During the Victorian era, headstones were often elaborately decorated with symbols and motifs that reflected the beliefs, values, and social customs of the time. Some common Victorian symbols found on headstones are:
- Anchor - hope and steadfastness
- Broken column - a life cut short
- Crown - victory over death and the attainment of eternal life
- Drapery - veil between life and death or
- Hands clasped in prayer - devotion and faith
- Ivy - immortality and eternal life
- Lamb - innocence and the soul of a child
- Open book - the Bible or a book of life, representing the deceased's faith and knowledge
- Sunflower - adoration, loyalty, and devotion
- Torch - the spirit of life and enlightenment
- Urn - mourning and the soul's immortality
- Weeping willow - A symbol of grief and sorrow
- Winged hourglass - A symbol of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death
These symbols continue to serve as reminders of the values and beliefs of
this unique period in history. Here are some examples of these symbols at the PMMP. Come visit us soon! (Photos from PCA Archives)
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