Can you believe we’re already 3 weeks into November? Field season seemed to just fly by this year! We had our first snowfall last week, which solidified the end of the season for me.
That being said, it’s time to turn my attention to my photo archive and research. That includes some heavy reading and crawling through the Find a Grave website. I am currently working on my next cemetery book review, but it’s not quite ready yet. So to tide you over this week, I wanted to share a collection of interesting epitaphs.
An epitaph is an inscription found on a gravestone that accompanies the name, birth, and death dates. These short verses and poems are inscribed to the memory of the deceased. The word epitaph comes from the Greek word “epitaphion” which means funeral oration. “Epi” meaning upon and “taphos” meaning tomb.1
Epitaphs became more popular in the 19th century, as a way to honor and memorialize the dead, but also share a little about the deceased’s life and personality.1 The most common epitaph you will find in a cemetery is the phrase “Rest in Peace”, or the Latin “Requiescat in Pace”. But you might also come across bible verses, poetry, or short sentiments proclaiming everlasting love for the deceased. You might also find a variation of a momento mori poem, a reminder that death is inevitable:
“Remember me as you pass by, / As you are now, so once was I, / As I am now, so you will be, / Prepare for death and follow me.”
So for today’s collection, I wanted to share some of the more interesting epitaphs I have come across on my cemetery travels.
“He is not dead but sleepeth” Photo: Eyre Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2011
“”Blessed are the dead / which die in the lord” Photo: Old Greenwood Cemetery, Sault Ste Marie ON ©2019
“Do not stand at my grave and weep. / I am not there.” Photo: Strong Cemetery, Sundridge ON ©2022
“Rest is Free” Photo: Rea Cemetery, Mimosa ON ©2022
“Budded on earth, / to bloom in heaven.” Photo: Farr Historic Cemetery, Haileybury ON ©2022
“Farewell dear I bid thee Adieu, / My stay on earth was short with you. / Weep not for me, nor sorrow make, But love the baby for my sake.” Photo: Nipissing Junction Union Cemetery, North Bay ON ©2022
“Beware kind friends as you pass by. / As your are now so once was I. / As I am now you too must be. / Prepare therefore to follow me.” Photo: Sylvan Acres Cemetery, Waubamik ON ©2023
Have you come across some interesting epitaphs on your cemetery walks? Do you have a favorite? Or maybe you have something you would like written on your own gravestone? I would love to read your thoughts in the comments.
Thanks for reading!
References:
- What is an Epitaph? | Columbia Gardens Memorials
Cemetery Photography by Chantal Larochelle 