A Guide to Religious and Cultural Symbols in Memorials

A symbol is a sign, object, word or image that carries meaning beyond its literal one. When honouring someone’s memory, religious and cultural symbols are often woven into the design to reflect their heritage and other connections. At Globe Memorial, we have worked with families from many faiths and traditions to create monuments, headstones and plaques with meaning and purpose.

Symbols have been part of memorial art for centuries. They offer comfort and a sense of continuity for those who are grieving. Motifs of any kind can be a resonant part of a tribute that acknowledges a loved one’s beliefs and the place that faith or spirituality held in their life.

Every belief system has its own visual language, and while we can design or source almost anything, the examples below are some of the more common symbols used in custom memorials, along with their spiritual significance.

Christian Symbols

The Cross – This is one of the most widely recognised Christian symbols worldwide. To Christians, it is not only the representation of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, it is also a reminder of the promise of salvation. There are different variations used, such as the Latin, Celtic and Orthodox crosses, all with their own unique meanings.

Angels – A familiar presence on Christian headstones, often chosen to represent guidance, protection and the connection between heaven and earth.

Doves – Often chosen as a sign of peace, purity and the Holy Spirit. A dove carrying an olive branch is especially linked with the idea of eternal rest and a sense of divine peace.

Lamb – The lamb represents innocence and purity, which is why it is a common symbol on the graves of children.

Clasped hands or hearts – These symbols can signify enduring love and the ongoing connection between the deceased and their family.

Jewish Symbols

Star of David – This six-pointed star reflects the bond between God and the Jewish people and is commonly engraved on Jewish memorials to honour their faith.

Menorah – A central symbol in Judaism, the menorah represents light, learning and spiritual devotion. It may be included on memorials to acknowledge a person’s faith and the role it played in their life.

Islamic and Easter Religious Symbols

Crescent and Star (Islamic) – Widely recognised in many Muslim cultures, this emblem is often chosen for the sense of unity and cultural connection it brings. It can help link the memorial to the person’s background and the traditions they were part of.

Lotus Flower (Buddhist and Hindu) – The lotus stands for enlightenment, purity and renewal. Its rise from muddy water is a reminder of life’s changing cycles and the belief that the spirit continues to grow and evolve.

Om Symbol (Hindu) – This sacred sound represents the essence of the universe and is used to express ideas of eternal peace and spiritual awareness.

A recent memorial we completed for an Islander family (pictured above) brought together everything that makes custom work meaningful, combining symbolic, cultural and personal elements into one design. This family wanted to reflect their loved one’s life, faith and heritage equally. We included a verse to honour his Christian beliefs and added both the Holy Cross and Crucifix to acknowledge his devotion. Tribal banding was placed on the ledger and headstone to represent his family’s ancestors and the traditions that meant so much to him.

The family also wanted the memorial to reflect his personal interests and achievements. His love of music, football and scholarship were incorporated in ways that felt natural to the overall plan. The black granite colour was chosen to complement the colours used in the tribal banding, and it also tied all the elements together. The result was a thoughtful and cohesive memorial that achieved all objectives.

Many families come to us knowing they want symbolism in the memorial but are unsure where to begin. We talk through their ideas and look at what feels meaningful to them. They can browse our artwork catalogues or view examples of past etchings, and from there, we construct a design together.

Cemeteries have their own rules regarding the use of religious and cultural symbols, including where they can be placed and how large they can be. These guidelines are in place to keep the grounds safe, consistent and respectful. We will check the specific requirements of the chosen cemetery before any work begins.

Some of the common guidelines include:

• Location – Symbols must sit within the grave’s boundary or in approved spaces such as a niche wall. They cannot extend into neighbouring areas.
• Size and material – Limits may apply to keep memorials safe and visually balanced across the cemetery.
• Safety and security – All the elements must be stable, secure and not pose any risk to visitors. For this reason, designs that hold water may not be allowed.
• Aesthetics – The style and overall look must work within the cemetery’s established standards.
• Religious or cultural zones – Some cemeteries have sections dedicated to particular faiths or cultural groups, and each may have its own expectations.

Most cemeteries also require formal approval before installation. We handle this entire process for families to make it as smooth as possible, as we know this is already a very difficult time. The approval usually involves:

• Submitting a Permit Application with all design details
• Providing drawings, specifications, symbols and inscriptions for review
• Confirming the design meets the cemetery’s safety and appearance standards
• Meeting any conditions set by the cemetery, if the approval includes specific requirements

There are various ways to include meaningful religious and cultural markers into a memorial, depending on the level of detail and the effect you’d like to achieve. The common techniques include:

• Engraving – Designs are carved directly into the stone by skilled artisans, which is particularly beneficial for intricate imagery
• Etching – Precision laser methods capture fine details with extreme clarity
• Sculpting – Three-dimensional forms give shape and depth to symbols for a stronger visual presence

Symbolism has a way of evoking emotions and helping people recognise what matters most in life, and after someone’s journey has concluded. Familiar images, motifs and wording can enhance the meaning behind a memorial and give visitors something personal to hold on to.

If you’re trying to honour a loved one, whether they were religious or simply spiritual, and would like to incorporate symbols or cultural elements, we can help you explore the possibilities. Contact our team at Globe Memorial today.