Death and grief are felt in the same way throughout the world regardless of religion or race. We are unified only in birth and death.
The statuary in cemeteries is matched only by the words on stone. This verse is from All Saints Churchyard in Newtown Lindford, England: Weep not Dear Friends, but be content For I to you was only lent. In love I lived; in peace I died. You asked my life but God denied. Farewell, dear friends, and cease to weep. In Christ I dwell; in Christ I sleep.
The weeping willow is (not unexpectedly) symbolic of grief; lamentation; mourning; and sorrow.
The weeping-willow has been associated with sorrow and bereavement ever since the Babylonian Captivity when the Jews became captives of Nebuchadnezzar in 597 B.C.
In the Native American culture a willow tree represents an Iroquois grave.
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The Willow was a symbol of the Greek Underworld goddesses, mostly notably Persephone. Orpheus carried a willow branch when he went to the Underworld, and helped him get his gift of speech to become a famous poet.
The symbolic tree of human sadness is carried at Masonic funerals
Angels are spiritual beings guarding the tomb and praying for the soul. As a messenger from God the angel is a guide to Heaven. They represent love, protection, and resurrection. Angels are represented in many forms.
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, Thy angels watch me through the night, And keep me safe till morning’s light.
ANGEL CARRYING A CHILD Symbolizes embracing the soul and escorting the deceased to heaven.
Like a rosebud faded with life scarce begun And angels, bright angels escorted him home.
ANGELS IN CLOUDS Represents heaven and Divine love.
Milton Evergreen, Milton, ON, Canada
Angels to beckon me Nearer my God to thee Nearer is thee
Milton Evergreen, Milton, ON, Canada
ANGEL DROPPING FLOWERS Represents blessings from Heaven
ANGEL HOLDING A WREATH Represents the memory of a loved one
Stratford, ON, Canada
ANGEL PRAYING
Colma, California
And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since and lost awhile. 1925
Milton Evergreen, Milton, ON, Canada
An angel holding a praying bowl
Lowville, ON, Canada
ANGEL TRUMPETING The Archangel Gabriel depicted with a horn represents a call to the resurrection on the day of judgment. “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
