The Genealogy & Family History Social Network

Cemetery Symbols

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For those who have an interest in the symbols found in cemeteries. Come ask questions or assist others.

Members: 98
Latest Activity: Oct 28, 2020

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Started by Nancy Parker Wright. Last reply by Nancy Parker Wright Dec 26, 2010. 5 Replies 0 Likes

Started by Unknown Ancestor. Last reply by Unknown Ancestor Nov 25, 2009. 6 Replies 0 Likes

Started by Terri O'Connell. Last reply by Nancy Parker Wright Oct 27, 2009. 6 Replies 0 Likes

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Comment by Sherry Hightower on July 14, 2009 at 12:05pm: Just a little bit more info for you Terri on the REBEKAHS

Comment by Terri O'Connell on July 14, 2009 at 8:57am: Anita, I too have started photographing the symbols and looking them up to see what they mean. I tend to be drawn to the Masonic symbols. I am not sure why. But I am willing to see where it leads me.

Comment by Terri O'Connell on July 14, 2009 at 8:56am: Michael, I feel the same! I found some newspaper articles on line about my GG Grandmother. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. I never knew anything about them until I found these articles. After surfing a few web sites, I was hooked. It's funny how things are under your nose, and you never see it. Now when I am at the cemetery, I find a few graves with OES symbols.

Comment by Anita Payne on July 14, 2009 at 7:32am: This is going to be a fun site, you have hit on one of my other passions. I have been photographing lots of the different symbols on the graves in my local cemeteries. I'm away for a few days but will add some of my favourite photos in a day or two. I have a fairly long list of symbols and meanings.

Comment by Michael Stills on July 14, 2009 at 7:18am: Hi, I hope this site builds a good following, I think it is a great idea. I recently found the Masonic Symbol on an ancestors grave and have written the Masonic Lodge in Tenn to see if I can learn more about him. I think this is a great way to learn more about your ancestors. Thank you.

Comment by Terri O'Connell on July 14, 2009 at 1:08am: Every bit helps. Thanks so much. I appreciate your assistance.

Comment by Tom Hutter on July 14, 2009 at 1:05am: Note: The Oddfellows also have a female order known as Daughters of Rebecca who also use the three-link chain on grave stones. I hope this helps a bit.

Comment by Terri O'Connell on July 14, 2009 at 12:57am: Tom,

Thanks for the reply. Very interesting. This stone has the OES on it, which is of course how I knew belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star. But, this is interesting. Will have to look into it some more. I am about to send a letter to the OES for other reasons and maybe they will reply to this as well.

Comment by Tom Hutter on July 14, 2009 at 12:53am: Hi Terri,
Here is a possibility>: In 17th century England, it was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. Those who belonged to such anorganization were called "Odd Fellows." Odd Fellows are also known as "The Three Link Fraternity" which stands for Friendship, Love and Truth. Many times the FLT will be found on a tombstone with each letter in a link of a chain. This is actually a logo for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows The letters stand for: Friendship, Love and Truth. The symbol of the three-link chain goes hand-in-hand with the three words.

Comment by Terri O'Connell on July 13, 2009 at 11:50pm: I came across the following symbol this summer, the grave is of a woman who was a member of The Order of the Easter Star. I have searched the internet and books and cannot find any reference to this symbol. Can anyone help?