Headstone designs are interesting to look upon. Most people often assume that the reason for these ornaments being crafted is simply for its decorative sake. However, some seemingly mundane headstone designs you see at cemeteries represent a deeper meaning. At times, these meanings are a lot more profound than what the images seemingly convey on face value. Here are examples of animal headstone designs with imbued with a more culturally identified enigma:

Butterfly

These beautiful insects are transient in nature. Their splendor has a more poetic irony due to the fact that their anatomy is just as fragile as their life-span. If you see a butterfly engraved on stone memorials, it means the person who died met an unexpected end. Butterflies are often common on young deceased gravesites, and prevalent among the poor infants.

Chrysalis

The chrysalis is biologically classified as the transition period between the clumsy revolting caterpillar and the marvelous butterfly. Thus, this biological metamorphosis can be easily understood in the same philosophical breadth. A gravesite that has a chrysalis headstone means the person is known for his or her profound transformation. One can liken this individual to St. Paul, who completely changed from an anti-Christian assassin to the greatest missionary ever known.

Eagle

Anyone who guessed that a deceased person with an eagle headstone was brave is actually not far from the truth. But to expound further, an eagle headstone may also mean the departed individual had a soaring legacy left that inspired many people. But this meritorious heritage is relatively associated with courageous acts, particularly an impressive military career.

Pelican

This animal may look like an unusual creature to carve on headstones, but anyone who knew their meaning might respect the deceased person it represented. After all, pelicans are often associated with charity and Christian mercy. It is not surprising that these animals are often found on the gravestones of notable generous personalities whose wealth and talent have championed altruistic ideals.

Stag

Stags are animals identified for their strength, wisdom and enormous growth. But more importantly, these animals are best known for their “virility”. Stags are one of the most potent creatures that roamed the natural world. Whoever died with a stag design for a headstone must have been known to live a good life that everyone around him or her simply never failed to have positively notice it.