10 Symbols Found

For my FYE, I visited Bethel United Methodist Church to find 10 symbols. 

The first symbol I found was a set of flowers with a drape over it. Flowers conveyed secret codes in Victorian times. Each plant or flower represents something of the deceased. Drapery seen on headstones and urns signifies death and mourning. It can represent separation as the Temple in Jerusalem had a curtain separating the sacred area. Rosa Mary is buried here. She was the beloved wife of C.H. Muckenfuss. She was born on October 9, 1835 and died on November 2, 1881.

The second symbol I found was a flower with leaves around it. Fern leaves on headstones – In Victorian symbology represented solitude due to them living in the middle of forests. Here lies Olin B Davis. He was born on October 30, 1841 and died on December 9, 1866. 

The third symbol I found was a wreath with a dove above it. The wreath indicates memory and victory over death. The Dove has several meanings. Flying down represents the Holy Spirit. Flying up represents the Soul’s journey to Heaven. In profile or with an olive branch represents peace. Here lies Anna, the beloved wife of Rev. A.M. Chrietzberg. She lived from 1821-1872.

The fourth symbol I found was a cross inside of a crown. The Crown on a headstone represents the Crown of Life. The Cross represents christian faith, but different crosses can also have different meanings. See Graveyard Crosses. Here lies Priscilla Sarah Eason. She is mother of: Sarah Ann, William, Mary Ann "Annie", Margaret Shepherd, Robert Henry Jr., John Russell "Russell", Louis Phillip, Edward Augustus "Eddy", Robert Henry III, James.

The next symbol I found was a dove with flowers. Dove has several meanings. Flying down represents the Holy Spirit. Flying up represents the Soul’s journey to Heaven. In profile or with an olive branch represents peace. here lies Elizabeth M Aincer. Born on October 14 1807 and died on October 6 1872.

The sixth symbol I found was a dead set of flowers. A break in the stem emphasizes the death. Here lies Lizzie. Daughter of R.D. and J.J. Moore. Died on March 10, 1671. She aged 6 months and 14 days.

 The next symbol is an angel crying while carrying a wreath. An Angel weeping signifies grief over an untimely death. Here lies Elizabeth M, consort of Rev. George W. Moore. Her epitaph says she sweetly fell asleep with Jesus on October 26, 1861. She aged 65 years. It also states that she was affectionate, kind, and indulgent.

The eight symbol I found is a crown with the cross standing directly up straight inside of the crown. A crown on a headstone can represent triumph or victory over death, but in order to decipher the true meaning, you need to look at the other symbols shown on the headstone. Here lies Charles H Muckenfuss. He was born on October 25, 1835 and dies on June 3, 1914.

The next symbol I found was a cross inside of a circle. The graveyard cross symbol is of course representative of the crucifixion, but within that there are sometimes numerical symbolism in their construction. Here lies Francis W Capers. She lived from August 8, 1819 to January 12, 1892.

The last symbol I found is a dead rose. The Rose can mean many things dependent on its color, so on headstones it may mean beauty, purity, young love or death in youth. Roses and lilies intertwined represent the frailty of mortality. Here lies William Capers. Son of B.S.D. and I.M. Muckenfuss. He was born on September 15, 1813 and died on July 28, 1862. His epitaph says he was a CO.A. of Washington Light Infantry.