May 04

Tombstone Tuesday-Ivy Symbol

Some tombstones are embellished with artwork that represents ivy leaves or ivy vines.

Ivy vine, Woodlawn Cemetery, Lima. (2013 photo by Karen)

Ivy is always green and will survive under harsh conditions. Because of this it is associated with immortality and fidelity.

Ivy, Greenbriar Cemetery, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2018 photo by Karen)

Ivy clings to a support, which symbolizes friendship, attachment, and undying affection.

Ivy, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Van Wert County, Ohio. (2012 photo by Karen)

Ivy leaves may also symbolize longevity or the clinging memory of the deceased.

Ivy, North Grove Cemetery, Celina, Ohio. (2005 photo by Karen)

Ivy leaves have 3 points, which symbolizes the Trinity.

Ivy, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

Ivy, with other tombstone artwork, Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City, Ohio. (2006 photo by Karen)

Karen

Greetings from the Chattanooga, Ohio, area. Yes, Ohio has its very own Chattanooga, aka Chatt, a small village in west-central Ohio, near the Indiana border. I have been doing family history research for over 20 years and am a Board-Certified genealogist, certified by the Board for Certification of Genealogists®. My main genealogical interests are family research, cemetery research, and historical and genealogical research of the Chatt area, with a focus on two area Lutheran Churches, both named Zion Lutheran, one in Chatt and the other in Schumm, Ohio. Family names I am researching include Miller, Schumm, Brewster, Rueck, Reid, Headington, Huey, Bryan, Whiteman, Schinnerer, Scaer, Breuninger, Bennett, and a few others. I belong to several lineage societies, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, U.S. Daughters of 1812, First Families of Ohio, and First Families of Mercer and Van Wert Counties. I am also a retired dental hygienist and our church organist. I hope you enjoy Karen's Chatt.

2 comments

    • Darrel Schueler on May 4, 2021 at 10:09 am
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    What are the plants, and their meaning, on the left side, opposite the ivy, on the Roller and Heffner tombstones?

    1. They are palm branches and they symbolize victory, rejoicing, triumph, immortality, and peace and are associated with victory over death and eternal life.

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