Anchored in Death

When we think of an anchor we think of the sea and sailors, and this symbol signifying hope and steadfastness is often found on the graves of sailors.

He is anchored home.

On Christian graves, the anchor represents Christ and also St. Clement who was bound to an anchor and dropped into the sea. Early Christians used the anchor as a disguised cross and marker to guide one another to secret worship places. The symbol of an anchor wrapped in vines represents a firm Christian faith.

Image Source: http://www.uni.edu/connors/symbolism.html

Image Source: http://historichouston1836.com/cemetery-iconography-and-symbolism/

Image Source: http://www.deadireland.com/anchors.htm

Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ruu/7914797220/

Anchors may also be found on the graves of Masons as they are a Masonic symbol for hope.

Image Source: http://tngenweb.org/darkside/masonic.html

Image Source: http://sharonscrapbook.blogspot.ca/2012/12/tombstone-tuesday-cemetery-art.html

An anchor with a broken chain is symbolic of the cessation of life.

Image Source: http://www.deadireland.com/anchors.htm

A woman holding an anchor represents hope.

Image Source: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/189969375/woman-anchor-gravestone-real-photo?ref=market

A cross with an anchor is an Early Christian symbol referring to Christ as “hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sincere and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19).

Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/60139144@N00/5494627680

Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alansaxman/5612556862/

Image Source: http://www.frogsonice.com/photos/mt-auburn/

When the top part of an anchor is in the shape of a cross, it symbolizes Christ as the sure hope for our lives – something strong and secure amid the stormy seas of life.

Image Source: http://callmetaphy.blogspot.ca/2012/01/sailing-into-afterlife-anchored-by.html