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Quiz about Tombstone Symbols Decoding Gravestones

Tombstone Symbols: Decoding Gravestones Quiz

While searching for my family's genealogy, I came across some old tombstone symbols. See exactly how much you know about some of the etching on tombstones.

A multiple-choice quiz by Burmlvr2478. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
Burmlvr2478

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
292,877

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
3121

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Guest 75 (4/10), Guest 49 (5/10), HumblePie7 (4/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. I was trolling through a graveyard and I came across a headstone that had a hammer and anvil on it. When I saw it, I knew exactly what he did for a living. What was the man's occupation? Hint

Farmer

Butcher

Mason

Blacksmith

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. An anchor or ships can represent a mariner. Either symbol can also represent this emotion as well.

Answer: (One word. Four letters.)

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. When this flower is depicted in full bloom, it means that the person died in the prime of life. What is this flower? Hint

Daisy

Rose

Gladiolus

Orchid

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. I was walking again, and someone had three books on their gravestone. What religion did the person most likely have strong ties to, when they were alive? Hint

Latter Day Saints

Judaism

Christianity

Islam

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Question 5 of 10

5. What symbol is placed on a headstone to represent comfort for the bereaved, or the 23 Psalm?

Answer: (One Word. Five letters Think shepherd.)

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. A sun represents renewed life.

True

False

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Question 7 of 10

7. When laurel is depicted on the stone, what had that person accomplished in life? Hint

Great parenting

Military heroism

Strong faith

Devoted marriage

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Question 8 of 10

8. A tree with oak leaves represents victory over death.

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. A spade and rake stand for a farmer (as do many farm tools) but if a spade is shown by itself, what does this mean? Hint

Eternal Life

Mourning

Death

Old Age

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Question 10 of 10

10. When someone died young, which pair of symbols might be seen on their grave? Hint

Rose and cherub

Butterfly and rose

Lamb and butterfly

Lamb and rose

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 18 2024 : Guest 75: 4/10
Apr 13 2024 : Guest 49: 5/10
Mar 26 2024 : HumblePie7: 4/10
Mar 14 2024 : 21okie: 6/10
Feb 27 2024 : Guest 207: 7/10
Feb 19 2024 : Guest 86: 6/10
Feb 19 2024 : Guest 4: 4/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. I was trolling through a graveyard and I came across a headstone that had a hammer and anvil on it. When I saw it, I knew exactly what he did for a living. What was the man's occupation?

Answer: Blacksmith

The symbol of an anvil and hammer is a common symbol that you might see on a blacksmith's grave. Most occupations will be represented by the tools of the trade that they used most.

2. An anchor or ships can represent a mariner. Either symbol can also represent this emotion as well.

Answer: Hope

A sextant and crossed staff can also be representative of a mariner.

3. When this flower is depicted in full bloom, it means that the person died in the prime of life. What is this flower?

Answer: Rose

The rose in varying stages of development is used to signify the body in varying stages. A bouquet of roses, however, represents shortness of life.

4. I was walking again, and someone had three books on their gravestone. What religion did the person most likely have strong ties to, when they were alive?

Answer: Latter Day Saints

The three books depicted on the stone are "The Bible", "The Book of Mormon", and "Doctrine & Covenants"; these are the books of the Mormon faith.

5. What symbol is placed on a headstone to represent comfort for the bereaved, or the 23 Psalm?

Answer: Staff

Staffs are commonly used to represent comfort, much as a shepherd would comfort his flock. 23 Psalm begins with "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want..."

6. A sun represents renewed life.

Answer: True

The sun also represents life everlasting and a new outlook on the future.

7. When laurel is depicted on the stone, what had that person accomplished in life?

Answer: Military heroism

Laurel is commonly associated with the military, as are bugles. The two items commonly accompany each other.

8. A tree with oak leaves represents victory over death.

Answer: False

Oak leaves and acorns symbolize maturity, old age, a military officer, or an authority figure. A tree represents a long life, and the tree is typically shown as an oak tree.

9. A spade and rake stand for a farmer (as do many farm tools) but if a spade is shown by itself, what does this mean?

Answer: Death

A spade standing alone represents death, but it sometimes seen crossed with a shovel, which also means death.

10. When someone died young, which pair of symbols might be seen on their grave?

Answer: Lamb and butterfly

The cherub embodies everything innocent and angelic but roses are not seen when someone died young, as the butterfly and lamb are.

Source: Author Burmlvr2478

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