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).
Cemeteries and Cemetery Symbols 
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Anne: Some of the sources used for this website are discussed in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
Berat is a city in the midle of Albania. It is the oldes city in Balcan Penisula in the Epir. In that acient city is the firs Oracle of Dodona the city who Akili had been boren. Here is a tradition where a dead person is resting a new life should be up, she is not an Angel but she is herself Godness Aferdita who is spreding flowers in order new laurent plant to be grown. Aferdita in Albaien language means Afer=beautiful and dita=day Beautiful as a day.
I think the Angel is actually picking flowers signifying the harvest of souls.
The floral bouquets seem redundant for several angels as they spread floral pedals over hallowed ground. I think the bouquets are comprised of “roses” (symbol for love) and “forget-me-not” (symbol for remembrance). But this is my speculation.