When going into cemeteries, please respect the rules of each one. Most will request you to leave at sunset, and some have a set time for you to leave. In many States you will be charged with trespassing without the consent of the owner, proprietor or custodian, to enter at night. Please respect the laws.
Most people go into cemeteries not knowing what the meaning of the art on the headstones mean. Here is a list of their meanings, and initials of Fraternal Organizations that you will find.
When doing research you will find initials you may come across when reading old wills or other documents. A list of some of these initials are also be included.
Initials and Cemeteries
Initials for old wills and documents
a.a.s. - died in the year of his/her age (anno aetitis suae)
AE - An abbreviation for Aetatis, or years of life
d.s.p. - died without issue (decessit sine prole legitima)
d.s.p.l. -died without legitimate issue (decessit sine prole mascula
supersita)
d.s.p.m.s. -died without surviving male issue...
Initials of Fraternal Organizations
FRATERNAL ACRONYMS:
AAONMS - Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Masonic) ("The
Shriners")
AASR - Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Masonic)
ABA - American Benefit Association
AF&AM - Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
AMD - Allied Masonic Degree
AMORC - Ancient and...
Cemetery Art
Animals
Birds–eternal life, resurrection
Butterfly–short life
Deer- Hart (stag) - represented either faithfulness, thirsting for God
Dog–good master worthy of love
Dolphin - portrays resurrection
Dove–innocence, peace
Dragon - being defeated by St. George depicts triumph over sin
Eagle...