It's been a long, busy day but I thought I would share something with you that I've learned about the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery.
I've been photographing local cemeteries and I really enjoy exploring them. They provide great photographic opportunities and give me time to ponder the imponderable. Today it occurred to me to look up the meaning of the word cemetery and I found out something very interesting. I'll try to keep it short:
In time's past, one hoped to be entombed inside one's church but if one wasn't wealthy enough to pay for a crypt then one was buried in the graveyard, which was part of the churchyard.
Then, due to overpopulation and disease, it became illegal to be buried in a graveyard so those who passed onto the choir everlasting were placed in catacombs, ossuaries, and the like.
Eventually, it came to pass that municipalities created their own version of a "graveyard" called a cemetery, "a place to sleep".
It's also my understanding that Victorians created cemeteries that were more like parks, and I like that. I don't think there's anything wrong with walking through a cemetery and enjoying its beauty, as long as one is respectful.
Today's music is "All I Have To Do Is Dream" by The Everly Brothers.
17 comments:
new things to learn
thanks for sharing
this is so interesting...
thank you for sharing
le sépia donne un effet solennel à la photo.
The sepia effect gives a solemn picture.
That was very interesting history. I too enjoy walking through cemeteries to reflect on life eternal.
What a cool post. I had no idea the difference. I like cemeteries and plan to photograph some around here soon.
I also love all your farmers' market posts and the header, mon. :)
Hence forth and forthwith I shall try to use these words correctly.
Well I never knew that...I thought they were probably interchangeable. like you I enjoy walking round and reading the epitaphs.
D, I guess we always want what we can't have. I have straight but problematic hair so to have curly hair would be lovely, yet if I had curly hair Iwould probably want straight, even problematic, hair. Ain't those dreads rockin'?
This is a beautiful shot..well done and I agree, respect while "visiting" or photographing is key and you have done a great job!
Hi PJ. Like, very much, this close up the the headstone. Very different. Is it part of a crypt? And yes, that was another hand tinted sepia photo. I love doing the hand tinting. Each was is so unique even if the image stays the same.
Diana, by all means, make haste!
Annie, I'm guessing that it's a mausoleum. The opposing side of the interior has something just as interesting. And please tell me what you use for the hand tinting.
I've learned something from this post, great take!
PJ, I think you know that I'm also photographing in cemeteries but I sure didn't know the difference between graveyards and cemeteries. Your sepia photo is wonderful! Thanks for the info. :)
Your photo is a great choice for Seoia Scenes. I love the epitaph as well.
That photo is great. It has a lot of depth.
Thanks for the lesson, too. Interesting.
I love that song.
Suz
Never really thought about it but I am glad I learned something today!!
I never knew the difference until now :p Thanks for the tip!!
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