Hi rosie
Well I only found out about wreath racks last year by accident when I came across a disused churchyard near to Bewdley. The Victorians were very symbolic of death, and commemorative memorials.
What we see is particular designs croping up repeatedly; angels holding on to crosses, the draped urn, the down turned torch, the broken column, and the weeping cherub, all symbols of the Victorian way of death.
Of course as with all symbols they are almost a code, which if you do not know the code, can and sometimes does, become misinterpreted.
If this is any help to anyone, here are some of the more common Victorian symbols of churchyard memorabilia;
Anchor. Hope or at rest, an early Christian symbol.
Angel. The agent of God often pointing heavenwards also guardian of the dead.
Bed. A deathbed sometimes only illustrated by a pillow.
Book. Symbolises faith.
Chair. Commonly known as a vacant chair left by the deceased.
Column. A broken column signifies mortality, the support of life being broken.
Dove. The Holy Spirit or peace.
Gates. The entrance way into heaven.
Hands. When clasped this is a symbol of farewell.
Horse. Strength, courage or the swiftness of the passage of time.
Hourglass. The traditional symbol of Father Time who also carries a scythe.
Human foot. Humility and service since it consistently touches the earth.
Lamp. Immortality, knowledge of God.
Laurel. Fame, often of a literary or artistic figure.
Lion. Courage, strength and the resurrection.
Obelisk. Eternal life from the Egyptian sun-worshipping symbol.
Phoenix. Christ’s resurrection.
Rocks. The church or Christen steadfastness.
Rose. Associated with the Virgin Mary or paradise.
Scythe. Passage of time and death.
Sheaf of wheat. Denotes someone who has lived a long and fruitful life
Ship. The Christian church symbolically carrying the faithful through the world.
Skull. Mortality.
Snake. With its tail in its mouth means eternity.
Water. A hand pouring water from a flagon may occur on Jewish tombs of the Levites whose duty in the synagogue is to pour water upon the hands of the priests.
Torch. Immortality, upturned means a life extinguished.
Urn. Draped and empty symbolises death.
Wheat. Fruitfulness harvested
Willow. Grief and mourning.