Graveyard Symbolism G - L

HANDS

*  Downward - Mortality or sudden death. (Possibly a depiction of a secret Masonic handshake.)

*  Upward - The reward of the righteous, confirmation of life after death. Heavenly reward, ascension to heaven.

*  Hands praying - Connote devotion.

*  Two hands touching at thumbs - The hands are making the "Live long and prosper" gesture that Mr. Spock used on Star Trek (Leonard Nimoy is Jewish, and that's where he got it). The Cohen was the priestly caste. They perform a few specific functions in Orthodox Judaism, and have a few unique restrictions: they are not supposed to remarry or touch a dead body, for example. People who are Cohen often have Cohen as their last name. This is the hand gesture made by Cohen at the end of services in Orthodox synagogues, it's a benediction, and had come to universally represent Cohens.

 HANDS HOLDING OBJECT

*  A chain with a broken link - Symbolizes the death of a family member.

*  A heart - Symbolic of charity and is common on 19th century memorials. It is typically seen on memorials of members of the Independent Order of Odd fellows. Charity.

*  An open book - The embodiment of Faith.

LAMB

This is the most common animal symbol found on a child's grave. The lamb appears throughout the ages with great regularity in Christian art and because it is a symbol of Christ: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" (Bible, John 1:29). The use of the lamb in religious art pre-dates Christianity and appears to have been used first by the Egyptians. It signifies purity and innocence. Christ in his sacrificial role and personifies: innocence, meekness, gentleness and humility.

LINKS OF CHAIN

The three links of chain which appear at the top center of the marker is a symbol of Freemasonry expressing a bond between brother Masons and also signifies a powerful and lasting unity.

LION

Symbolizes the power of God and guards the tomb against evil spirits. Like other guardians, the lion's watch is as eternal as the stone of which it is depicted. The lion also recalls the courage and determination of the souls which they guard; they manifest the spirit of the departed. Resurrection.