All articles
Design Guide 3 min read
Broken Column on a Headstone: Meaning of a Life Cut Short
What a broken column on a gravestone means — a life cut short, often of a head of family — plus its Masonic links and how it appears in older cemeteries.
A column that ends in a jagged break is a powerful and common Victorian symbol.
What it means
| Variation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Broken column | A life cut short |
| Broken column on a young person's grave | Early death |
| Broken column for a father | Loss of the head of the family |
| With Masonic emblems | A Freemason — see Masonic emblems |
History
Broken columns were popular in the 19th century, both as carved emblems and as full three-dimensional monuments.
Using it on a new headstone
- Carved as an emblem on the face of an upright.
- As a full column monument, subject to cemetery height rules.
- Pair with "Too soon" or "Gone too soon".
Key Takeaways
- A broken column means a life cut short.
- It often marks the loss of a head of family.
- It also has Masonic associations.
Next Step
Explore more symbols in our headstone symbols guide, or add a symbol in the Design Studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a broken column mean on a grave?
A life cut short, often of a young person or the head of a family.
Is a broken column a Masonic symbol?
It is also used in Freemasonry, so check for other Masonic emblems on the stone.
Can I get a broken column monument today?
Yes, as a carved emblem or a full monument, subject to cemetery rules.
Ready to get pricing for your granite monument?
Request pricing, factory specifications, and DAP delivery timelines from our team.
