Symbolism Found in West Cemetery, Darlington

This guide to the symbolism to be found on headstones and memorials in Darlington's West Cemetery accompanies the Visitors Guide to the West Cemetery. If you find this guide interesting your feedback would be very useful. Equally if you have any suggestions for additional memorials to be included please send an email to history@aboutdarlington.co.uk

		Angel
		Angels found in the cemetery are a symbol of spirituality. They guard the tomb and are thought to be messengers between God and man.

		Broken Column
		A life cut short.

		Cross
		The symbol of resurrection. The Cross often stands on three blocks which represent Christianity’s three central tenets: faith, hope and charity. The Celtic cross is a variation, with the circle representing immortality. Another variation is the Cross embedded in rocks, which signifies Christian steadfastness or, in some interpretations, the strength of the Church.

		Clasped Hands
		‘We will be reunited hereafter’ – for close family members, especially husband and wife.

		HIS
		The Holy monogram, often carved in intertwined, calligraphic style. In Greek, it represents the first three letters of the name Jesus. In Latin it represents the initials for ‘Iesu Hominum Salvator’, Jesus, Saviour of Mankind.

		Inverted Torch
		Symbolises a life extinguished.

		Obelisk
		From Ancient Egypt, symbolising immortality. Considered pagan by Christian orthodoxy, its popularity went up considerably after 1878 when Cleopatra’s Needle was erected on the London Embankment.

		Urn
		A classical symbol of death dating from the Romans who cremated their dead and placed the ashes in such urns. The drape, which never completely covers the urn, symbolises the spirit’s escape and resurrection. Drapery over anything also indicates sorrow and mourning.

		War Memorial
		Erected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for the armed forces personnel who died in the two World Wars. The white headstones are identical throughout the world and make no distinction in terms of rank, thus symbolising the equality of the sacrifice.

		Wreath
		The wreath signifies immortality or victory over death. It is often shown as a laurel wreath which goes back to classical times when the victor in a battle was given such a wreath.