SYMBOLS on the tombstones
“Each symbol has a hidden meaning and can give us interesting information about the deceased,” explains Lukas Svoboda, historian from Museum in Karlsbad (pictuded above by Noe Schoralek at cemetary in Uboci / Amonsgrün).
The
first group of symbols: symbols corresponding to the synagogue
function of the deceased, his position and the work that he was in
the liturgical life of the Jewish community.Hand
symbol and the symbol of a can with a bowl described below.
“A
circumcision guy” has motifs of circumcision knife on his
gravestone. (Circumcision signifies fulfillment of the contract with
God.)
Testament
scrolls, books, book shelves, pen, pen-knife, candlestick – it mark
Torah copyist.
A
long kosher knife (less than a circumcision one) – a Jewish butcher
has it; he slaughtered animals in the prescribed manner and followed
the ritual.
Moneybox
indicates an administrator of charity coffers.
The
second group of symbols: Symbols with deeper biblical themes (trees,
candles, pillars, floral motifs, crowns and some figures).Tree
symbolizes Torah and wisdom contained in it, or it is the symbol of a
righteous life.
A
palm is related to a virtuous life.
A
willow is a generic symbol for death of a loved one.
Plant
motifs (flower, sprout) express hope for the future while the
transience of human existence.
Fruits
(pine cones, grape, and pomegranate) are symbols of love – to a
partner as well as to the Law.
Candles
and candle symbolize life and its laws.
The
crown is a sign of wisdom, a deep knowledge of the Torah or the
reminder of merit, quiet and dedicated life as the crown of a good
name.
Ancestral characters
Leo
is associated with the families of Judah, indicating an adherence to
the principles of Judaism.
Sea,
sails, boats are associated with the Zavulun family.
Snake
motifs are associated with the family of Dan.
Banners
are usually associated with the name Gad.
Bowls
of fruit are assigned to the name Asher.
Deers
are associated with the name Neftali.
Sprig
belongs to Joseph.
Wolf
belongs to the family of Benjamin.
The third part of symbols: Other transformation and creative visual development has nothing to do with Torah so much.
Escutcheon symbolism of individual families – eagles, bears, foxes (Beer, Fuks, Adler)
The
fourth part of symbols: Contemporary. In the second half of the 19th
century. They bear the sign of the coming out of the ghettos and
links with other cultures. Note the more professional symbols.The
snake of Aesculap. For doctors.
Scales
for lawyers.
Frictional
bowls for medics.
Compasses
for builders.
Most
common symbols on gravestones in the Karlovy Vary region are:
blessing hands, a six-pointed star and the pot.
Hand
symbol indicates that the deceased was kohen, a descendant of the
first high priest Aaron. These people often used the surname Kohen,
Kohn, Katz and Kahn. A blessing hand gesture illustrates the clerical
blessing with outstretched fingers on both hands. The gesture is
accompanied by the words: “May God bless you and protect you,
may the Lord let his face shine upon you.” A composition of
hands imitates the movement by which is given God’s blessing. The
gesture represents the channel and connection.
A
six-pointed star or a hexagram was originally an ancient magical sign
called the Magen David which means Shield of David. This symbol
appears frequently in Jewish symbolism with the pentagram (Solomon’s
seal). Magen David became a part of the emblem of the Jewish
community around 1530 and over the years has spread to other parts of
the diaspora as a general symbol of Judaism.
Symbol
of a teapot and bowl represents a Levite set
and
indicates the final resting place of Levites, a descendant of Levi.
Levi was the third of twelve sons of Jacob. Only the Levites had the
right to serve during worship to priests. One of these acts was also
washing hands of Kohens before blessing. To do this, they used cans
as containers for water and a bowl for washing their own hands. These
two subjects, closely connected with their functions in a religious
ceremony, became their symbols.