Death Dictionary

Came across this fascinating article in an old past forward edition.

A Guide to 19th Century Gravestone Symbolism

Anchors
The depiction of an anchor may be
occupational for a sailor; however,
anchors also denote hope,
steadfastness and eternal life. Many
nchors were combined with
symbols of the cross, therefore also
representing religious faith.

Animals
Animals on gravestones often
represent personal attributes of the
deceased. For instance, a lamb or
sheep represents piety and religious
faith; foxes depict cunning,
knowledge and intelligence; and an
owl is representative of wisdom.
Birds
The dove of peace is a commonly
seen symbol. A bird on a
gravestone represents not only
peace but also the flight of the
soul, and the fleeting nature of
human life.
Interestingly, the common belief
that the appearance of a robin
means that a departed loved one
has returned to watch over the
family is one which evolved
alongside the increased capabilities
of medicine in the late nineteenth
century, and as a response to the
grieving of the lost war dead in the
early twentieth century. Prior to
this, the robin had been viewed as
a bringer of death

https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Docs/PDF/Resident/Leisure/Museums-and-archives/archives/Past-Forward/Past-Forward-85.pdf