I sometimes see statues in cemeteries, where a female figure or angel is holding flowers in one hand, while the other hand seems to be dropping the flowers over the graves. I’m not sure of the exact significance of this, but the angels appear to be spreading blessings. Perhaps this tradition is related to flower girls at weddings who spread flowers or petals ahead of the bride, or hand them out to the guests. If anyone knows more about this tradition feel free to leave a comment.
Photo: Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Wheat Ridge, Colorado (you can click on the photograph for a larger view).
February 2, 2008 at 5:42 pm |
did you ever find any more info on what thew angels are doing? been noticing different poses stances and objects and wondering as to significance
February 14, 2008 at 7:30 pm |
Check out http://www.Klienertod.de or look up cemetery angels of Europe. Many beautiful images taken all over the world. The expressions on the angels faces in these images should say it all. Good Luck!
May 12, 2008 at 2:20 am |
This symbol is derived from the legend of St Dorothy. On her way to death she was mocked by Theophilus. He asked for proof of the heavenly garden she was going to. After her death an angel visited him with a basket containing flowers and fruit in the middle of winter. The angel on the memorial is bringing proof that the deceased is in heaven.
August 28, 2008 at 6:25 am |
Beautiful monument in the photo. Lynda, great explanation of the meaning . I’ve always been fascinated by the symbolism on headstones and (assuming you are correct) this explains something I didn’t know. Great post all the way around
October 10, 2008 at 10:55 am |
The Victorians had use of symbols, an angel was a symbol of spirituality & the hand pointing downward symbolized “sudden death” or “mortality”.
Petals plucked from a whole flower is like a person leaving the whole of humanity,
a journey traveled alone to heaven.
December 4, 2008 at 10:00 pm |
Thanks to Alexis and Lynda for your explanation of the meaning of this particular angel. I have enjoyed reading the “Cemeteries and Cemetery Symbols” blog. Thanks for the good work you’re doing here and thanks for inviting me to join your blog networks.
May 5, 2009 at 7:35 pm |
I love the variety of information. I just wished that people would cite the sources they use. That is the minimum I ask from my students.
Anne
May 5, 2009 at 9:22 pm |
Anne: Some of the sources used for this website are discussed in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.