Symbols on tomb stones and their meaning Arches = Victory in Death Arrows = Mortality Bouquets/Flowers = Condolences, grief, sorrow Buds/Rosebud = Morning of Life or Renewal of Life Roses = Brevity of earthly existence Portals = Passageway to eternal journey Bugles = Resurrection and the Military Crossed Swords = High-ranking military person Flying Birds = Flight of the Soul Fruits = Eternal plenty Garlands = Victory in death Imps = Mortality Shells = Pilgrimage of Life Thistles = Remembrance Tombs = Mortality Trees = Life Trumpeters = Heralds of the Resurrection Willows = Earthly Sorrow Morning Glory = Beginning of Life Butterfly = Short-lived; Early Death Full-Blown Rose = Prime of Life Palm Branch = Signifies Victory and Rejoicing Ivy = Friendship and Immortality Laurel = Fame or Victory Oak Leaves & Acorn = Maturity, Ripe Old Age Weeping Willow = Emblem of Sorrow Corn = Ripe Old Age Sheaf of Wheat = Ripe for Harvest, Divine Harvest,Time Poppy = Sleep Lamb = Innocence Dove = Innocence, Gentleness, Affection,Purity Cherub = Angelic Cross = Emblem of Faith Anchor/Ships = Hope or Seafaring profession Broken Ring = Family Circle Severed Broken Column = Loss of Head of Family Torch Inverted = Life Extinct Urn with Blaze = Undying Friendship Harp = Praise to the Maker Handshakes = Farewell Hearts = Soul in Bliss or Love of Christ Horns = The Resurrection Hourglass = Swiftness of Time Open Book Bible; = Deceased Teacher, Minister, etc. Lily or Lily of Valley = Emblem of Innocence and Purity Tree Stump w/Ivy = Head of Family; Immortality Urn w/Wreath or Crepe = Mourning Stars & Stripes Around Eagle = Eternal Vigilance, Liberty Hourglass w/Wings of Time = Time Flying; Short Life Candle being Snuffed = Time, mortality Darts, Coffin, = Father Time, Picks/Shovels = Mortality Hand of God = Chopping Sudden Death Winged Effigies = Flight of the Soul