Symbolism is prevalent on gravestones. This image is one of my favorites (so much so that I used it as the banner for this blog) because of the symbols and the wonderful carving.
In this image, we see Death, represented by a skeleton, trying to extinguish the candle of life. On the opposite side of the candle is Father Time, hourglass in hand, attempting to prevent Death from putting out the candle.
This wonderful carving is on the gravestone of Rebecca Gerrish, located at King’s Chapel Burying Ground in Boston.
A Grave Curiosity 