Cemetery Symbolism Part 1: Animals
As paranormal investigators, the majority of us frequent local cemeteries on a regular basis. A good investigator will hear the rumours associated with a cemetery and begin their investigation by researching the history of those buried within its grounds and, perhaps, the history of the cemetery itself.
Most will take hundreds of photographs of the tombstones that represent the lives of those interred there, spending hours searching for the slightest hint of paranormal activity among the headstones. But have you ever wondered what all those symbols, the clasped hands, the anchors, and the animals, actually mean?
In Australia, we have a diverse cultural heritage. Our pioneers came from many countries across the globe, and this was followed by waves of immigration over the past two hundred years. Our cemeteries represent not only the original European settlers but also people from every corner of the world. As a result, our tombstones and mausoleums reflect a vast array of cultural traditions and beliefs.
Below is a small guide to some of the meanings behind these symbols.
ANIMALS
The use of animals to represent the deceased is an ancient tradition dating back to the Egyptians. It was also widely practised throughout Europe.
Birds in Flight
Symbolic of the "winged soul." The representation of the soul as a bird dates back to ancient Egypt.
Wings
Some older funerary art features wings alone to convey the idea of a divine mission. They often denote eternal life and are commonly found on the graves of children.
Dove
An important symbol in Christianity representing the Holy Spirit. The white dove appears in the story of the baptism of Christ:
"And John bore record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him." (John 1:32)
The descending dove is a very common motif on grave memorials.
Seven Doves
Representative of the seven spirits of God, or the Holy Spirit in its sevenfold gifts of grace. They symbolise purity, devotion, and the Divine Spirit. When shown with an olive sprig, they represent hope and promise.
Eagle
Suggests courage and may indicate a military career. The eagle is also associated with Saint John.
Owl
Represents wisdom.
Rooster
Symbolises awakening and the Resurrection.
Swallow
Often indicates a child or symbolises motherhood.
Butterfly
Represents the soul. Although relatively rare, it is occasionally seen on graves, most often those of children.
The butterfly is also symbolic of the Resurrection of Christ. Its meaning is derived from the three stages of its life cycle: the caterpillar, the chrysalis, and the butterfly. These stages symbolise life, death, and resurrection. It may also represent a life cut short.
Dog
Signifies loyalty and devotion, suggesting that the deceased was deeply loved.
Dolphin
Represents resurrection.
Dragon
When depicted being defeated by Saint George, it symbolises triumph over sin.
Fish
Indicates faith and Christianity.
Frog
May depict sin and worldly pleasures, although it can also represent resurrection.
Hart (Male Deer)
Represents faithfulness, a longing for God, or Christ's triumph over Satan.
Horse
Symbolises courage and generosity. It is an attribute of Saint George, Saint Martin, Saint Maurice, and Saint Victor, all of whom are commonly depicted on horseback in Christian art.
Lamb
The lamb is one of the most common animal symbols found on a child's grave, representing innocence in life.
It appears frequently throughout Christian art as a symbol of Christ:
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)
The use of the lamb in religious symbolism predates Christianity and appears to have first been employed by the Egyptians. It signifies purity, innocence, meekness, gentleness, and humility.
Lion
Symbolises the power of God and serves as a guardian against evil spirits.
Like other stone guardians, the lion's watch is eternal. It also represents courage, determination, and the enduring spirit of the departed.
Resurrection Symbols
Peacock
Symbolises the incorruptibility of the flesh, resurrection, the beauty of the soul, and immortality.
Phoenix
Represents resurrection, immortality, and rebirth. Like the peacock, it symbolises the incorruptibility of the flesh and the eternal soul.
Serpent
When depicted swallowing its own tail, known as the Ouroboros, it represents eternity.
Squirrel with a Nut
Symbolises religious meditation and spiritual striving.
