Abbreviations & Fraternal Organizations
B.P.O.E. Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
F.L.T. Friendship, Love and Truth (often linked to I.O.O.F.)
F.O.E. Fraternal Order of Eagles
G.A.R. Grand Army of the Republic (Civil War Union Army veterans)
I.O.O.F. International Order of Odd Fellows
V.D.M. verbi Dei minister (Minister of the Word of God)
W.O.W. Woodmen of the World (tree stump markers are common)
Common Symbols & Meanings
These are general interpretations-context (time period, religion, occupation, and family tradition) matters.
Anchors & Ships Hope or seafaring profession
Arches Victory in death
Arrows / Darts Mortality
Broken column Loss of head of family
Broken ring Family circle severed
Bugles / Trumpeters Military; heralds of resurrection
Butterfly Short-lived; early death
Candle being snuffed Time; mortality
Cherub / Winged effigies Angelic; flight of the soul
Compass & Square Masonic emblems
Corn / Sheaf of wheat Ripe old age; harvest symbolism
Cross Christian hope
Crossed swords Officer in the military
Doves Soul; purity; innocence; gentleness
Father Time Mortality; time's passage
Flowers Brevity; condolence; grief; sorrow
Flying birds Flight of the soul
Fruits Eternal plenty
Garlands / Laurel Victory in death; fame or victory
Hand of God chopping Sudden death
Handshakes Farewell to earthly existence
Harp Praise to the Maker
Hearts Love; devotion; (often) love of Christ
Hourglass (with wings) Swiftness of time; time flying; short life
Ivy Friendship and immortality
Lamb Innocence
Lily / Lily of the valley Innocence and purity
Morning glory Beginning of life
Oak leaves & acorn Maturity; ripe old age
Open book / Bible Teacher; minister; scripture
Palm branch Victory and rejoicing
Picks & shovels Mortality
Poppy Sleep
Portals Passageway to eternal journey
Rose (full bloom / bud) Prime of life / morning of life; renewal
Roses Brevity of mortal life
Shells Pilgrimage of life
Stars & stripes around eagle Eternal vigilance; liberty
Suns The resurrection
Thistles Remembrance
Tombs Mortality
Torch (inverted) Life extinct
Tree stump with ivy Head of family; immortality
Trees Life
Urn with flame Undying friendship
Urn with wreath/crepe Mourning
Willows Sorrow
If you have photos of unusual symbols from Fairfax County cemeteries (or confirmed interpretations from local histories), please send them to paveyd13@gmail.com so we can expand this guide.