Memorials of Distinction logo and home linkMemorials of Distinction logo and home link sales@memorialsofdistinction.co.uk 01582 249990 Show search
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages
Toggle navigation Menu
Shortlist
Shortlist
  • Memorial Range
    • Headstones
    • Kerbed Memorials
    • Children's Headstones
    • Cremation & Small Memorials
    • Custom Memorials
    • Value Memorials
    • Garden Kerbs
  • Grave Decorations
    • Grave Ornaments
    • Photo Plaques
    • Vases
    • Etchings & Designs
    • Memorial Statues
    • Chippings & Cover Slabs
  • Information
    • About Us
    • Ordering & Timescales
    • Inscriptions & Verses
    • Renovation & Cleaning
    • Materials & Finishes
    • Home Visit Service
    • Safety & Guarantee
    • Areas We Cover
    • FAQs
    • Testimonials
  • Useful Guides
  • Special Offers
  • Brochure
  • Contact

Useful Guides

What is the Significance of the Angel Headstone?

When you are choosing a fitting memorial for a recently departed loved one, you may feel that you want to remember them with a traditional headstone design or you might be in search of something different. At Memorials of Distinction we cater to a wide range of styles, so among our collection you are sure to find something to suit your needs.

No two lives are the same, so there will be unique and special reasons why you want a certain design for your departed loved one’s headstone. However, it is always worth considering some of the most popular designs – as the reason that these are so widely chosen is that they bring a meaningful significance for a lot of people.

The angel headstone is one of the most popular headstone design features around the world. The team at Memorials of Distinction explain the meaning behind this design and why it means so much to so many people in their time of grief.

What is the angel headstone?

There is no single angel headstone; people incorporate angel motifs into all sorts of headstone designs as they are an elegant, meaningful and ultimately comforting addition to any memorial. 

Praying angel headstone

Angels are supernatural and powerful beings which exist in many religions around the world. They are generally believed to act as an intermediary between God and humankind, but they do more than simply convey messages from one to the other. Angels are primarily seen as guiding and protective spirits who watch over humans in day-to-day life. In the Christian tradition, angels appear at key moments of celebration in the stories of the Bible, such as the foretelling of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem by the angel Gabriel. 

There are a number of angel headstone designs which are particularly popular, such as the weeping angel, also known as the angel of grief. This depicts a large angel with two outspread wings, kneeling and slumped in grief over a tombstone.

It illustrates not only overwhelming grief but something more than this – the angel is kneeling with her arms outstretched in a protective stance. The motif of a loved one being protected by an angel is a recurring theme in gravestone designs, which could be one of the reasons why the angel design is so popular.

Where does the angel design come from?

Angels have been depicted in art for thousands of years, longer than Christianity has existed. Despite their otherworldly nature, traditionally they are portrayed today as quite humanistic and having large wings, halos and very peaceful, protective stances.

side angel headstone

 

The idea of angels having wings dates back to Byzantine artworks of the 4th century. Following this period, and as Christianity evolved, the appearance of angels in art shifted from being cherubic and Cupid-like to being more earthly and human. 

The popularity of the angel motif has translated from popular art to headstone design. As headstones have evolved over the centuries from being fairly basic and made from fieldstone to more intricate designs made from other materials, angels have become a key feature. However, the stance taken by the angel can have different meanings.

What does an angel mean on a headstone?

Angels with their wings outstretched or pointing upwards usually represent the departed person’s soul being escorted to heaven. If the angel is facing downwards or weeping this is often an illustration of an untimely death.

However, it is important to remember that angels mean different things to everyone, and there is no reason why this highly symbolic and powerful image cannot be incorporated into your loved one’s headstone design whatever your beliefs or circumstances. 

While traditionally religious icons, angels represent a lot even to people who have no religious belief. The comfort of knowing that your loved one is being watched over and protected on their journey beyond this life cannot be underestimated. At this difficult time and in years to come a carefully chosen headstone design can bring a lot of solace and peace.

Speak to the team at Memorials of Distinction about the type of headstone design you are looking for and we will do our very best to incorporate the details that mean something to you. We understand that this is a big and often daunting decision, and are here to advise and guide you through the process.

Recent Guides

  • What is the etiquette around headstones in the UK?
  • How Much is a Headstone?
  • Grave Surround Ideas: Creating the Perfect Resting Place
  • Baby Grave Ideas: A Guide
  • The Definitive Guide to Funeral Flowers
View all

OUR MEMORIALS RANGE

MemorialHeadstones products

MemorialHeadstones

Kerbed Memorials products

Kerbed Memorials

Cremation & Small Memorials products

Cremation & Small Memorials

View All

POPULAR PRODUCTS

Value Ogee Headstone

Value Ogee Headstone £844

Triple Heart Headstone

Triple Heart Headstone £2195

Gilded Book Headstone

Gilded Book Headstone £1740

Round Top Headstone

Round Top Headstone £1050

Memorial Coloured Chippings

Memorial Coloured Chippings £132

Kerbed Memorial with Path and Steps

Kerbed Memorial with Path and Steps £4638

Double Heart Headstone

Double Heart Headstone £1381

View All

TESTIMONIALS

Such a good service from start to finish. Clear and courteous instruction on what information was needed from me and kept me informed throughout. Finished memorial stone is perfect and installed without a hitch. Thank you.

Claire D Google Review: 16/12/2020

May I take the opportunity to commend all those involved for their excellent workmanship in producing a beautiful memorial. I also wish to thank those involved for their guidance, advice and tolerance. With all my thanks.

David O. Sent by email: 05/09/2019

I just wanted to offer my thanks to you all for the lovely work that went into the memorial stone I ordered for my parents, it looks so much better than I ever thought it could. The whole process was made so easy for me, both in written and telephone correspondence. Please relay my thanks to everyone. I am very, very pleased and will definitely be recommending Memorials of Distinction in the future.

Jacqueline O Sent by email: 18/03/2019

View All

Areas We Cover

Talk To Our Experts

Request Our Brochure

Back to top
Contact Us

Factory & Showroom (Head Office)
The Memorial Works
Southfields Road Dunstable LU6 3EP

  • Tel: 01582 249990
  • Email: sales@memorialsofdistinction.co.uk
  • Find Us Here
  • Trade Enquiries
Our Range
  • Headstones
  • Kerbed Memorials
  • Children's Memorials
  • Custom Memorials
  • Grave Decorations
  • Small Memorials
  • Special Offers
Useful Information
  • Request a Brochure
  • Ordering & Timescales
  • FAQs
  • Inscriptions & Verses
  • Useful Guides
  • Privacy Policy
Member of British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons and Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers

© Memorials of Distinction 2021 | Website designed by rtfacts ltd

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy