In all religions and cultures, the book is the archive of knowledge and wisdom. It contains the central doctrine of nearly every existing religion. It is the universal symbol for education, culture, judgement and knowledge.
The open book is a symbol for human heart open to God, as well as the deeds of a person’s life being recorded. A closed book in the hands of God signifies Divine Mystery.
Books are often used on the gravestones of ministers or clergymen. However, they are sometimes found on gravestones of very devoted religious people also.