Cemetery Symbolism Part 3: Geometric Symbolism

So far, we have examined how animals and human figures represent positive human attributes, religious beliefs, and aspects of life's journey. However, symbolism in cemeteries extends well beyond living forms. Geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, squares, stars, and crosses also carry significant meaning, often conveying religious beliefs, concepts of eternity, and spiritual ideals. 

GEOMETRIC SYMBOLISM

Geometric forms are among the most common symbols found on grave memorials.

 
Circle.
The circle predates Christianity, although its original symbolic meaning was later adopted by the Christian faith. Universally recognised as a symbol of eternity and never-ending existence, the circle is extremely common in cemetery art.

One of its most frequent representations is a cross enclosed within a circle. Two circles, one above the other, symbolise earth and sky, while three interconnected circles represent the Holy Trinity.

 
Latin Cross Surrounded by a Circle or Oval
Represents eternity and everlasting existence.

 
Cross

The connection between religion and symbolism has always been strong. For Christians, one of the most powerful symbols is the crucifix or cross. The cross can convey many meanings, including love, faith, salvation, sacrifice, and goodness. Throughout history, however, it has also been appropriated for darker purposes, such as the burning cross employed by the Ku Klux Klan.

There are many different forms of Christian crosses found throughout the world, although only a handful are commonly encountered in Australian and North American cemeteries.

 
Botonee Cross
Named for its modified trefoil, or three-lobed ends, the Botonee Cross symbolises the Holy Trinity.

 
Calvary Cross
A Latin cross standing upon three steps or blocks. These steps traditionally represent faith, hope, and love, although love is sometimes interpreted as charity.

 
Celtic Cross
The circle surrounding the crosspiece symbolises eternity. Its origins can be traced to the Celtic cultures of the British Isles.

According to legend, St Patrick was shown a sacred standing stone marked with a circle representing the moon goddess while preaching to a group of pagan converts. He made the sign of the cross through the circle and blessed the stone, thereby creating the first Celtic Cross.

 
Eastern Cross
Used in Orthodox Christian traditions, particularly Russian and Greek Orthodoxy. The upper horizontal beam represents the inscription placed above the head of Jesus, while the lower slanted beam represents the footrest of the crucified Christ.

 
Fleurie Cross (Gothic Cross)
This flowered cross symbolises the mature Christian life through its flared, petal-like ends.

 
Greek Cross
Featuring four arms of equal length, the Greek Cross is one of Christianity's most enduring symbols.

The equal-armed cross predates Christianity and was used in pagan traditions to represent the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water.

 
Ionic Cross
Similar to the Celtic Cross, the Ionic Cross features arms that flare outward. It symbolises everlasting salvation, love, and glory. The surrounding circle represents eternity.

 
Latin Cross
One of the oldest and most widely recognised symbols of Christianity, the Latin Cross is also among the simplest in design. In early times, it was sometimes referred to as God's Mark.

 
Triangle, Trefoil, and Triquetra
In Christianity, the equilateral triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Other geometric representations of the Trinity include the trefoil, the triquetra, the circle within a triangle, the triangle within a circle, and the triquetra enclosed within a circle.

To the ancient Egyptians, the triangle was an emblem of divinity, while the followers of Pythagoras viewed it as a symbol of wisdom.

The triangle is also commonly associated with the Eye of God motif.

 
Square
The square represents the earth and earthly existence.

Some monuments feature a cube or square balanced on one corner. This arrangement symbolises earthly existence while also illustrating the connection between heaven above and earth below.

 
Eye of God Surrounded by a Triangle and Circle
Symbolises the eternal nature of the Holy Trinity and the omniscience of God.

 
Pentagram
The pentagram is a five-pointed star formed by extending the sides of a regular pentagon until they intersect.

This symbol predates Christianity and is known to have been used by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras. During the Middle Ages, it was adopted by practitioners of ceremonial magic and was believed to offer protection against evil.

Christian symbolism later associated the pentagram with the five wounds suffered by Christ during the Crucifixion.

It is notable that the pentagram has been employed by both Christian and Wiccan traditions, albeit with different interpretations.

 
Pyramid
A symbol of eternity.

According to folklore, pyramid-shaped tombstones prevented the devil from reclining upon a grave.

 
Star
A five-pointed star may symbolise the life of Christ and can also represent the five wounds of the Crucifixion.

 
Five-Pointed Pentagram Star
Drawn with a single continuous line, the pentagram's meaning has evolved considerably over time.

Pre-Christian Celtic priests reportedly referred to it as the Witch's Foot. It has also been known as Solomon's Seal and, during the Middle Ages, as the Goblin's Cross.

The symbol has long been associated with protection. Ancient Babylonians used it as a magical charm, while in Wiccan belief it serves as a protective emblem against evil forces. It has also been interpreted as representing the five senses, the five Books of Moses in Judaism, and has been adopted by several fraternal organisations, including the Order of the Eastern Star.

 
Star of David


A six-pointed star composed of two interlocking triangles, the Star of David, or Magen David ("Shield of David"), is one of Judaism's best-known symbols.

It signifies divine protection and is often associated with the symbolic union of fire and water, represented by upward- and downward-pointing triangles.

Although the symbol is ancient and was used by a variety of cultures throughout the Mediterranean and Near East, it became widely associated with Judaism during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

 
Menorah

The seven-branched candelabrum is a traditional Jewish symbol representing the divine presence of God.

Its seven branches correspond to the seven days of Creation described in the Book of Genesis. 

Swastika
The exact origin of the swastika remains uncertain, although it is regarded as one of humanity's oldest and most widespread symbols.

It is commonly found in Buddhist symbolism, where it may represent the seal of Buddha's heart, the teachings of Buddhism, or the cycle of existence.

In Chinese culture, both clockwise and anticlockwise forms have been used to represent complementary male and female principles.

The symbol was also employed by the Romans and numerous other ancient cultures before being appropriated by the Nazi Party in Germany during the Second World War, a usage that has forever altered its perception in the Western world.