Funerary Art and Symbolism

Glenwood Cemetery is abundant with a variety of funerary art and lore. Most people who visit seem to always say that there is no other place like it that they have ever been to. Glenwood Cemetery was established in 1857 during the Victorian and Antebellum era of the mid to late 1800’s. During this time, cemeteries were just beginning to be established in the United States. Although symbolism has gone on for centuries it seemed that during this period, cemetery symbolism hit an all time high. Artisans were called upon to construct stones for loved ones that were carved into works of art and beauty. The carvings were very elaborate and had a special meaning to each person. As symbolism and iconography grew increasingly popular, the public had a multitude of ideas that could have been chosen from.

This guide will help you identify and interpret some symbols that come from cemetery carvings. Please enjoy this publication and use it in other cemeteries to see if your ancestors carried on this tradition.

• A Book A Book
• The Calla Lilly The Calla Lilly
• The Cross and Crown The Cross and Crown
• The Easter Lily The Easter Lily
• The Flaming Torch The Flaming Torch
• The Laurel Wreath The Laurel Wreath
• The Lily of the Valley The Lily of the Valley
• The Morning Glory The Morning Glory
• The Passion Flower The Passion Flower
• Finger Pointing Upward Finger Pointing Upward
• The All Seeing Eye The All Seeing Eye
• A Sheaf of Wheat A Sheaf of Wheat
• The Anchor The Anchor
• The Dove The Dove
• The Fern The Fern
• The Hand Coming from Above The Hand Coming from Above
• The Handshake The Handshake
• The Lamb The Lamb
• The Oak The Oak
• The Palm The Palm
• The Rose The Rose
• The Star The Star
• The Tulip The Tulip
• The Tree Stone The Tree Stone
• The Weeping Willow The Weeping Willow
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