Thursday, October 26, 2017

Understanding Cemetery Symbols


UNDERSTANDING CEMETERY SYMBOLS
A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards (Messages from the Dead)
by
TUI SNIDER
  Genre: History / Landmarks & Monuments / Iconography Publisher: Castle Azle Press
Date of Publication: August 19, 2017
Number of Pages: 250

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Understanding Cemetery Symbols by Tui Snider helps history buffs, genealogists, ghost hunters, and other curiosity seekers decode the forgotten meanings of the symbols our ancestors placed on their headstones. By understanding the meaning behind the architecture, acronyms, & symbols found in America’s burial grounds, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for these "messages from the dead."
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Praise for Understanding Cemetery Symbols:
"When I ordered this book I thought it would be good for information concerning cemetery symbolism. I was wrong. It is GREAT!!!! This has already become my go to guide for all types of cemetery information. By far the best book I have come across!"  - Amazon verified purchase, wearylibrarian
"Wow! What a great book! I got bit by the bug doing genealogy research. I always wondered what the symbols meant and could not find a reliable resource for the info. With Ms. Snider's book along with the symbiology and great pictures, also a creative process of Tui's, are plenty of interesting tidbits! Useful and entertaining! The book is small enough to keep in the glove box or your handbag or backpack!!" - Amazon verified purchase, Rev. Joy Daley
"I always enjoyed walking through a cemetery and looking at the stones. Now it will give it a much deeper meaning. I really enjoyed reading this book!"  - Amazon verified purchase, Deborah D.
"Perfect book to get an idea for symbols and meaning. Only glanced through it and already picked up a few facts! Welcome addition to our growing library..." - Amazon verified purchase, Toripotterfan


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Book ┃ Graveyard Journal Workbbook┃ Ghost Hunters Journal




Historic Cemetery Symbols:
What Does HTWSSTKS Mean on Headstones?
Guest Post by Tui Snider

When it comes to historic cemetery symbols, acronyms are used as a form of shorthand. There’s only so much room on a headstone, after all.

HTWSSTKS is an acronym with connections to the Masonic Temple, specifically Royal Arch Masons. It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but the letters stand for, Hiram, Tyrian’s Widow’s Son, Sent to King Solomon.”

Of course, now we’re left wondering who is this Hiram guy?

As it turns out, all third degree Freemasons study the story of a man named Hiram Abiff (a.k.a. Hiram son of Tyrian’s widow.) According to legend, Hiram was chief architect for the Temple of King Solomon.

When bad guys tried to squeeze Masonic secrets out of Hiram, he valiantly refused to tell them. As a result, the bad guys killed poor Hiram. In Masonic teachings, Hiram’s story is held up as an example of loyalty.

So, when you see HTWSSTKS on someone’s headstone, you know that not only were they a Royal Arch Mason, but they made it at least as far as the third degree in that fraternal order!




Check out the book trailer! Music by Tui Snider!








Tui Snider is an award-winning writer, speaker, photographer, and musician specializing in quirky travel, overlooked history, cemetery symbolism, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction, but then I moved to Texas!”
Tui lectures frequently at universities, libraries, conferences and bookstores. Her best-selling books include Paranormal Texas, The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber, Unexpected Texas, and Understanding Cemetery Symbols. She recently taught classes based on her books at Texas Christian University.
When not writing books, you can find Tui exploring the historic graveyards and backroads of Texas with her husband, Larry. 
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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize: Signed Copies of Understanding Cemetery Symbols + wGraveyard Journal Workbook + Ghost Hunters Journal  2nd & 3rd Prizes: Signed Copies of Understanding Cemetery Symbols
October 18-October 27, 2017
(U.S. Only)

CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
18-Oct
Excerpt 1
19-Oct
Review
20-Oct
Guest Post 1
21-Oct
Review
22-Oct
Author Interview
23-Oct
Excerpt 2
24-Oct
Review
25-Oct
Top 5 List
26-Oct
Guest Post 2
27-Oct
Review


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