Cemetery symbols you don't know: part one

Most people walk through a cemetery and notice two things: names and dates.

 Genealogists, on the other hand, notice names, dates, and then spend the next twenty minutes wondering why there's a lamb, an anchor, or a tree stump carved into someone's gravestone.

The truth is that cemeteries are full of symbols that once carried important meanings. Some represented faith, some symbolized innocence or hope, and others hinted at a person's life, beliefs, or connections. To the people who commissioned these monuments, these carvings weren't just decoration. They were part of the story.

In this series, we'll explore the meanings behind some of the most common (and most overlooked) cemetery symbols found on historic gravestones. Whether you're a genealogist, history lover, or simply someone who enjoys wandering through old cemeteries, these symbols can help you see more than just names and dates.

Let's start with five symbols you may have seen dozens of times without knowing what they meant: