Have you ever gone to a cemetery, looked at the tombstones, and wondered why there were certain symbols present? Perhaps you saw an hourglass with wings or an inverted torch. Maybe there was an open book or a lamb. It turns out that these icons are not just there to fill up blank space or because the deceased had some sort of affinity for these images. As a matter of fact, there are meanings behind each symbol, a little clue referencing the passing of the person who lies six feet below.
Below is an infographic created by Atlas Obscura that explains many of the most popular symbols you might find in a graveyard. The next time you find yourself strolling through a cemetery, now you’ll have a better understanding of what you’re seeing.
