Gravestone designs

Remember me as you pass by As you are now, so once was I As I am now, so you will be Prepare for death and follow me

Here lies the body of Here lies the mortal remains

In Memory of In remembrance of

This design, simply a grinning skull with wings, flourished early on when the flame of fanatical Puritanism was still burning brightly. It's main focus is on the body.1 You are all mortal, it says mockingly, and any day now you could die.1

The change can be seen in the design of the death's head. Wings became feathery and almost delicate, and other small touches are added such as jewelry, hair, more lifelike eyes and pupils, and details as if the skull is wearing clothes.2 The epitaphs of the time also brought focus on death. Most started simply 'Here lies.' As seen by the poem at the top of this paper, stones often warned of impending doom.323

The cherub, or soul effigy, is usually a fat face surrounded by graceful wings. The mouth is sometimes smiling, sometimes in a pensive heart shape. Many begin with 'Here lies the of/what was mortal of/the corruptible part of.' In most cases it's focus on the fact that only the body lies below the stone.5 The soul has gone to its eternal reward.5

The final stage of gravestone design came with the urn and the willow. The willow represents both sorrow over the grave and resurrection, especially when it is paired with grapevines to symbolize the last supper and sacraments. This design was meant as a commemoration of the deceased. Inscriptions of this time often commemorated the accomplishments of the deceased and often began 'In Memory of...' or 'Sacred to the Memory of...'