Saving Graves: Common Latin Inscriptions

Saving Graves
Common Latin Inscriptions

ad patres - "To the fathers", dead or gone away.

anno aetatis suae (A.A.S.) - In the year of her/his age

anno Domini (A.D.) - In the year of our Lord

annos vixit (a.v.) - He/she lived [so many years]

beatae memoriae (B.M.) - Of blessed memory

Dei gratia - By the grace of God

Dei gratias - Thanks be to God

Deo, Optimo, Maximo (D.O.M.) - To God, the Best, the Greatest (motto of the Benedictine order)

Domino, Optimo, Maximo (D.O.M.) - The Lord, the Best, the Greatest.(alternate motto)

Gloria in Excelsis Deo - Glory be to God, the Most High

hic iacet or hic jacet (H.I.) - Here lies (Ancient Latin has no letter "J": the letter was added later)

hic iacet sepultus (H.I.S.) - Here lies buried

hic sepultus (H.S.) - Here is buried

Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum (I.N.R.I.) - Jesus Christ, King of the Jews

in hoc salus (I.H.S.) - There is safety in 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.

laus Deo - Praise be to God

memento mori - "Remember you must die".

obiit (ob.) - He/she died

requiescat in pace (R.I.P.) - May he/she rest in peace

requiescant in pace (R.I.P.) - May they rest in peace

requiescit in pace (R.I.P.) - He/she rest in peace

Verbi Dei Minister (V.D.M.) - Minister of the Word of God