the art of the gravestone

The weeping willow is a symbol of mourning

 So today, dear readers, I am going to reveal something to you that might strike you as odd. Maybe even creepy. Or morbid.

I love cemeteries!

I especially love the older stones (here in the Midwest, that's the 1800s) and their designs. In fact, I even did an extensive report on gravestone design and symbolism back in high school. My husband I took a trip to Boston several years ago where the stones are from the 1600s and 1700s and those have even more history to them.

The broken-stemmed flower symbolizes a life ended too short.
The hand is pointing heavenward.

So when we vacationed in Pentwater and I realized how old the town was thanks to numerous historical plaques adorning the homes I made a point of finding the cemetery. My poor children were not nearly as entertained by this as I was but they survived. Here are a few of my favorites.

The anchor can symbolize Christianity but it is also found on gravestones of sailors or of people who drowned. This might be especially relevant considering Pentwater is a lakeside town.

And my very favorite of the day!