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R is for Resting in Hope of a Glorious Resurrection (A to Z Challenge)

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Husband and wife (and father and mother) Shadrach Ware and Clarissa Shine rest together at Marshallville City Cemetery in Macon County, Georgia.

100_5735

Father and Mother

Shadrach Ware
Feb 17, 1808
Sept 1, 1873

Clarissa
Wife of S. Ware
Feb 18, 1820
Aug 3, 1880

Resting in Hope of a Glorious Resurrection

Something extra-special about the Ware's elaborate tombstone is all the symbolism. Sitting on top is a floriated cross and anchor.  A floriated cross bears arms with three "projections" on the ends, representing the Trinity.  The anchor is a symbol of hope.

cross-anchor

Next is wheat.  It could represent a long and fruitful life, as well as immortality and resurrection.  Wheat is also a popular Masonic symbol.

wheat

Lastly, we have an urn and flame.  This could represent eternal life of the soul.

urn-flame

Other symbols on the stone (not pictured) include a fern and lily.  The fern represents humility and sincerity.  The lily represents purity, and the casting off of earthly things.

This is a wonderfully intricate stone that gives the passer-by a lot to ponder.



Are you wondering what's up with all the "letter" posts? I am participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge (links to official page). This challenge lasts through the month of April, with Sundays off.  Each day follows a different letter prompt, in order, from A to Z.  Click here to see all my letter posts on one page (in reverse order). This blog as a whole is one of my themes – telling the tales of tombstones, primarily from those found in the Southern United States and usually the State of Georgia.  You may follow along with me by email and other social media platforms listed at the top of the sidebar.  I and other bloggers in the challenge on Twitter will also be using #atozchallenge.

Though this is my second year in the challenge, it's my first with two blogs.  I am also participating with Lincecum Lineage.  Though it is a one name study blog, my theme there is "kinfolk direct." These genealogy and family history posts all involve a direct relative.

Are you participating in the challenge, too? Please leave a link to your blog in the comments, I'd love to pay you a visit.  Good luck to all involved!

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Comments

PJ said…
Thanks for explaining the symbolism as I never knew that about wheat. Fabulous headstone.
April 22, 2017 at 3:25 AM
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