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title: Victorian Gravestone Symbol & Cemetery Motif Library | Elegy & Ivy
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# Victorian Grave Symbols & Their Meanings
## A Guide to 1800’s Gravestone Symbols & Victorian Cemetery Motifs
Click to explore 1800’s gravestone symbols and Victorian cemetery motifs commonly found in 19th-century burial grounds, with brief explanations of what each image traditionally meant and how these carvings reflected changing attitudes toward death, sentiment, and remembrance.
For [custom gravestone](https://www.elegyandivy.com/custom-gravestones?hsLang=en) orders, these motifs are available as design options based on actual field scans, allowing each piece to carry the look and spirit of authentic period carving rather than a generic modern imitation.
[](https://www.elegyandivy.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIKdD2f5Rzw8Cqp%2BORqJ5hN6mUbhW%2FwLy0x4%2BH6p4za68l8SUJXt2D%2FzAaAGwrxUvA5iaoM0W2L4h13VtlR0BBhVyajez0FDyo5EwZuDMfy9P9T9%2F6k19kiaKLSUQr2LKNH3wTdPE%2FIkwmP1XrWt7h38iWeg6%2Fx0vmTSHzYrkwRCuasORVBXHHHb1zmIocAoJcFYt1K63BJ&webInteractiveContentId=319887819457&portalId=244407732&hsLang=en)
Pointing Up
%20Hands%20Gravestone%20Symbol.png)
Farewell and Clasped (Shaking) Hands Gravestone Symbol
Man and Woman Shaking Hands with One Pointing
Hand of God and Acorn
Anchor
Pointing Up with Cala Lily
Bushel or Sheaf of Wheat
Wilted Rose Bud
19th Century Willow and Urn
19th Century Willow
Single Bloomed Rose
Fully Grown Rose Bush
## Victorian Era Grave Symbol FAQs
- Are these real Victorian gravestone symbols?
Yes. The symbols featured in the Elegy & Ivy Victorian Gravestone Symbol Library are based on motifs found on real historic gravestones and cemetery monuments. Rather than using generic gothic imagery, the library draws from funerary symbolism that I've found on 19th-century markers, making it a better starting point for historically grounded gravestone props and cemetery-inspired designs.
- Can Elegy & Ivy recreate authentic gravestone symbols from real historic examples?
Yes. Elegy & Ivy can recreate historically inspired gravestone symbols based on real cemetery research and field reference material. The goal is not to make up vaguely old-fashioned ornament, but to capture the look, character, and carving style of authentic memorial art in a way that feels true to the period.
- Can I request a custom gravestone symbol not shown on this page?
You bet! If you are looking for a specific historic motif, memorial emblem, or cemetery carving style that is not yet listed in the library, Elegy & Ivy may be able to source or recreate it for a [custom gravestone project](https://www.elegyandivy.com/custom-gravestones?hsLang=en). This is especially helpful for film, photography, haunted attractions, or historically styled displays that need something specific.
To get started, fill out this custom [gravestone quote form,](https://www.elegyandivy.com/custom-gravestone-inquiry?hsLang=en) or send me an email at [ElegyAndIvy@gmail.com](mailto:elegyandivy@gmail.com).
- How do I choose the right symbol for a custom gravestone prop?
The best symbol depends on the tone and era you want the gravestone to convey. The symbol library helps narrow those options so you can choose a design that fits the era, mood, and personality of the prop rather than selecting decoration at random.
I also love research. So, if you want some help choosing the right design, send me an email at [ElegyAndIvy@gmail.com](mailto:ElegyAndIvy@gmail.com)!
- Does Elegy & Ivy only use Victorian gravestone symbols?
Nope! While this library focuses on Victorian gravestone symbols, Elegy & Ivy’s research extends beyond a single era.
Depending on the project, designs can also draw from earlier and later cemetery styles, including motifs and carving traditions found on other historic gravestones.
- Why use historically accurate gravestone symbols instead of generic Halloween designs?
Historically accurate gravestone symbols tend to look more convincing because they reflect the shapes, motifs, and visual language found on real memorials.
Even when viewers cannot identify a symbol by name, they usually recognize when a stone feels authentic. That difference can make a cemetery display, prop, or set piece look far more believable.
## Browse the Shop
Add these Victorian symbols and more when you build your own custom gravestone!
[](https://www.elegyandivy.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKkql0tU925LT7jPf6GzJbffVhJYOQCWY6K3UxCs4ejo5SoBgYVG20EF21Z4KWQMMZcpOGBDt9bKXC7aUY0rkyHP0uKAtknFiampQc4amgMJ94iY5DDLEhcoAEs457TgeuaQ%2FCC0yc439ySjS5z9tZLyK3AARJD5cw1naErWdCqoES69t28APrhbsqj5sWzt0CYxcLAYh2Uxp68Xlcd5MofPg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=291314291412&portalId=244407732&hsLang=en)
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