Cemetery Symbolism 7 – Shaking or Clasped Hands
Gravestones are not just markers of where the deceased lay; as we’ve discovered in previous posts, they are also rich with symbols that tell a story about the departed’s life, beliefs, and the bond they shared with their loved ones.
One such symbol is the depiction of shaking hands, which has been a part of tombstone iconography for centuries.
The handshake motif on gravestones is a powerful symbol with multiple layers of meaning. Generally, when the hands are depicted at the same level with matching cuffs, it signifies a farewell to earthly life and a welcome to eternal life. It represents the continuity of life and death as a human condition and sometimes, the guidance of the deceased to heaven by loved ones who predeceased them.
When the clasped hands have different cuffs or one hand appears more feminine than the other, it often symbolizes the bond between individuals, such as a married couple or a parent and child, transcending death. This representation can signify eternal devotion and the continuity of love and affection beyond the grave.
The presence of flower cuffs adds another layer to this symbolism. Flowers, in their blooming state, are often associated with the fullness of life, beauty, and the fleeting nature of existence. When combined with the handshake, they may symbolize the beauty and love that the deceased shared in life, now carried over into the realm of the departed.
Furthermore, if one hand is depicted slightly higher than the other, it can be interpreted as a greeting or welcome to eternal life, possibly by a higher power or a loved one who has passed before, guiding the newly deceased to everlasting life.
The handshake symbol’s origins can be traced back to at least the 9th century BC in Assyria, where it signified a token of peace, as the hand was extended without weapons. Over time, the symbol evolved, and by the early 1800s, gravestones began to depict just the hands themselves, sometimes without sleeves, giving the appearance of severed limbs. Later styles added cuffs to the wrists, adding to the symbol’s depth and meaning.
The interpretation of these symbols can be subjective, resting in the eye of the beholder. However, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the values and relationships of those who have departed. They remind us that the connections we forge in life can be so profound that they are etched in stone to be remembered for generations.
Understanding these symbols can provide comfort to the living, knowing that the bonds of love and guidance do not end with death but continue in the collective memory and in the hope of an afterlife. The handshake on a gravestone is a testament to these enduring human connections and the belief in a life beyond this one.
In conclusion, the shaking hands on a gravestone are more than just a farewell; they are a symbol of unity, love, and guidance that transcends the mortal realm, offering a message of peace and continuity that resonates through time. Whether it is a handshake between equals, a bond between partners, or a welcome from a higher power, this symbol speaks of a connection that death cannot sever. It is a beautiful reminder that our relationships are the most enduring legacy we leave behind.
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