Discovering the Types of Cemetery Angel Statues
Perhaps, one of the most obvious sights you could find in a cemetery are the angel monuments because no matter the size and make-up of these angel monument statues, one can’t help but notice the elaborate manner they take their place in front of the grave of the deceased, showing a strong sense of emotions that are felt over the loss of a loved one. For centuries, man has sculpted the most amazing angel statues that preside by the gravesite or cemetery imbuing these heavenly beings with a strong emotion carved onto their faces. As you walk through the cemetery and observe these angel statues closely, you will find them expressing grief, hope as well as empathy. To express these emotions deeply, sculptors of cemetery angel statues also express the body form of the angels to further convey these emotions by sometimes including objects like wreaths, crosses and flowers to give comfort and meaning to the deceased. The type of poses given to these cemetery angels convey the deep meaning and emotions attached to the life of the deceased.
We all love angels and believe in what they do. For centuries, angels have been used in art to convey their link with the divine. It is the Christian and Judean belief that these heavenly beings are sent to earth to guide human beings in their daily life and many people love adding angel statues to their home or garden to act as guardians for their family and loved ones. The scriptures are filled with the work of the angels from the announcement by Saint Gabriel that the Blessed Virgin Mary would bear the Son of God to the birth of Jesus when angels are said to have visited earth at that time to announce the Savior’s birth to the shepherds. During Christmas, Christians sing Angels We Have Heard in High to remember this glorious occasion. In short, angels are widely depicted to signify peace and joy as well as warnings while bringing comfort and strength to the human realm.
When one walks into a cemetery, there are many types of angels you will see such as weeping angels, guardian angels, child angel statues, sleeping angels, angels pointing to Heaven, angels with scrolls and banners and so forth. Each of these angels bear poses which are designed to highlight an emotion and the way the angel stands, and what these celestial beings hold or do, can convey many different meanings.
The following includes some of the common forms of cemetery angels you may see:
Guardian Angels
There are many ways guardian angel statues are depicted in a cemetery. They are sometimes seen holding a child protectively with a cross that points to their nurturing spirit. Sometimes, they are seen descending from the clouds and entering earth to give spiritual guidance to the human race. Generally, guardian angels are seen as symbols of protection and comfort for the deceased and for their loved ones. They connect the human race with the divine in Heaven.
Cemetery Angels with Hand Pointed Upwards
There are a number of cemetery angels which are seen pointing one hand to Heaven. Such angels bear a solemn face and look down towards earth while holding up one hand to signify that the soul of the departed has ascended into Heaven and is now in the presence of God. Such angels give hope and love acting as conduits to guide the soul of the deceased to Heaven and are said to reassure that God is now watching over the soul of the deceased.
Weeping Angels
One of the more popular weeping angels used is the Angel of Grief which is a beautiful angel sculpture based on the 1894 sculpture done by sculptor William Wetmore Story for his wife Emelyn Story and which now sits at the Protestant Cemetery in Rome, Italy. It was his children that prompted William Wetmore Story to use his skills to carve a sculpture for their mother’s grave.
This particular style of the angel weeping has sat in the hearts of many because the sculpture portrays with heartfelt pain the loved ones left behind.
Story himself wrote that “It represents the Angel of Grief, in utter abandonment, throwing herself with drooping wings and hidden face over a funeral altar. It represents what I feel. It represents Prostration. Yet to do it helps me.” Now, many Christians across the world relate to this angel sculpture and want a similar sculpture to mark the grave of their deceased loved one. If the grave belongs to a young child, this weeping angel sculpture simply adds pain and grief beyond measure. Or it could be used to mark the grave of someone who died in an unfortunate way where the angel crying over the tombstone marks significant loss and heartbreak over losing a loved one. Such weeping angels have found their way in many cemeteries across the United States with breathtaking pieces found at the Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana, and at the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Rochester, New York.
Sleeping Baby Angels
Some families may use a sleeping baby angel statue in a cemetery to signify the grave of a young child or infant, with the resting or sleeping pose representing innocence and suggesting the child is resting in the afterlife without experiencing the hardships of adult life. These baby angels that are used as angel tombstone monuments are really cherubs and are often associated with children where youth means purity and innocence. Reminiscent of the Victorian era, such statues can be highly ornamental and embellished with symbols like flowers.
TimelessBronze.com highlights a few cherub angel statues for child graves which will add a picture of innocence. Please email us at tion_art@yahoo.com for some suggestions which may suit your needs.
Adoration Angels
Adoration angels depict angels in a posture of reverence or worship and are used to signify that the deceased has entered Heaven and is now with God. Such statues offer comfort to the relatives of the deceased that their loved one has peacefully transitioned to the afterlife and is in divine protection. Many adoration angels are observed by Catholics where the act of crossing arms are seen as a call for humility and mercy. Such statues are common in Christian cemeteries where such poses are often seen as an act of devotion to God.
Praying Angels
The praying pose with clasped hands shown by praying angel statues represents devotion and supplication to God. Families who choose to use praying angels for the deceased’s grave means that the person may have been deeply religious during his/her lifetime. Some regard such angels as “guardian angels” because it is believed that such angels act as protectors for the afterlife, offering peace and protection while connecting the soul of the deceased to Heaven.
Angels Holding Banners
Oftentimes, you might see an angel in a cemetery carrying a scroll or banner. Such angels symbolize divine protection, victory, and bear a message of God's presence. The scroll or banner that the angel carries represents God's authority and power being carried by the angels as messengers from heaven. The banner can also represent God's guidance and direction, with the angels acting as conduits of that message and accompanying her charge to Heaven with a carefully kept register of all their mortal deeds.
Conclusion
There is so much to be gained from having an angel close by you. You feel strength, peace, faith, protection, healing, and beauty when angels surround you. When choosing an angel statue for the cemetery, consider what feels right for you and for the memory of your loved one. You will want to find that angel which will comfort you and protect your loved one in the afterlife.
TimelessBronze.com highlights beautiful granite, bronze and marble angels statues that are designed for the outdoors and which are suitable for the cemetery. Our sculptures are time-tested pieces which come beautifully detailed and hand carved for character. Please feel free to browse our cemetery angels and email us at tion_art@yahoo.con if you have any questions on our angel statues. They are great for the mausoleum, church, cemeteries or for simply heralding heavenly glow to the garden.