We traveled down to north Texas. We had a little time to kill so we parked in a cemetery. (No I didn’t go geocaching.) I took some photographs of some of the gravestones. I love old graves. They often reflect a hard life.
A dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit or the messenger of God.
I see a lot of hands like this on graves. Using the old Google it seems that it can symbolize a last goodbye. It can also symbolize a passing of a spirit to heaven with a previously deceased spouse holding the hand of the recently deceased to help in the process. You can tell who died first by looking at the cuffs. Here it looks like the husband died first and is holding the hand of his wife as her spirit passes into heaven.
The hand pointing upward represents the ascension to Heaven. Myself, I plan on having a geoache near where I am buried. My finger is going to pointing to where it is hidden.
A Book represents a Bible, used to indicate a very devout person, sometimes it used for ministers.
A lamb used a lot on children’s graves, and in old cemeteries there are lots of children’s graves. The lamb represents innocence.
Fascinating old cemetery and great shots! I loved the ones I visited in New Orleans, so much history! This one reminds me of those. And, of course, your planning on a a geocache near years almost made my spew my coffee on my keyboard! Have a good day!!
Sylvia
I enjoyed learning about the symbolism on these headstones. I have always found cemeteries very peaceful places to walk around, with a lot of history in those old headstones.
I’ve often wondered what the hands on gravestones meant. NOW I know!
These old headstones would be wonderful for rubbings. Interesting to know what the symbols stand for.
I want my ashes spread to the wind.
I agree that cemeteries hold lots of history. Makes you wonder who these people were and how they lived back in those days.
… and they reveal so much of life. Love that finger!
The old gravestones seem to tell a story. I like the idea you have for your own. Geocaching even when deceased! There’s no stopping you, Yogi!
I spent a little time last week photographing grave markers as well. I think I’m going to save them for a little later in the year.
What an interesting cemetery. These places fascinate me, too. How hard life was–and practical.
Old cemeteries are very interesting. I have a number of photos of gravestones in the Wagoner cemetery of my ancestors. I shoud do a feature on them. By the way, there is a Leake auto show coming up. Want to meet there? http://www.leakecar.com/index.cfm?id=225
I love cemeteries .. you might like to join the group on FB .. I posted a link to this post at the group page .. Taphophilia with a Splash of Bourbon Supergropup
Fascinating post Yogi and I have learned so much. It’s good to see gravestones which are still legible.
Cemeteries have a way of bring the way past right up front. Sad, eerie, immediate, and somehow freeing.