Understanding Jewish Gravestones
If you’ve spent much time in cemeteries, you’ve probably seen some matzevot or Jewish gravestones. You may have wondered – what is the significance of the rocks placed on them? Why are some of the gravestones vertical and some horizontal? Or what do the inscriptions...
Portraits in Stone
Families have been immortalizing their loved ones with portraits in stone on their gravesites for thousands of years. After all, it’s hard to lose the people you love. So we rationalize that if we could have just one last look at their face, it might...
Australian Gravestone Symbols
Waverley Cemetery in the suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world – and it’s a great place to learn about Australian gravestone symbols. Waverly Cemetery is perched on high cliffs overlooking the...
Cemetery Angels
Some of the most touching graveside monuments are cemetery angels. The angels appear in many forms. There are angels dressed in flowing robes with feathery wings and joyful smiles. Others are serious guardians of the deceased, bearing swords. Some carry crosses or flowers. Some angels...
10 Catholic Gravestone Symbols
Catholic gravestone symbols can be confusing if you don’t understand what they mean – but inspiring if you do! This blog post will explore the meaning behind ten Catholic symbols at the cemetery. Grandma Mary Two of my grandparents were Protestant and two were Catholic,...
Club, Society, & Fraternity Gravestone Symbols: Part 3
Club, society, and fraternity gravestone symbols can give you clues about your ancestor’s lives. And you never know when the slightest clue might help you add another generation to your family tree! This is the third post of a three-part blog series to explore the...
