Poland Granite Tombstone

Poland Granite Tombstone

About Form&Decoration of Tombstone

      Gravestones may be simple upright slabs with semi-circular, rounded, gabled, pointed-arched, pedimental, square or other shaped tops. During the 18th century, they were often decorated with memento mori (symbolic reminders of death) such as skulls or winged skulls, winged cherub heads, heavenly crowns, urns or the picks and shovels of the gravedigger. 

Somewhat unusual were more elaborate allegorical figures, such as Old Father Time, or emblems of trade or status, or even some event from the life of the deceased (particularly how they died). Large tomb chests, false
sarcophagi as the actual remains were in the earth below, or smaller coped chests were commonly
used by the gentry as a means of commemorating a number of members of the same family.

In the 19th century, headstone styles became very diverse, ranging from plain to highly decorated, and often using crosses on a base or other shapes differing from the traditional slab. They might be replaced by more elaborately carved markers, such as crosses or angels. Simple curb surrounds, sometimes filled with glass chippings, were popular during the mid-20th century.

Islamic headstones are traditionally more a rectangular upright shaft, often topped with a carved topknot
symbolic of a turban; but in Western countries more local styles are often used. 

Some form of simple decoration may be employed. Special emblems on tombstones indicate several familiar themes in many faiths. Some examples are:

Anchor: Steadfast hope
Angel of grief: Sorrow
Arch: Rejoined with partner in Heaven
Birds: The soul
Book: Faith, wisdom
Cherub: Divine wisdom or justice
Column: Noble life
Broken column: Early death
Conch shell: Wisdom
Cross, anchor and Bible: Trials, victory and reward
Crown: Reward and glory
Dolphin: Salvation, bearer of souls to Heaven
Dove: Purity, love and Holy Spirit
Evergreen: Eternal life
Garland: Victory over death
Gourds: Deliverance from grief
Hands: A relation or partnership (see Reference 3)
Heart: Devotion
Horseshoe: Protection against evil
Hourglass: Time and its swift flight
Ivy: Faithfulness, memory, and undying friendship
Lamb: Innocence, young age
Lamp: Immortality
Laurel: Victory, fame
Lily: Purity and resurrection
Lion: Strength, resurrection
Mermaid: Dualism of Christ—fully God, fully man
Oak: Strength
Olive branch: Forgiveness, and peace
Palms: Martyrdom, or victory over death
Peacock: Eternal life
Pillow: a deathbed, eternal sleep
Poppy: Eternal sleep
Rooster: Awakening, courage and vigilance
Shell: Birth and resurrection
Skeleton: Life's brevity
Snake in a circle: Everlasting life in Heaven
Square and Compasses: Freemasonry
Star of David: Judaism
Swallow: Motherhood
Broken sword: Life cut short
Crossed swords: Life lost in battle
Torch: Eternal life if upturned, death if extinguished
Tree trunk: The beauty of life
Triangle: Truth, equality and the trinity