Those flowers and architectural details we see on headstones are purposefully chosen for the individual laid to rest there.

For example, each flower has a different meaning:

• daises are for youth, innocence
• iris denotes hope, purity
• lilies signify the resurrection
• poppies are a symbol of eternal sleep
• roses mean motherhood, beauty

Even the way flowers appear has meaning:

• buds mean mortal life unblossomed or renewal in the afterlife
• broken stems signify a life cut short
• a bouquet of flowers are seen as a tribute, sweet thoughts

Sharon DeBartolo Carmack’s book Your Guide to Cemetery Research is my go-to resource when I see something new during one of my frequent cemetery visits. (The information about flowers above was on pages 221-222 of her book.)

But I couldn’t find the answer to my question about this headstone in Crystal Lake Cemetery …

The stone itself, half-carved and half-uncarved symbolizes the transition from life to death. The cross signifies faith in God. Even the scroll is more than just a background for the name, it denotes wisdom or life.

But why is the branch upside down and the scroll torn by the cross?