Description
Graveyards don’t exist merely to shelter the dead. They also nurture the living. As strange as it sounds, America s garden cemeteries were our nation s first public parks! People used to visit graveyards not just to mourn the dead, but to have a fun day in nature.
Yes, FUN!
More and more of America’s cemeteries are applying for arboretum status and being placed on the historical register. Many now offer tours, annual festivals and events which run the gamut from jazz picnics, birding, costumed reenactments, performances of Shakespeare, and more.
Along with this renewed appreciation for historic cemeteries, comes the realization that we have forgotten the meaning behind many of the symbols and acronyms our ancestors left on their headstones.
Tui Snider s book, Understanding Cemetery Symbols, describes the meaning behind the symbols and architecture found in the historic graveyards of America.
History buffs, genealogists, ghost hunters and other curiosity seekers will gain a deeper appreciation for these “messages from the dead” with a copy of Tui Snider’s book on their shelf, or better yet, in their hands, as they explore America’s open-air museums for themselves!
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Deb Atwood, author of Moonlight Dancer –
This is an invaluable guide to writers and researchers as well as amateur taphophiles (okay, I admit, I had to look that word up). The chapters such as “Why Symbols Matter,” “Cemetery Safety and Etiquette,” and “Cemetery Architecture” are well organized so if you have a particular interest or question, you can easily flip to the page and find the needed information.
One aspect I found interesting in this book was the way symbols change over time and wane in popularity. Also, the same symbol can assume altered significance depending on its depiction, culture, or religion. For instance, the book–always of interest to the writer in me–on a gravestone carries several different meanings. A closed book means the deceased lived a long life (as in long enough to finish the last page). Conversely, an open book means the person’s life was cut short. And an open book with a draped cloth over it “represents the veil of death cutting a life short before the final page of the deceased person’s life was written” (181).
Understanding Cemetery Symbols is a guide that will appeal to anyone interested in history, historical cemeteries, or symbols. I’m placing my copy on my reference shelf for easy access.
Dianne Hardwick –
This book explains the meaning of symbols used in grave monuments in a simple, well organised manner.
If you are researching your family history it may be very useful if you visit cemeteries and graveyards as part of your labours. It is focussed on the American reader but much of it applies to Britain as well.
A few typos.
Amazon89 –
This is a very interesting and well researched book. Easy to read but full of some great facts that you wouldn’t even consider when strolling around graveyards.
Biagio Masella –
Great research guide. A terrific reference for the curious!
Elay Oftedahl –
What a great book! A very nice examination and explanation of those symbols on gravestones/tombstones that we’ve all seen, but might not have a clue as to their meaning. I can’t wait for the weather to improve and to muster my courage and explore (with care & consideration) some of the older cemeteries in the area. Never knew there was a difference between a coffin and a casket. What is it? Get the book and find out! Thank you Ms. Snider for writing this!
Lord John –
This book give me a better outlook on Victorian head stones and what certain symbols mean.
Dania –
I was so excited about this book but it’s hard to read because some of the text is pixelated especially under the photos and symbols. Super disappointed.
Mullish –
I have always been fascinated with old cemeteries so I was glad to find this book that explains in more detail some of the things I’ve seen before. It has pictures and is organized well. Highly recommend for anyone like me who loves to visit cemeteries.
Maui –
I heard the author on a Jim Harold podcast. She is a wonderful writer who has put together a great encyclopedic reference to the symbols that appear on gravestones. It is small enough to carry with you if you decide to walk through a cemetery during the spooky season.
Cross Country Adventurer –
I bought this for my son for researching. He has learned a lot, says the book is well written and easy to understand. He loves it!
ttonks –
A great source of info on cemetery embellishments.
Bryan K. Beams –
The book arrived on time.
Noel –
Book has history about cemeteries. Its a good read for people who likes history