Clasped Hands on a Headstone: What They Mean
The meaning of clasped or shaking hands on headstones — farewell, reunion and marriage — how to read the cuffs, and how families use the symbol today.
Clasped hands were especially popular on 19th-century gravestones and still appear on companion memorials today.
Meanings
- Farewell — a last goodbye
- Reunion — a promise to meet again
- Marriage — the bond between spouses
Reading the cuffs
On many older stones the cuffs give clues:
| Detail | Often indicates |
|---|---|
| Plain or buttoned cuff | A man |
| Lace or frilled cuff | A woman |
| One hand above, pulling | The first to die leading the other |
| Both cuffs plain | Friendship or brotherhood |
These are traditions, not strict rules.
Related hand symbols
- Praying hands — devotion and faith
- A hand pointing up — the soul rising to heaven
- A hand pointing down — sudden death (older usage)
Using it today
Clasped hands suit companion stones for couples, often centred above both names. See husband and wife wording.
Key Takeaways
- Clasped hands mean farewell, reunion or marriage.
- Cuff styles traditionally hint at who is who.
- The symbol suits companion headstones.
Next Step
Explore more in our headstone symbols guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do two hands on a gravestone mean?
Clasped hands usually represent farewell, reunion in the afterlife or the bond of marriage.
How do you know which hand is the husband's?
Traditionally, a plain or buttoned cuff suggests a man and a lace cuff a woman.
What does a hand pointing up mean on a headstone?
It usually symbolises the soul rising to heaven.
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