Common_Markers

For lack of a better term, "common" markers are inscriptions, plaques and sculpted figures that are seen
with frequency on headstones. The Christian cross is by far the most common inscription; its many forms
are easy to find. I decided to catalogue some of the more common marks and, when appropriate, research
their meanings and symbolism.

The Freemasonry symbol, a protractor and ruler are very common and the easiest lodge to
find. They’re often centered in the top, as on this sculpted headstone. Brass plaques are also
frequently seen. Interested surfers are directed to http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Freemasonry for further information on this symbol and the Masons.
Location: Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA

These are always seen on children’s markers, newborns to perhaps as late as perhaps the
age of nineteen. They likely represent the religious concept that children are God’s lambs,
complete innocents and harmless. The use of this marker extends to our present day
although they are seen less often and almost never found on recent markers as free
sculptures.
Location: Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA

This very common icon is not limited to children’s
graves, although I mostly find it associated with
youngsters. It’s of interest that the angel’s face
evolved from a skull or head of death, a very
common, almost ubiquitous icon on headstones of
the 1600’s. Sculpted angels in relief, such as this,
appear in the mid 1800’s through the early 1900’s.
Contemporary stones display line drawings of an
angel’s whole body and wings. This stone is from
1924.
Location: Tulocay Cemetery, Napa CA

This Latin phrase is well described in Wikipedia, the internet
encylopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Hoc_Signo_Vinces).
It “is a Latin phrase meaning ‘in this sign you shall conquer.’
According to legend, Constantine I adopted this as a motto after his
vision of a chi rho on the sky just before the Battle of Milvian Bridge
against Maxentius in the year 312. The early Christian symbol
consists in a cross formed by the Greek letters chi and rho, the first
two in the name Christ. The historian Eusebius states that
Constantine was marching with his army…when he looked up to the
sun and saw a cross of light above it, and with it the Greek words "Εν
Τουτω Νικα" ("by this, conquer!", often rendered in Latin as In hoc
signo vinces). At first Constantine didn't know the meaning of the
apparition, but in the following night he had a dream in which Christ

explained to him that he should use the sign against his enemies. Eusebius then continues to describe the
Labarum, the military standard used by Constantine in his later wars against Licinius, showing the Chi-Rho
sign.
“The phrase is the motto on the coat of arms borne by Jan III Sobieski and other members of the Sobieski
line; it is also on the coat of arms of the Irish noble dynasty of O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, and is the motto of
the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
“This phrase was also in use by and of some significance to the Knights Templar, and also plays a role in many
modern fraternal orders and secret societies including the Free Masons and the Sigma Chi Fraternity:
•        Motto of the Royal Army Chaplains Department
•        Public motto of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
•        Motto of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., USA.
•        Crest of the Royal Hockey Club DRAGONS, Antwerp, Belgium
•        Motto of Birkirkara, Malta.
•        On the patches of Marine All-Weather Fighter-Attack Squadron 533.
•        On the coat of arms of the second mechanized infantry battalion, Norwegian Army.
•        Motto of the Wah Yan College, Hong Kong and Wah Yan College, Kowloon.
•        Appears on the 33 degree crest in the Scottish rite branch of Freemasonry
•        On the crest of Madras Christian College of Chennai, India
•        Motto of the Royal Black Institution
•        On the crest of the O'Donnell clan.
Considering the number of fraternal brothers buried at Tulocay, I guess this deceased is a Mason.
Location: Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA

The Order explains that it is the world’s largest open
to both sexes. “Eastern Star is a social order
comprised of persons with spiritual values but it is
not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true beauty of
the refreshing and character building lessons that are
so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work."
Location: Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA

Roses are very popular in Napa. They outnumber every other kind of headstone decoration
except the crucifix. They are found sculpted, carved in relief and cast into brass. Rose
popularity may be a West Coast preference. In eastern North Carolina lilies predominate on
modern stones while weeping willows variations (upright and broken) are on older ones.
Location: Tulocay Cemetery, Napa, CA