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Junior Order of United American Mechanics (JOUAM)

JUNIOR ORDER OF UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS (JOUAM) -  The Order of United American Mechanics was an anti-Catholic American Nativist organization of the mid-19th century.  It was founded in Philadelphia amid the anti-alien riots of 1844-45.  It originally was called the Union of Workers.  Members were required to undertake efforts to publicize and campaign against the hiring of cheap foreign labor and to patronize only "American" businesses.  In 1853 it created the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, as an youth auxiliary.

Hammer

HAMMER - Symbolizes the power of creation, strength and justice. It may also represent the deceased persons profession.  

  • In Norse mythology, Thor, the god of thunder and lightning, wields a hammer and fights for justice.  
  • In American folkore, the hammer of John Henry represents the strength and endurance of a man.  
  • The hammer in the song "If I Had a Hammer" represents a relentless message of justice broadcast across the land. The song became a symbol of the American Civil Rights movement.

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Chalice (Eucharist)

CHALICE (EUCHARIST) -  The chalice often appears in association with a white circle representing the consecrated Eucharist.  The two items combine to signify the Catholic rite of Holy Communion. The headstones of priests often bear these objects.

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Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty)

CORNUCOPIA (HORN OF PLENTY) -  Symbolizes an abundant, fruitful life.  Also a symbol of the harvest, which in turn symbolizes the end of life.

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Woman, Holding Anchor

WOMAN HOLDING ANCHOR -  A female, typically shown wearing Roman Stola and Palla garments, stands with one arm resting on or holding an anchor.  This is often an Anchored cross meaning hope and is the primary symbol of the statue.  Often, the opposite arm is raised with the index finger of the hand pointing towards the sky. This symbolizes the pathway to heaven.  A hand held over the heart symbolizes faith.  Other key elements can be a broken chain attached to the anchor or sometimes hanging from the neck. This symbolizes the cessation of life.

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Woman, Holding Cross

WOMAN HOLDING CROSS - Represents faith.

Wreath

WREATH -  Represents victory over death.  The evergreen wreath - its circular shape an emblem not only of perfection and unity but also of the warm, enduring sun - later became a Christian symbol for Christ's suffering and ultimate triumph over death.  It is believed that the holly wreath, with its sharp, pointed leaves, first represented the crown of thorns worn by Christ on the cross, the little red berries symbolizing drops of blood.  Later wreaths were formed from a variety of pines and firs, with evergreens embodying eternal life.

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Lion, Winged (Saint Mark)

WINGED LION (SAINT MARK) -  The Lion of Saint Mark, representing the evangelist St Mark, pictured in the form of a winged lion holding a Bible.  Other elements often included in depictions of the lion include a halo over his head, a book, and a sword in its paws.

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Pentacle (Wiccan)

WICCAN PENTACLE -  As far as Wiccan symbols go, the pentagram isn't a representation of good vs. evil. It’s a symbol of faith, a symbol of the 5 Elements Spirit, Air, Earth, Water and Fire (one for each point), and the circle (the universe) contains and connects them all.

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