Tombstone Symbols

Ringling Brothers Circus Memorial https://www.visitwahpeton.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Circus-Monument-1024x768.jpg

I always eagerly await the latest edition of FamilyTree Magazine. The September/October 2025 issue includes a great article regarding the symbols that we find on our ancestors’ tombstones. Let’s look.

In an earlier blog I referenced work by Joy Neighbors and it is her article “Cultural Icons” that is featured. What I especially enjoyed were the accompanying photos and explanations. It is well worth your time to check out the article. In addition, check out her blog site: A Grave Interest. the video by Joy Neighbors “The Silent Language of the Stones, Reading Gravestones through Symbols and Carvings”.
There are several books available regarding graveyard symbols including the one by Joy Neighbors. Here’s another one that I’ve found interesting: Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography by Douglas Keister, published by Gibbs Smith (April 5, 2004).
 
I find this topic so interesting and it has prompted me to look at some of my own family’s gravestones to see what, if any, carvings are included. I have found that many stick to the basics: Name and year. Some reference that the person is the wife of or child of or when they came to America. Often children gravestones have a little lamb or something equally poignant. The time period might also influence the type of stone used. For example, in our area, most of the stones were of red, pinkish, or grey granite in the thirties through the eighties or so . While more recently there are more stones of black granite than has been seen in the past. Early gravestones were often light grey or white. When searching an unfamiliar graveyard, it helps to look for these clues…especially if you have a large area to walk.
I looked at my great grandmother’s grave. She was of Luxembourg descent but the symbols on her grave included a harp and palm branch. Looking at the meaning of such symbols, the harp reflects hope as well as a tribute to God while the palm branch symbolizes victory, triumph, peace, and eternal life. Another suggestion was the palm branch represented peace forever more. I like that one. Today it is quite common for the gravestone of a farmer to include wheat or even his tractor while roses seem to be popular for women.
Here’s an interesting story about a tragic event for a circus. Two of their employees were killed while putting up the tent during a thunderstorm. This Ringling Brothers Circus Memorial
Tombstone looks like a broken circus tent pole. It still exists today…just outside of Wahpeton, North Dakota. Ringling Brothers Circus Memorial | Official North Dakota Travel & Tourism Guide and Tent Pole Monument to Circus Dead - Atlas Obscura
Here are more articles to enjoy on this topic.
Decoding the Language of Tombstones: What Gravestones Reveal About Our Ancestors - Genealogy Voyage
How to interpret gravestone symbols and their meanings — Heritage Discovered
The-Silent-Language-of-the-Stones-Reading-Gravestones-Through-Symbols-and-Carvings.pdf
Grave Marker Symbols: What Do They Really Mean?
90 Common Headstone Symbols & What They Mean | LoveToKnow
I hope you enjoy exploring this topic. I feel like it is a small way to better understand our ancestors. Enjoy finding the meaning behind those symbols!