Symbols in Stone

Memorial artworks often include symbols, which are used to share more about the person than just his or her name, birth date and death date. For instance, a broken column can symbolize a life cut short while a lamb can signify innocence and purity. Some symbols can have very specific meanings as they relate to a particular person. For example, the horseshoe can symbolize protection from evil, however, in the case of horse nail manufacturer George Capewell, the horseshoe and nail on his memorial signify his profession. While poppies can symbolize eternal sleep, the poppies on Dr. Horace Wells's memorial have more to do with his discovery of anesthesia and, thus, pain free medicine than eternal sleep.

This Saturday, you can learn more about the various symbols on Cedar Hill's monuments as you tour the grounds with the Executive Director of the Connecticut Gravestone Network, Ruth Brown. Ms. Brown will point out various funerary symbols, such as butterflies, orbs, doves and wreaths, and share their meanings. She will also introduce attendees to memorials that were created with symbols specifically relating to the person for whom the monument was erected, such as Dr. Horace Wells and General Griffin Stedman. Anyone interested in symbolism, art, oral storytelling and history will enjoy this educational Symbols in Stone tour.

The tour will begin at 10am on Saturday, August 11 at Cedar Hill Cemetery. It is free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members and $5.00 for nonmembers. We look forward to seeing you then.