence"
Rose

	Means suffering of Jesus for our sins asking for quick passage from purgatory.
Sacred Heart

	It is written in the scriptures
Scroll
	Going to a sacred place, Shells are usually placed by visitors to help with the Pilgrimage to the other side.
Shell

	Carries the Faithful to God, as faith carried them in life.
Ship

	It is a men's fraternity rather than a religion or religious group. Its only religious requirement is indirect: all Shriners must be Masons, and petitioners to Freemasonry must *profess a belief in a Supreme Being.*

Shriners

	Reaping of Life
Sickle

	Death
Skull

	In a circle means eternity some are found at the bases of Mother Mary statues
Snake

	Spanish-American War. April 1898 to February 1899 The fighting was pretty much over by July 1898, but the Treaty was not signed until February 6,1899
Spanish War Veterans

	Guardian of Sacred Places strength and protection
Sphinx

	Divine protection
Star of David

	Death could not overpower the light
Star

	Means time is up
Sundial

	32 degrees commonly known as simply the Scottish Rite, is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry. A Rite is a series of progressive degrees that are conferred by various Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which operates under the control of its own central authority. In the Scottish Rite the central authority is called a Supreme Council. 33 being the Highest Degree.
32nd Degree

	Knowledge Gained
Tree

	Symbolic in Virginity
Unicorn

	Evolution from beginning to end, But not 100% can’t find any concrete proof as to what it exactly means.
Unknown

	Immortality, Penitence
Urn (Draped)

	Death of the body and it has gone to Dust.
Urn

	Perpetual mourning, Grief
Weeping Willow

	Divine harvest, Old age, Long life.
Wheat

	Victory of light over Darkness.
Winged Sun Disk

	Woodsmen of the World…..The organization was founded in 1890 in Omaha, Nebraska by Joseph Cullen Root. Root, who was a member of several fraternal organizations including the Freemasons, founded Modern Woodmen of America in Lyons, Iowa.