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Family History Documents and Artefacts => Graveyards and Gravestones => Topic started by: Andi R on Sunday 02 October 05 19:01 BST (UK)
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I've probally been told this before but what does "IHS" mean on gravestones?
Andrew
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A bit wordy, this one. "name of Christ"
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07649a.htm
Pauline
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Thank you, suppose its the old fashioned form of texting language :D
Mind you you could probally carve an inscription on a gravestone faster than I can text
Andrew
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It's the first three letters of the Greek spelling of "Jesus" (IHS = JES). I think it's sometimes meant to indicate "Jesus, saviour of men".
Prue
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Again thank you, its nice to understand what your looking at.
Andrew
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The first three letters (iota, eta, sigma) from the start of the Greek spelling of Jesus (contracted form of word).
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Andrew:
A few possibilities.
in hoc salus (I.H.S.) - There is safety in this. This is one of three interpretations of the letters IHS which often appear on Roman Catholic tombstones and monuments. Some say that this was used to mark the way to secret Christian masses in the Roman catacombs. The letters are sometimes superimposed on each other, forming an inscription that looks like this: |$|
in hoc signo spes mea (I.H.S.) - In this sign (the cross of Christ) is my hope
in hoc signos vinces (I.H.S.) - By this sign you will conquer. The Emperor Constantine is said to have seen a firey cross in the sky before the Battle of Milvan Bridge. (312 A.D.) He made his men paint crosses on their shields. They won. Constantine ceased persecution of Christians and became one on his deathbed.
The above is from a site, Tombstone Latin. http://www.alsirat.com/symbols/latin.html
Pat
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When I was a child at school. I looked at a picture of Christ. I asked teacher what initials IHS shown on picture meant. I was told it meant. I HAVE SUFFERED.
Victoria