Mayfield Mayfield Godbolt WEEPING WILLOW The weeping willow represents the ancient belief that the natural world is affected by strong human feelings and that it can share our sorrows. Its form makes it appear as if its branches are bowed in grief, the adjacent river its tears flowing in sympathy. It has no religious meaning. Weeping willows are often found in combination with urns and obelisks, as in the four photos below. A commonly used headstone icon, the weeping willow is depicted in many forms, attesting to the artistic sensibilities of Ontario s monument makers. Caesar s Albion Presbyterian cairn Blair Belfountain Community
URNS & OBELISKS Urns were first used to hold the ashes of the dead. On monuments they represent that which can t be known or imagined about the changes to the body and spirit after death. St. James Draped urns (top left) further emphasize this Blair Belfountain Community symbolism of what is hidden from the mortal experience. Urns may also symbolise how so much can be filled in so little a space the experiences of life that were contained in a mortal body. Of Egyptian origin, obelisks became popular as cemetery markers in the late 19th century. Often taller than surrounding grave markers, they impose a sense of authority and stability. Alton Alton Alton Caesar s
RUSTIC STYLE In the late 19th century, perhaps as a response to new technologies and urban growth, the plain and simple aspects of rural life were celebrated by the rustic design style. This fashion was also seen in cemetery markers. Most rustic gravestones displayed a natural aesthetic rather than traditional symbolism. Some, however, mixed the two, such as the photo above where the branches were made to look like a cross. Caesar s Right: The similar style of these two monuments in the Blair-Belfountain Community Cemetery suggest they were both carved by the same craftsman. Note the lettering on the Dodd monument is shaped like twigs. The palm leaves above the name signify victory over death. Blair Belfountain Community
DOVES Worldwide, the dove represents peace. In Christianity, the dove represents the Holy Spirit, and is often used on headstones to symbolise salvation from death. Godbolt Throughout Caledon, the dove is found on the gravestones of children, perhaps symbolising the parents wish that their child is resting peacefully in heaven. LAMBS Found almost solely on the headstones of children, lambs reflect their meek, gentle, innocent, and vulnerable nature. Given the hardships of pioneer life, child mortality was sadly common. Lamb memorials were in such demand that they were mass produced and illustrated in mail-order catalogues. In Christian tradition, the lamb symbolises Jesus (the Lamb of God). As the Bible references God as being our shepherd, the lamb represents those who have been embraced by eternal love. Blair-Belfountain Community Greenlaw
HANDS AND BOOKS Mount Pleasant Cork Hands symbolise the whole person. Clasped hands imply farewell (see top right photo) and hope of a later reunion with those who have died. They were also used to symbolise marriage, with some carvings depicting traces of a formal shirt and cufflink on one hand and the other a lacy sleeve (see centre right photo). Mount Pleasant Engraved with Blessed are the dead/which die in the Lord, a passage from Revelations (14:13) A hand pointing upwards is a reminder of the promise of resurrection, often further emphasized by the engraving of Gone Home (see bottom right photo). A hand is also seen in combination with an open book or bible, with the pages sometimes showing a biblical passage (see left photos). Books are also used on their own to symbolise the Book of Life. Some are found surrounded by drapery, which symbolises the veil of death (see bottom left photo). Mount Pleasant
CEMETERY FENCING Cedar Mills Bolton Methodist symbolism in fencing design. Mount Pleasant Note the words J.P. Plummer Bolton Ironworks on the fence gate. The Plummer Foundry operated from 1878 to c.1940s. Cemetery fencing was first used to delineate and protect family burial plots. It ranged in style from the simple to the elaborate. Cast iron became a popular material for cemetery fencing in the late 19th century due to its durability, strength, light weight and suitability for mass production. Cast iron cemetery fencing was made locally at Bolton s Plummer Foundry, characterized by the weeping willow and lamb design. Examples can still be found at the Bolton Methodist, Cedar Mills, and Mount Pleasant cemeteries. Later, fencing was used to enclose the whole cemetery rather than separate family plots. In the early 20th century, this trend took the form of an iron filigree gate, typically including the name of the cemetery. Brigg s Note the metal tassle hanging from the fencing.
PLANTS Similar to headstone iconography, cemetery plantings often held symbolic significance. For instance, rowan trees were believed to be a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. They are often found in Presbyterian cemeteries of Scottish settlers, whose folklore held that these trees ward off evil. Cedars, symbolising rebirth and eternal life, were often planted along cemetery boundaries. Ornate species, such as the Cypress cedar shown below right, were used to mark individual cemetery plots. Rowan tree On a more utilitarian level, periwinkle became a popular 19th century cemetery ground cover, as its thick growth minimized cemetery maintenance. Cedar Mills Periwinkle Cypress cedar