Other Common Motifs
Butterfly: A butterfly can symbolise resurrection and metamorphosis.
Celtic Revival: Celtic art was popular in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and is evident on many memorials. These includes Celtic crosses, circular motifs, and knot patterns.
Obelisks: Obelisk monuments are common as a result of the Egyptian Revival of the nineteenth century. Ancient Egyptian obelisks symbolised the sun gods, and have been interpreted in cemeteries as symbolising resurrection and eternal life.
Rays of light: Rays of light representing the sun rising or shining down symbolise resurrection and renewed life.
Snake: A snake forming a circle with its tail in its mouth is called an ouroboros, and symbolises eternity. Looped snakes are also likely to represent eternity, but snakes can also symbolise sin and the fall of man.
