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Horse and Soldier (Riding in Battle)

SOLDIER RIDING HORSE (IN BATTLE) - Traditionally, in statuary, when a figure is seen atop a horse in memorial, there are three meanings:

  • Two or more feet raised - death in battle
  • One leg raised fully off the ground - death from wounds suffered in battle
  • Standing square or at rest - death of natural causes

This is typically the accepted formula for any equine statue/carving offered in memory of a deceased.

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Shoes, Baby

BABY SHOES (EMPTY) - Empty baby shoes symbolize the loss of a child, usually with one shoe overturned.  The shoes are a poignant image of a baby that conjures up memories of a lost child–those first faltering steps, the first steps to an adulthood that never comes.

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In Hoc Sigino Vinces (Masonic Knights Templar)

IN HOC SIGINO VINCES (MASONIC KNIGHTS TEMPLAR) -  Masonic Knights Templar symbol showing a cross within a crown inside a Maltese cross, which has the Latin phrase, “in hoc signo vinces.” The phrase means “in this sign you shall conquer” and was used by Constantine as a military motto in the early 4th Century. The phrase was also used by the original Knights Templar military order that was founded during the Crusades. The Freemasons began using Templar rituals and symbols in the late 1700s.

Shell, Scalloped

SCALLOPED SHELL -  Seashells are an ancient Christian symbol referring to religious pilgrimages and spiritual protection.  Seashells were also used as the symbol of rebirth.  Scallop shell symbolism is associated with the apostle, James. James was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman of Galilee, and brother of John the Evangelist.  He was among the circle of men closest to Jesus, being present with Peter and John at the Transfiguration (KJV Matthew 17:1-5),  and again at the Agony in the Garden (KJV Matthew 26:36-46), where the same three are seen sleeping while Christ prays.

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Scroll

SCROLL -  Most often symbolizes the "Word of God" as well as a symbol of life, time and wisdom. Both ends rolled up indicates a life that is unfolding like a scroll of uncertain length and the past and future are hidden. Often held by a hand representing life being recorded by angels in the "book of life". It can also suggest honor, commemoration and love of the scriptures.

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Shriners

SHRINERS (SCIMITAR & STAR) - Meaning of the Shriner Emblem:  The scimitar (the sword) stands for the backbone of the fraternity, which are its members.  The two claws that make up the crescent represent the Shriners fraternity and its philanthropy.  The sphinx's head stands for the governing body of the Shriners, the head of the organization.  The five points star inside of the crescent represents the thousands of children that the Shriners help through their philanthropy each year.

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Cross, Lutheran

LUTHERAN CROSS - Lutheranism is a major branch of Protestant Christianity which identifies with the theology of Martin Luther (1483-1546) — a German friar, ecclesiastical reformer and theologian. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the Catholic Church launched the Protestant Reformation in the German-speaking territories of the Holy Roman Empire.

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Cross, Episcopal

EPISCOPAL CROSS -  The Episcopal Church (TEC) is the United States-based member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is a Christian church divided into nine provinces and has dioceses in the United States, Taiwan, Micronesia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, as well as the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe and the Navajo land Area Mission. The current Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is Michael Curry, the first African American bishop to serve in that position.

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Rings, Interlocked

INTERLOCKED RINGS (WEDDING RINGS) - Symbol of marriage and unity.  The circle was the symbol of eternity, with no beginning or end. The hole in the center of the ring also had significance. It wasn’t just considered a space, but rather a gateway, or door; leading to things and events both known and unknown. To give a woman a ring signifies never-ending and immortal love.

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Knights Templar (Masonic Commandery)

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR (MASONIC COMMANDERY) -The Knights Templar is the final order joined in the York Rite. Unlike other Masonic bodies which only require a belief in a Supreme Being regardless of religion, membership in the Knights Templar is open only to Christian Masons who have completed their Royal Arch and in some jurisdictions their Cryptic Degrees. This body is modeled on the historical Knights Templar to carry on the spirit of their organization.

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