It is week 21 in the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks writing challenge. For this week, the writing prompt is Tombstone.
Marking the places where the dead are buried is a human practice older than recorded history with some of the oldest known stone markers dating back to 3,000 to 4,000 B.C. Known as dolmens or chamber tombs, they were megalithic monuments. The earliest tombstones, like the dolmen, were a stone or stones covering the entire grave. Unlike earlier tombstones, today’s headstones are much smaller, serving as memorials for the deceased. While some headstones are simple, carved only with the deceased’s initials or name, others are elaborately carved or decorated, with each symbol representing a theme or feeling. Some of my favorite family headstones contain these symbols (with these meanings):
- Anchor: Steadfast hope
- Book: Faith, wisdom
- Dove: Holy Spirit, purity
- Garland: Victory over death
- Hands: Relationship, affection
- Heart: Devotion, love
- Ivy: Faithfulness, memory
- Lamb: Innocence, youth
- Lily: Purity, resurrection
- Oak: Strength, resilience
- Skeleton or skull: Life’s brevity
- Weeping willow: Mourning, grief
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