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HEART, FLAMES AND THORNS (SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHRIST) - The Sacred Heart is often depicted in Christian art as a flaming heart, shining with divine light, pierced by the lance-wound, encircled by the crown of thorns, surmounted by a cross, and bleeding. Sometimes the image is shown shining within the bosom of Christ with his wounded hands pointing at the heart. The wounds and crown of thorns allude to the manner of Jesus' death, while the fire represents the transformative power of divine love.

HARP - When harps appear on headstones, it’s usually a reference to heavenly music and praising the Lord. If you see a harp look closely; sometimes it's carved to show one of the strings broken.  A broken string indicates that a person's life was cut short or a break in the family circle.  

HANDS REACHING - Symbolizes the Hand of God reaching down from the heavens, and the hand or hands of the deceased reaching up to take hold of it.  Representing our Holy Father bringing the soul home unto himself.

HANDS PRAYING - Represents Devotion to God.  Praying hands symbolize obedience, submission, sincerity, repentance, veneration and respect in regard to one's higher power.  While the familiar praying hands posture of hands held pressed together in front of one's heart is often associated with Christianity, it is also used by Jews, Hindus and Buddhists.

After several years of waiting, Downtown Revitalization Phase II construction will begin in August. 

A PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS WILL BE HELD ON AUGUST 3 AT 4 P.M. IN ROOM 4 AT CITY HALL.

For more information click the link at the bottom of the page.

HANDS, CLASPED OR SHAKING - If the cuffs match it is a handshake of farewell to earthly existence. If the cuffs are male and female it indicates hands clasped in death as in life or eternal devotion.

HAND WITH FINGER POINTING UP - The hand pointing to heaven means that the soul has gone to be with God and symbolizes the reward of the righteous and confirmation of life after death.

HAND WITH FINGER POINTING DOWN - The hand of God descending from heaven to lift the soul.  The finger pointing down does not indicate damnation; instead it most commonly represents and untimely, sudden, or unexpected death. 

HAND HOLDING HEART - The Heart in Hand is symbolic of charity, given from the heart.  It is an easily recognizable symbol in the Northeastern United States and used by the Shakers as a pictorial reminder of the words of Mother Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker sect, who promoted a simple life of hard work and spirituality, "Put your hands to work, and your hearts to God."  The image is typical of the Shaker attitude, and also implies a loving welcome.

GRAPES OR GRAPEVINE - Grapes represent the Blood of Jesus Christ, shed for our sins.  The Grapevine represent Jesus Christ himself.  The grapes and grapevine may also represent eternal plenty and heavenly abundance.