Understanding Cemetery Symbols – My Review

UNDERSTANDING CEMETERY SYMBOLS
A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards
(Messages from the Dead)

“When I ordered this book I thought it would be good for information concerning cemetery symbolism. I was wrong. It is GREAT!!!! This has already become my go to guide for all types of cemetery information. By far the best book I have come across!”  – Amazon verified purchase, wearylibrarian

“Perfect book to get an idea for symbols and meaning. Only glanced through it and already picked up a few facts! Welcome addition to our growing library…” – Amazon verified purchase, Toripotterfan

I’m a natural taphophile, so I love cemeteries and graveyards. Concrete angels and epitaphs are what draws me to cemeteries and graveyards. Plus, the unknown history you can gather from a cemetery or graveyard is incredibly intriguing. Like seeing rows upon rows of priests graves or when an epidemic struck a community causing numerous deaths. I was thrilled to be able to read and add to my collection, Tui Snider’s recent publication on Understanding Cemetery Symbols.

The book is informative in a conversational tone for a beginner or even a seasoned taphophile. The author breaks her book down into easy to read sections from discussing headstone types to flora engravings on headstones to cross types. She brings to light how many crosses there are in the world that symbolizes diverse meanings.

One notable chapter discusses what symbols can represent, as well as have different meanings on a variety of levels for people. I agree with Tui that symbols can signify particular things to everyone. For instance – I dislike roosters, so I’ll never have an affinity for them because one attacked me, but for some people these animals represent vigilance.

She’s dead-on (no pun intended) that exploring cemeteries is a great way to get outside, especially during the spring and fall seasons. We all need more outdoor time. The chapter on cemetery safety and etiquette provides tips to abide by when you visit a cemetery. I’ve always made sure never to walk across graves to obeying the posted signage. The latter is one of the most important things you can do when you visit a cemetery or graveyard. If it says “Silence” then be silent, just to name one.

Tui further details the distinctive types of cemeteries you’ll encounter, as well as the differences between coffins and caskets. Do you know their distinctions? I’ll know when I visit a cemetery or graveyard in the future and see a sarcophagus what it means. She provides answers to basic questions of why husbands are buried on the left and why headstones face east.

There were some errors in the book, like a repeat of photos and the consistent misspelling of Chi Rho. One notable error is in distinguishing between the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the Republic. While I had to prove my lineage to the DAR, my membership was not based on if I was personally acceptable. An index would be very useful for the book to help readers quickly reference specific items.

Overall, Tui’s book is a precious packed resource that provided me new insights into cemeteries and their symbols that I did not know before. If you love cemeteries too, then grab her book to guide your discoveries. I’ll now be on the outlook for four new major symbols to photograph: owl, spider web, a squirrel with acorns, and zebras, especially the squirrel with acorns. You’ll have to read her book to find out why this small animal has such a significant meaning.