Friends of Hastings Cemetery


Grave Carvings - Symbolism

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

Anchor  - Steadfast hope

Arch   - Rejoined with partner in Heaven

Beehive - human industry, faith, education, and domestic virtues, often used by Freemasons

Birds  - The soul

Broken column  - Early death, the loss of the head of the household, or, in freemasonry, the death of a master mason

Broken sword   Life cut short

Calla lily  - Majestic beauty, marriage.

Calvary cross - on 3 plinths Faith, hope and love (charity)

Cherub  - Divine wisdom or justice

Column  - Noble life

Conch shell  - Wisdom

Cross   Symbol of Christ and His suffering for us. The cross can come in many different styles and shapes -  each may have a different shade of symbolism.

Cross, anchor and Bible  - Trials, victory and reward

Crossed swords  - Life lost in battle

Crown - Reward and glory; leadership

Cultivated rose  - Symbol of heavenly love

Daisy  - The Christ’s innocence, youth, the Sun of Righteousness.

Dogwood  - Symbol of regeneration, divine sacrifice and triumph of eternal life.

Dolphin  - Salvation, bearer of souls to Heaven

Dove  - Purity, love and Holy Spirit

Dove with olive sprig - Hope, Holy Spirit