Cemetery Symbolism 2 – The Draped Urn
In this, our second quick delve into the symbols of the graveyard we talk about:-
The Draped Urn
The draped urn is a common symbol , mostly appearing in the 1800s in Victorian graveyards. The urn represents the urns used to carry the ashes of the deceased. The urn is a well recognised symbol of death, earthly remains and loss.
The fabric draped over the urn symbolises the veil separating the living and the dead. The draped fabric can also indicate protection for the departed soul on its journey to the afterlife.
NOTE: As with most things symbolic, the true meaning of symbols found on graves and headstones are always open to interpretation. Wherever possible I attempt to highlight the most plausible, most interesting, or most widely accepted explanation.
© Colin Lawson Books