Description
Guide to Historic Cemeteries
Understanding Cemetery Symbols by Tui Snider is a reference book for genealogists, history buffs, ghost hunters and others seeking to learn the forgotten meanings of cemetery symbols in historic graveyards.
Find out:
Why garden cemeteries were America’s first public parks
The difference between a cemetery and a graveyard
How the skull and crossbones evolved into cherubs
Why symbols matter
Learn about:
The different types of American cemeteries
The history of grave robbing
The symbolic meaning of coins, stones, and seashells at grave sites
Common Latin phrases on headstones
Identify:
Saints, angels, and other cemetery statuary
Symbols for secret societies and clubs
Different types of crosses
Common cemetery architecture styles
The symbolic meaning of plants, flowers, and trees
Different types of headstone styles, monuments, and mausoleums
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Deb Atwood, author of Moonlight Dancer –
This is an invaluable guide to writers and researchers as well as amateur taphophiles (okay, I admit, I had to look that word up). The chapters such as “Why Symbols Matter,” “Cemetery Safety and Etiquette,” and “Cemetery Architecture” are well organized so if you have a particular interest or question, you can easily flip to the page and find the needed information.
One aspect I found interesting in this book was the way symbols change over time and wane in popularity. Also, the same symbol can assume altered significance depending on its depiction, culture, or religion. For instance, the book–always of interest to the writer in me–on a gravestone carries several different meanings. A closed book means the deceased lived a long life (as in long enough to finish the last page). Conversely, an open book means the person’s life was cut short. And an open book with a draped cloth over it “represents the veil of death cutting a life short before the final page of the deceased person’s life was written” (181).
Understanding Cemetery Symbols is a guide that will appeal to anyone interested in history, historical cemeteries, or symbols. I’m placing my copy on my reference shelf for easy access.
Dianne Hardwick –
This book explains the meaning of symbols used in grave monuments in a simple, well organised manner.
If you are researching your family history it may be very useful if you visit cemeteries and graveyards as part of your labours. It is focussed on the American reader but much of it applies to Britain as well.
A few typos.
Amazon89 –
This is a very interesting and well researched book. Easy to read but full of some great facts that you wouldn’t even consider when strolling around graveyards.
Biagio Masella –
Great research guide. A terrific reference for the curious!
Elay Oftedahl –
What a great book! A very nice examination and explanation of those symbols on gravestones/tombstones that we’ve all seen, but might not have a clue as to their meaning. I can’t wait for the weather to improve and to muster my courage and explore (with care & consideration) some of the older cemeteries in the area. Never knew there was a difference between a coffin and a casket. What is it? Get the book and find out! Thank you Ms. Snider for writing this!
Lord John –
This book give me a better outlook on Victorian head stones and what certain symbols mean.
Dania –
I was so excited about this book but it’s hard to read because some of the text is pixelated especially under the photos and symbols. Super disappointed.
Mullish –
I have always been fascinated with old cemeteries so I was glad to find this book that explains in more detail some of the things I’ve seen before. It has pictures and is organized well. Highly recommend for anyone like me who loves to visit cemeteries.
Maui –
I heard the author on a Jim Harold podcast. She is a wonderful writer who has put together a great encyclopedic reference to the symbols that appear on gravestones. It is small enough to carry with you if you decide to walk through a cemetery during the spooky season.
Cross Country Adventurer –
I bought this for my son for researching. He has learned a lot, says the book is well written and easy to understand. He loves it!
ttonks –
A great source of info on cemetery embellishments.
Bryan K. Beams –
The book arrived on time.
Noel –
Book has history about cemeteries. Its a good read for people who likes history