We did our first Cemetery Tour yesterday. I apologize we did not get any pictures, but I have to say I think it went rather well. I was a bit nervous, but the people were wonderful. I know next time to point out a few more different things, etc but overall it was a really good experience.
I learned some great things that I thought would be interesting to share. Did you know that the embroidery and decorative marks on headstones are not simply pretty to look at, but are often symbolic?
It makes sense, but I honestly had no idea. For example, if a grave has a sheep or lamb on it, it means that it was a baby that passed away. If there is a thistle on the grave it means you originally came from Scotland.
The one I found most interesting was the three stages of a dove. Often times there is a dove on a headstone. If the dove is laying down it means it is a child's grave, representing a short life lived. If it is a middle aged person the dove is standing up or sitting on a perch. This represents a bit of knowledge and years behind the life lived. If the dove is flying it means the person lived a long, successful life and was able to fly and soar.
I learned some great things that I thought would be interesting to share. Did you know that the embroidery and decorative marks on headstones are not simply pretty to look at, but are often symbolic?
It makes sense, but I honestly had no idea. For example, if a grave has a sheep or lamb on it, it means that it was a baby that passed away. If there is a thistle on the grave it means you originally came from Scotland.
The one I found most interesting was the three stages of a dove. Often times there is a dove on a headstone. If the dove is laying down it means it is a child's grave, representing a short life lived. If it is a middle aged person the dove is standing up or sitting on a perch. This represents a bit of knowledge and years behind the life lived. If the dove is flying it means the person lived a long, successful life and was able to fly and soar.
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