What a wonderful post. I really enjoyed reading this. Very well put!!! -----Original Message----- From: GreystokeB@aol.com <GreystokeB@aol.com> To: ROWANROOTS-L@rootsweb.com <ROWANROOTS-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Wednesday, October 20, 1999 2:22 PM Subject: Cemeteries >From a column, ALL ABOUT ANTIQUES, by Ralph and Tery Kovel, published in the >Jacksonville, Florida Florida Times-Union newspaper. Copyrighted. > > Death has always been a part of everyday life. In Victorian times, many >children died before they were 10, women died in childbirth, and epidemics >like smallpox often killed several members of the same family. > The cemetery was a place to "talk" to the deceased while honoring them >with flowers. Family outings, and often picnics, were common-place in large, >park-like cemeteries. Victorian memorials to the dead included elaborate >tombstones, carved statues, cast iron fences, gates, and furniture. > Today we often miss some of the symbolism of the early grave markers. A >weeping willow signified grief, and a lamb was often carved on a child's >tomb. A bridal wreath with a dart symbolized a bride, while a rosebud with a >broken stem was used to remember an infant. For-get-me-nots, anchors, tree >stumps, ivy, doves, crosses, sleeping children and other symbols of death and >rebirth are also found on old artifacts from Victorian cemeteries. The >park-like cemetery remained popular until about World War I. > By that time, many diseases had been conquered and early deaths of fzmily >members were less common. The cemetery was rarely visited and sometimes >neglected. The legends of ghosts, goblins and bodies rising from the grave >became part of literature and common belief. In the past, attractive >carvings and wrought iron pieces were stolen from cemeteries and sold to >collectors. Authorities are now prosecuting those who sell such items, and >buyers must return them to the cemetery. > > > >==== ROWANROOTS Mailing List ==== >The purpose of this list is the discussion of "Old Rowan" genealogy and history. Please ensure that your message is on topic. >