Cemetery Symbols Presentation (Prezi)

Here are some of the common symbols that adorn grave markers at old cemeteries. This will be shown in advance of our visit to Bethel United Methodist Church.  Click here if you are unable to view this Prezi.

Cemetery Symbols- What Do They All Mean?

Old cemeteries and graveyards, especially those from the 19th-century Victorian era, are rich in symbolism. From crosses and angels to plants and animals, each has a special meaning. Though some symbols are up to interpretation, there seems to be a general consensus on most messages. The term "iconology" refers to the study, description, analysis, and interpretation of icons.


There are many resources online and in books to help interpret grave site symbols, including this in-depth one that lists symbols alphabetically.  My "In the Arms of Angels" book's chapter 5 "Cemetery Symbology" samples symbols found at Magnolia Cemetery.  And our "Stories Told in Stone" text includes a "Glossary of Common Gravestone Symbols & Interpretations" chapter (pages 71-82).

Symbols listed in Sharon Carmack's "Your Guide to Cemetery Research" 

This Prezi goes into the types of symbols to be seen at older graveyards and cemeteries.

Prezi Next Presentation: Cemetery Symbology at Magnolia Cemetery

Victorian-era gravesites are rich in iconography- symbols, motifs and other meaningful touches and flourishes.

This Prezi Next presentation showcases some of the examples of such symbolism at Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston's premier Victorian necropolis.

The Prezi can also be viewed by clicking here.



For instructions on how to embed a Prezi into a blog post as I did here, go to this site.