Symbols
Explore the fascinating world of symbols and their meanings. Symbols are not merely images – they are stories. Through their intricate forms, they speak of life, culture, and the memories passed down through generations. In cemeteries across Europe, these symbols reveal the values, beliefs, and history of the communities that created them.
Learn about these symbols, their interpretations, and the rich cultural heritage they represent. Or, embark on a journey to visit the cemeteries where these symbols are preserved, and see first-hand their symbolic significance to local communities.
We’re sure you’ll be amazed by how symbols serve as visual storytellers, linking the past with the present. They are not just marks on stones – they are legacies of lives lived, cultures cherished, and traditions passed on.
Learn more about the Symbols project on our website.
A Joint European Effort to Unveil Cultural Heritage
The SYMBOLS project is a collaborative initiative involving six partners from across Europe. Its mission is to enhance public knowledge and awareness of cemeteries and funerary arts, highlighting their crucial role as part of Europe’s cultural heritage and collective memory.
The project aims to:
- Strengthen awareness of the cultural significance of cemeteries and funerary arts as a part of European history.
- Promote transnational cultural exchange and mobility, especially among creative professionals, including artists and cultural practitioners.
- Highlight the importance of symbols in expressing the cultural identities of local communities, and how they reflect shared European values.
Through this initiative, the project seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the symbolic meanings embedded in cemeteries, turning these spaces into open-air museums where stories of life, loss, and legacy are told through symbols.
The Legacy of SYMBOLS: A Continuing Journey
Originally developed by members of the European Cemeteries Route, the SYMBOLS project continues to grow and evolve. Today, the European Cemeteries Route and its members are actively contributing to the ongoing development of the project, exchanging content, insights, and expanding the project’s reach.
Join the project in exploring the rich tapestry of cultural history told through symbols – whether through online resources or by visiting cemeteries across Europe. Symbols are not just about death; they are about life, memory, and the shared cultural experiences that bind us together.