Pointing the Way

When I give cemetery tours or workshops I get a lot of questions about the symbolism of different hand portrayals on gravestones.

An index finger pointing up symbolizes the hope of heaven. Knowing this causes some raised eyebrows when visitors spot any markers with a downward pointing finger.

Not to worry…it doesn’t mean the person is going ‘in the other direction!’ It just represents God reaching down for the soul (or an unexpected death).

Phew! There now, don’t you feel better?