People put a lot of thought into what goes onto the tombstone of a departed loved one. Often times they try and pick a symbol that represents the person who is being laid to rest. But as with many symbols, meanings and origins have been misconstrued over time. Here are some traditional symbols for tombstones and their meanings.

1. Alpha & Omega

Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, representing the beginning and end of things, all things come to pass etc. It is also symbolic of God as the beginning and end of all things.

2. Scales

Much like scales have been adapted into a symbol of justice within the courtroom, they symbolize much the same on the tombstones of those departed. Originally a Chaldean mystic symbol for justice, it has been used on tombstones for ages as a symbol of guilt and punishment.

3. The Hourglass

An iconic symbol of time, the hourglass has long been a symbol carved into tombstones representing that time has stopped for the person buried beneath it.

4. The Square and Compass

The symbol of belonging to the Freemasons, the square and compass is carved into the tombstones of deceased members so that their dedication is known even after they're gone.

5. Cross

Likely the most widely used symbol on tombstones, the cross stands for Christianity and salvation. Many non-religious people have this symbol on their stones as it is also a sign of comfort for those left behind. As opposed to just having the symbol on the stone, many stones are actually crosses.  

6. Coat of Arms

Having a family coat of arms engraved onto your tombstone was a way to show your high social standing. Coat of arms have fallen out of use this last century, but traditionally only the most honorable families of noble birth were awarded coat of arms.

7. Garlands

We think about garlands when we are decorating the Christmas tree. Draping the colored accents around in celebration. But traditionally, when included on a tombstone, they symbolized victory in death, somewhat of an oxy-moron.

8. The Grim Reaper

Death personified, the angel of death will come for us all regardless of what kind of life we lived. Tombstones were not supposed to inspire happy thoughts back through the last few centuries, they were a reminder that death will find us.

9. The Death's Head

Another reminder that death comes for everyone. The death's head was often accompanied by this inscription, "Momento Mori", translated: Remember that you must die.