Signs & Symbolism....What do they Mean?

Day 19

Aug. 21st, 2010

Gravestone Symbolism

Okay....so don't freak out...yes...the topic is gravestones...but more about their unique and often beautiful symbols, many of which art featured in art pieces....

Frieda Kahlo know for her graphic and imaginative "Outside" art, frequently used hearts, specifically her own, in her work.  Through the use of her heart in these images she expressed the reality of her suffering...but....artist Steven R. Miller uses Hearts for the same reason, that is one of expression, but it is the expression of Hope and Love...(you can view the work of Steven R. Miller's at.... www.stevenrmiller.com ).

The point is...that one symbol can have many meanings to many people....

In today's reading of the "Crafter's Devotional", Barbara R. Call shares her findings on some gravestone symbols and their meaning.  I was surprised at the beauty of many of them and how frequently some of these images find their way into my own work.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Winged Hour Glass - Time flies, swift passage  -    (for me it brings awareness to my surroundings and to make sure that I'm never going so fast that I miss "It", Life's simple joys, my daughter's infectious laugh, the giggle of my grandbaby, the jaw dropping wisdom of my young grandson...)

Sprouting Tree - Life Everlasting  -   (I Love this one...)

Heart - Love, Love of God  -   (this is Truth....)

Flying Angel - Rebirth  -   (this is something I Whole Heartedly believe in...)

Shell - Life Everlasting, Life's Pilgrimage  -   (Wow...because isn't that what life is about after all...an eternal Pilgrimage...)

Bird in Flight - Flight of the Soul  -   (Now this is not only a beautiful thought but a Beautiful image in the minds eye...My soul always feels as though it's flying anytime I see a bird in flight, but it was always more of a feeling, no words...the interpretation of this symbol, now clearly captured in my minds eye, will greatly impact the flight of my soul...not a mere flight but a soaring on the winds of time.)

Barbara speaks of how some symbols become universal and asks us to consider what images we are drawn to and what they might mean...

Maybe now is a good time to pull out that wordless journal and "Scrap" in some symbols that inspire you and call out your inner "Creative Genius....

Blessings & JOY!  Alexia