Tag: Graveyard

World Photography Day: Capturing Cemeteries Through My Lens

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Tuesday, August 19, is World Photography Day, a day to celebrate the art of photography in all its forms.

Over the years, I’ve dabbled in just about every type of photography—product, food, portrait, weddings—but nothing has ever felt as natural or creatively fulfilling as photographing cemeteries and gravestones.

I find there’s something deeply meaningful about capturing the details of an old tombstone, the way the light filters through the trees, or the quiet beauty of a forgotten graveyard. Cemeteries are full of history, and every stone has a story to tell. But stone doesn’t last forever—inscriptions fade, wooden markers break, and time slowly wears away these pieces of the past.

A wooden grave marker stands upright, but is worn and faded.
A wooden grave marker lays broken and flat against the ground.

First mage was taken in 2009, the second image was taken in 2022. Warren Protestant Cemetery, Warren ON ©2009, ©2022

That’s why I believe cemetery photography is more than just an creative hobby, it’s a way of preserving history.

So today, on World Photography Day, I’m celebrating the quiet art of cemetery photography—the way it connects us to the past, sparks curiosity, and ensures that these stories aren’t lost to time.

  • The second grave of Tom Thomson
    The second grave of Tom Thomson. Leith United Church Graveyard, Leith ON ©2023

If you’ve ever thought about bringing your camera (or even just your phone) to a cemetery, I highly recommend it. You never know what history you might capture.

Do you have a favourite cemetery photo you’ve taken? I’d love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook or Instagram and don’t forget to use the tag #WorldPhotographyDay.

Happy World Photography Day!

Cemetery Book Review: The Speaking Stone

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For this month’s cemetery book review, I wanted to share The Speaking Stone: Stories Cemeteries Tell by Michael Griffith. This collection of essays is a celebration of those quiet, curious moments when a stroll through a graveyard leads to more than just reflection—it sparks discovery.

Griffith, a long-time Cincinnati resident, and kindred spirit, spent countless hours wandering Spring Grove Cemetery, allowing his curiosity to guide him to unexpected tales of interesting figures, quirky epitaphs, and forgotten lives.

Here is a snippet from the book synopsis on Goodreads:

“The Speaking Stone is a literary love letter to the joys of wandering graveyards. While working on a novel, author and longtime Cincinnati resident Michael Griffith starts visiting Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, the nation’s third-largest cemetery. Soon he’s taking almost daily jaunts, following curiosity and accident wherever they lead. The result is this fascinating collection of essays that emerge from chance encounters with an interesting headstone, odd epitaph, unusual name, or quirk of memory. Researching obituaries, newspaper clippings, and family legacies, Griffith uncovers stories of race, feminism, art, and death.”

  • The Speaking Stone: Stories Cemeteries Tell by Michael Griffith

Published in 2021, The Speaking Stone is a newer book that captures Griffith’s daily visits to Spring Grove Cemetery, where his curiosity leads him to discover some really fascinating stories. From famous figures to lesser-known individuals, each essay brings a fresh and unexpected perspective.

What I really enjoyed about the book was the variety of stories the author uncovers. I found it mirrors my own passion for exploring cemeteries—sometimes it’s a random gravestone or quirky detail that sends you down that research rabbit hole. While I may never get to visit Cincinnati, reading about its rich history and unique residents was a real treat.

The paperback version includes both color and black-and-white photos, which add another layer to the stories, though I found myself wishing there were more photos to accompany each essay.

Still, The Speaking Stone is a great read for anyone who loves the unexpected stories cemeteries have to offer. Whether you are a seasoned taphophile or just someone who loves history, this book offers a fascinating mix of surprising tales and historical insights.

Thanks for reading! 

I am always on the hunt for cemetery-related book recommendations. If you are an author and have a cemetery-related book you would like me to review, please reach out at hello@chantallarochelle.ca. I would love to hear from you.

A Collection of Chalices

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One of my favorite things about wandering through cemeteries is discovering unique gravestone symbols. Over the years, I have noticed that certain motifs pop up again and again. It’s so interesting to see how these symbols can change depending on where you are.

Today, I want to take a closer look at the chalice as a gravestone symbol—what it represents and how it’s been depicted in different places. The variations I have found over the years show just how much it can change depending on location. It’s interesting to note that the chalice is a very common symbol in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region of Quebec.

The chalice is a Christian symbol, that is commonly depicted as a cup with a stem, similar to a wine glass. It is thought to symbolize Christianity’s holy sacrament and the act of communion. It can also represent mankind’s deep yearning to be filled with Christ’s divine teachings and grace.1

  • Blezard Valley Cemetery, Blezard Valley ON ©2021
  • St. Mary’s Cemetery, Sturgeon Falls ON ©2021

Cemetery Fugèreville, Fugèreville QC ©2024

Saint-Stanislas-de-Champlain Cemetery, Saint-Stanislas-de-Champlain QC ©2012

Sometimes the chalice is depicted with a circle above it, symbolizing the consecrated Eucharist, which represents the Catholic rite of Holy Communion. This combination of symbols is often found on the gravestones of priests.2

Cimetière de Laverlochère, Laverlochere QC ©2024

Cimetière de Latulipe, Gaboury QC ©2024

Cimetière d’Angliers, Angliers QC ©2024

  • Our Lady of Peace Cemetery also known as Shrine Church of Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Niagara Falls ON ©2024

Have you come across a chalice symbol on your cemetery walks? Or noticed any other symbols that pop up often in your local cemeteries? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards by Tui Snider
  2. Headstone Symbols: Understanding Cemetery Symbolism | Everlife Memorials

Graves, Ghosts, and Glimpses of History: 13 Podcasts to Discover

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I’ll be honest—I’m not usually a podcast person.

But recently, I became curious about what kind of cemetery podcasts might exist. As someone who has always been fascinated by the history, culture, and stories buried within cemeteries, I figured it was time to explore what podcasts had to offer.

From eerie tales of haunted burial sites to deep dives into sustainable burial practices, there’s a whole world of interesting cemetery content out there.

Here are 13 cemetery podcasts you should check out this year.

Beyond the Grave

Listen on Spotify

This short podcast series explores the many ways people have commemorated their dead—whether through gravestones, memorials, or historical markers. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any new episodes since 2019.

Cemetery Podcast by the Necro Tourist

Listen to Spotify

Hosted by the Necro Tourist this podcast covers famous graves, infamous hauntings, and all the graveyard gossip. Although there have not been any new episodes since 2023, the early episodes are filled with interesting cemetery stories.

Cemetery Row

Listen on Spotify

Hosts Lori, Hannah, and Sheena casually chat and share cemetery stories that are sometimes incredible, sometimes eerie, and always interesting. Fair warning though, it can take a while for them to get into the good stuff.

Grave Escapes

Listen on the website

Hosted by Caitlin Howe and Frances Ferland, Grave Escapes brings the voices of the departed back to life. Each episode uncovers a new life story, offering a deep dive into the lives of those now at rest.

Grave Matters

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Grave Matters dives into the complex connections between death, cemeteries, and culture. Episodes cover sustainable burial practices, the rise of natural burial grounds, and shifts in how we think about death care with thought-provoking discussions.

The Grim

Listen on their website

For those who enjoy a good historical ghost story, The Grim offers well-researched spine-chilling tales of haunted cemeteries and eerie graveyard legends from around the world.

The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery

Listen on their website

Hosts Jennie and Dianne explore old cemeteries, their preservation, and the lives of those buried there. Their deep dives into these sometimes forgotten histories are both fascinating and informative.

Stones, Bones & Shadows

Listen on their website

This podcast explores cemeteries and burials worldwide, uncovering the inspiring stories and eerie legends that have grown from these final resting places.

Tomb With A View: A Cemetery Podcast

Listen on Spotify

Hosted by Liz Clappin, Tomb With A View offers an insightful exploration of American cemeteries, focusing on their history, preservation, and cultural significance.

Undertaking: The Podcast

Listen on Spotify

This podcast is primarily focused on the funeral industry, Undertaking regularly explores topics involving cemeteries and burial practices. Filled with insightful interviews with industry professionals, each episode offers a unique and cultural look at death.

While these next three podcasts aren’t solely focused on cemeteries, each features episodes that delve into cemetery-related topics or are closely related to cemeteries and graveyards.

Death in the Afternoon

Listen on the website

Created by The Order of the Good Death, this podcast explores the history of death, burial, and mourning practices across different cultures and eras. While not specifically focused on cemeteries, it often touches on fascinating stories and histories that are closely connected to them.

Haunted Talks

Listen on Spotify

The official podcast of The Haunted Walk, Haunted Talks explores the paranormal, dark history, and ghostly tales. Some episodes venture into haunted cemeteries and the eerie legends that surround them.

Odd Things I’ve Seen: The Podcast

Listen on website

Author J.W. Ocker is all about visiting strange and unusual places. Cemeteries and burial grounds sometimes make their way into episodes, as Ocker visits and explores the stories behind odd and interesting sites.

Whether it’s the history, the stories, or the spooky tales—there’s sure to be a podcast on this list to satisfy your curiosity.

Is there a podcast I should add to the list? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

Stone Stories: The Voice of the Great Lakes

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“They might have split up or they might have capsized
They may have broke deep and took water
And all that remains is the faces and the names
Of the wives and the sons and the daughters”1

These lyrics from Gordon Lightfoot’s iconic song The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald have long been etched in the minds of listeners, who like me, have found themselves enthralled by Lightfoot’s masterful storytelling.

This song, along with many of his other hits, like If You Could Read My Mind and Sundown, have created the soundtrack for countless Canadians, evoking the beauty, melancholy, and vastness of our Canadian landscape.

Today on the blog, I want to share my experience from this past September. I had the opportunity to visit the Gordon Lightfoot Sculpture Park and his final resting place in his hometown of Orillia, Ontario.

Gordon Lightfoot. Photo: Arnielee, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Meredith Lightfoot was born on November 17, 19382 in the small town of Orillia, the gateway to the Muskokas.3 From an early age, Lightfoot showed a natural talent for music, learning the piano, teaching himself to play drums, and later picking up the guitar.2 In 1957, Lightfoot left Canada, going to Los Angeles to study jazz orchestration at Westlake College of Music.2 After returning to Canada in the late 1950s, he began to sing folk songs and play guitar around Toronto.2

It didn’t take long for Lightfoot to make his mark on the Canadian music scene. His folk-infused ballads quickly captured the essence of the Canadian spirit. Throughout his career, Lightfoot released over 20 albums and was known for his blend of folk, country, and soft rock—a style uniquely his.2

Lightfoot received numerous prestigious awards throughout his music career, including multiple Juno awards, and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986.2 He also earned honours like the Order of Canada, Order of Ontario, and a Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards.2 Lightfoot was recognized in the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement award from SOCAN and the Toronto Music Awards.2

One of my favorite Lightfoot songs is based on a real-life event, the tragic sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, in my opinion, is one of his most famous and most haunting ballads.

The song is a tribute to all the lives lost in the shipwreck, on November 10, 1975. It’s estimated that between 7:20 and 7:30 p.m. on that fateful day, the ship vanished and sank with 29 men onboard.4

S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. Photo: United States Army Corps of Engineers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Gordon Lightfoot Sculpture Park

I knew my visit to Orillia would not be complete without a visit to the Gordon Lightfoot Sculpture Park and walking trail. We visited in late September, and the trees were just beginning to change. A perfect day for a walk.

The sculpture park is a beautiful and artistic tribute to Lightfoot’s music and legacy, celebrating both his achievements and his connection to the area. The park’s centerpiece is a striking, larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Lightfoot, sitting cross-legged with his guitar in hand. It captures him in his element, mid-song as his music comes alive around him, depicted on maple leaves that encircle him.
I took some time to reflect while standing before the statue. The park is not just a collection of art pieces, but a reflection of Lightfoot’s connection to the land, his music, and the people who grew up listening to his songs.

My mother and I were not the only visitors to the park that day. There were throngs of people walking the trails, many with large cameras in hand. I noticed they all took some time to admire the beautiful sculpture work and reflect on Lightfoot’s life and work as well.

I wondered if Lightfoot himself had known about this sculpture park. I was pleasantly surprised to see a large plaque that showed Lightfoot smiling as he stood beside his younger, bronze self. He was in attendance for the unveiling in 2015, and said humbly “I’m honoured, much more so than any of the honours I’ve received up to this point in time.”5

Gordon Lightfoot Sculpture Park. Bronze sculpture work by Timothy P. Schmalz. Orillia ON ©2024

St. Andrews and St. James Cemetery

After walking the entirety of the walking trail loop, my mother and I made our way back to the car. We decided since the area was so nice that we would have our picnic lunch in the sculpture park, before heading to our next destination—the cemetery.

It was a short drive from the park to St. Andrews and St. James Cemetery. The cemetery was quiet and serene, offering beautiful views of the surrounding forest, although we were not the only living souls visiting the cemetery that day. There was an older couple who were also meandering through the cemetery paths.

Gordon Lightfoot passed away of natural causes, in a hospital in Toronto, at the age of 84.6 He was laid to rest in St. Andrews and St. James Cemetery in May of 2023, beside his mother and father. His mother, Jessie Vick Trill Lightfoot passed away in 1998 at the age of 88.7 His father, Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Sr. passed away in 1974 at the age of 63.8

The gravestone is simple, yet elegant—a testament to the quiet humility Lightfoot always embodied, despite his fame. The inscription simply reads “Together Forever”.

The grave of Gordon Lightfoot. St. Andrews and St. James Cemetery, Orillia ON ©2024

Visiting Gordon Lightfoot’s grave and walking the trails at the Sculpture Park in Orillia was a beautiful and memorable experience. I couldn’t help but think about how his music had been woven into the fabric of Canada’s history. More than just melodies, they’re stories that often capture the essence of the Canadian experience.

There is something special about visiting the final resting place of someone whose music has shaped the soundtrack of a country.

What is your favorite Gordon Lightfoot song?

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot | S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Online
  2. Gordon Lightfoot | The Canadian Encyclopedia
  3. Location | City of Orillia
  4. The Tragedy | S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Online
  5. Gordon Lightfoot sculpture unveiled in Orillia | Orillia
  6. Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dead at 84 | NBC News
  7. Jessie Vick Trill Lightfoot | Find a Grave
  8. Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Sr. | Find a Grave

Cemetery Recipes: Peg’s Sugar Cookies

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The holidays are the perfect time for baking, so this month, I wanted to try out another gravestone recipe. This sugar cookie recipe seemed like a perfect fit.

This recipe can be found on Mitchell Edward Neal’s black granite gravestone in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Charleston, Arkansas. Engraved on the back of the stone is a recipe for Peg’s Sugar Cookies, a sweet tribute from his wife, Peggy Sue Loughridge Neal, who is still living.

Mitchell Edward Neal passed away on March 20, 2019 after a long battle with dementia. An avid outdoorsman, Neal enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.1 Based on the recipe engraved on his tombstone, it’s clear he also loved his wife’s cookie recipe. Neal met his wife Peg in high school, and they were married for 53 years, raising four children together.1 The addition of the cookie recipe is such a heartfelt way to honor their sweet memories.

  • Peg’s Sugar Cookie recipe on the gravestone of Mitchell Edward Neal. Photo by Rosie Grant.

Here is the recipe as inscribed on the gravestone:

Peg’s Sugar Cookies

  • 2 Cups Sugar
  • 2/3 Cup Oil
  • 2 Eggs
  • 3 Tbls. Water
  • 1 Teas. Vanilla
  • 3 1/2 Cups Flour
  • 1/2 Teas. Salt
  • 2 Teas. Baking Powder

Mix all together. May have to add more flour as rolling out. Cut into cookies. Bake on greased pan at 350 for 6-8 minutes.

In the Kitchen

This was a pretty straightforward recipe. The Ingredients are all staples, so I didn’t have to make an extra trip to the store. I love those kinds of recipes.

After gathering all my ingredients, I mixed them in the order they were engraved on the stone. I was a little worried about the amount of flour, as it seemed like it might have been too much. I did my best to mix everything with a fork, but after adding the last cup of flour, I switched to a small hand mixer, just to make things a bit easier.

This did create a really flaky dough, so I did have to spend some time working it into a smooth ball. The instructions are brief but clear, and I didn’t have any issues following along.

This recipe makes a big batch of dough. I had only prepared two baking sheets, but quickly realized I would need a couple more. I ended up baking three and a half cookie sheets full.

Since I was planning to share these cookies at a Christmas family gathering, I tried my best to make them festive. I was hoping I had some star-shaped cookie cutters, but all my cookie cutters are Halloween-themed. I settled on a gravestone and a coffin shape. Luckily, my family knows me well and probably expects this kind of thing from me by now!

I baked the cookies as instructed, for 6 minutes at 350°F, then checked to see if they were done. They needed an extra minute, so I continued baking the rest for 7 minutes.

Once they were done, I moved them to a cutting board to cool a little before frosting. I went with a red frosting to keep with the festive theme. I had hoped that I had white sprinkles for a nice contrast, but I didn’t. So, I used some colorful nonpareils instead.

I think they turned out quite pretty! They also taste pretty good, too. They did turn out a bit chewy, which I wasn’t expecting, but they still have that sweet sugar cookie taste. The frosting adds a bit of sweetness as well, perfect for pairing with a fresh glass of milk.

Christmas time always calls for something sweet, and what better way to bring a little extra sweetness than by baking cookies with a story? As I baked these sugar cookies in Mitchell’s memory, I couldn’t help but think of the love and tradition behind the recipe.

Trying out this recipe seemed like a fitting way to honor the season of giving—and of course, I’m always up for a delicious sugar cookie!

Will you be giving this recipe a try? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Mitchell Edward Neal | Find a Grave

The Beauty and Symbolism of Cemeteries in Winter

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As winter settles in, it’s hard to ignore the changing of the seasons. The chilly air, shorter days, and the snow-covered gravestones mark the end of field season for me. I have always seen snow-covered cemeteries as just too risky to explore—both for me and the gravestones.

While the cold usually keeps me indoors for the next couple of months, it brings something special to the cemeteries I love so much. There is a stillness in the air, and cemeteries in winter do offer something unique that cemeteries in the warmer months just don’t have.

  • Civic Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2024

Winter is often seen as a time for rest and renewal. Nature takes a break during these colder months, and cemeteries seem to do the same. The chill in the air makes everything feel still.

For me, the winter season is a time to focus on rest and recharging, while also refocusing on photo editing and research. Nothing is more relaxing to me than being curled up on the couch with a good book. But winter is also a time for reflection on life’s cycles. The season reminds us that life, like death, is all part of the same cycle. Nature’s rhythms, whether still still or full of growth are always changing, just like us.

I’ll be honest, winter is not my favorite season, and I don’t have a lot of experience visiting cemeteries in the snow. The bitter cold and early darkness does not appeal to me. But I will admit that cemeteries in winter have an almost haunting beauty that I can’t ignore.

The bare trees against a pale sky, and the contrast between the dark gravestones against white snow, create a mood that’s both peaceful and a bit mysterious. It’s the kind of scene that makes you stop for a moment.

Even though this isn’t the time I usually seek out cemeteries, I made an effort this weekend to stop in to one, to appreciate the unique atmosphere it creates.

  • Civic Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2024

One interesting thing I found about cemeteries in the winter is the light. With the sun being lower in the sky, the light creates long and dramatic shadows, adding texture and depth to the landscape. I find the gravestones just look different in the winter light.

The unique angles of the light during winter do make it a great time to play around with shadows and textures. For anyone interested in photography, winter cemeteries offer a chance to capture the landscape in a new way.

  • Civic Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2024

As I think about how winter enhances the beauty of cemeteries, I realize that the symbolism of the season offers us an important reminder of the ongoing cycle of life. Winter is a time of rest and reflection, but it’s also a time to prepare for what comes next.

So will you be visiting any cemeteries this winter? Whether you’re stopping by to honor a loved one or just take in the beauty of the season, cemeteries in the winter do have a lot to offer.

Thanks for reading!

Cemetery Book Review: Over My Dead Body

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For this month’s cemetery book review, I want to share another pick from the Association for Gravestone Studies Book Club. Published in 2023, Over My Dead Body: Unearthing the Hidden History of America’s Cemeteries is a spirited tour through some historic cemeteries in the United States.

Written by Greg Melville, an adventure journalist, and fellow taphophile, Over My Dead Body explores the many facets of how and why we bury our dead. From history, to land use and sustainability, this book covers a little of everything.

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:

“Melville’s Over My Dead Body is a lively (pun intended) and wide-ranging history of cemeteries, places that have mirrored the passing eras in history but have also shaped it. Cemeteries have given birth to landscape architecture and famous parks, as well as influenced architectural styles. They’ve inspired and motivated some of our greatest poets and authors—Emerson, Whitman, and Dickinson. They have been used as political tools to shift the country’s discourse and as important symbols of the United States’ ambition and reach.”

  • Over My Dead Body: Unearthing the Hidden History of America’s Cemeteries by Greg Melville.

Over My Dead Body is a fun and easy-to-read exploration of some of America’s most historic cemeteries. I have the softcover edition, which is perfect for lounging with on a weekend afternoon. Each chapter focuses on a different cemetery, where Melville shares both the history of the place and his personal experience visiting it. I really enjoyed how each chapter felt like a history lesson and a travelogue rolled into one.

What made the book especially enjoyable for me was how much Melville’s passion for cemeteries mirrored my own. Even though I am exploring cemeteries here in Canada while he is in the U.S., his observations and reflections on the stories these places hold felt familiar. I felt like Melville might be a kindred spirit—someone who gets why we’re drawn to cemeteries in the first place.

The book is lighthearted for the most part, but it does touch on some darker aspects of history. It made me think deeply about how cemeteries not only reflect the past but also shape the way we remember those who came before us.

So if you are fascinated by cemeteries and the stories they hold, I highly recommend Over My Dead Body by Greg Melville. Its unique blend of history, personal reflection, and insightful exploration will appeal to both casual readers and avid taphophiles alike.

Have you read Over My Dead Body? I would love to read your thoughts about it in the comments.

Thanks for reading! 

I am always on the hunt for cemetery-related book recommendations. If you are an author and have a cemetery-related book you would like me to review, please reach out at hello@chantallarochelle.ca. I would love to hear from you.

A Gift Guide for Taphophiles: 2024 Edition

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The holiday season is officially upon us, so it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for the taphophiles in your life!

Whether you’re shopping for a friend who has a deep love of cemeteries, or a family member who enjoys the fascinating history of gravestones, this year’s 2024 gift guide has something unique for everyone.

This year, my round-up features 13 unique items from stunning jewelry and a death-positive card game, to cemetery-related books and even a set of crayons for the creatively inclined.

Whether they’re into history, art, or just a bit of cemetery fun, these handpicked items will surely delight all the graveyard enthusiasts in your life!

  • A gift guide for taphophiles: 2024 edition

222 Cemeteries to See Before You Die by Loren Rhoads

Perfect for aspiring cemetery explorers and dedicated taphophiles alike, this beautiful guide to the world’s most fascinating and offbeat cemeteries has been freshly updated with 23 new, must-see locations. It is a must-have for any cemetery lover’s bookshelf!

  • 222 Cemeteries to See Before You Die by Loren Rhoads. Photo from Amazon.ca

2025 Gravestones Calendar

This 2025 calendar by stonecutter Andrew Carr, also known as Stones Over Bones on Etsy, features 12 stunning photos of intricate gravestones carved by some of the finest New England artisans. It’s a year-round celebration of cemetery symbolism and art. This would make a great gift for anyone who appreciates the beauty of gravestones.

  • 2025 Gravestones Calendar created by stonecutter, Andrew Carr. Photo supplied.

Classic Gravestone T-shirt

This classic gravestone design by PoisonBlood on Red Bubble, is a simple, yet stylish way to wear your love of cemeteries. Featuring a clean white gravestone print with the iconic R.I.P. message, this shirt is a bold yet subtle statement. Available in a variety of colors, it’s a perfect everyday tee.

  • Classic Gravestone T-Shirt, design by Poison Blood. Photo from Red Bubble.

Cooking with Ghosts: A Grief and Recipe Journal by Mortician in the Kitchen

This beautifully designed book blends the mindful practice of journaling with the comfort of cooking. Like a gravestone preserves memories, this book helps you honor loved ones by reflecting on shared meals and documenting family recipes. With prompts to guide your memories and blank recipe pages to record treasured dishes, it’s a unique way to keep those connections alive.

Please note that this book currently only ships within the United States.

  • Cooking with Ghosts: A Grief and Recipe Journal by Mortician in the Kitchen. Photo taken from the Mortician in the Kitchen website.

The Death Deck

The Death Deck is the perfect party game to break the taboo around talking about death. With 112 cards full of multiple-choice and open-ended questions, this game will have you, and your family and friends surprising each other with lively conversation about death—and you might even learn something new about yourselves.

  • The Death Deck. Photo from the Death Deck website.

Early New England Cemetery Stone Stickers

Everybody loves stickers! These Early New England Cemetery Stone stickers by Gh0stBreathArt are inspired by gravestones from the 1600s-1700s. Each sticker showcases a unique design, along with the name of the original stone carver. Perfect for decorating laptops, water bottles, or notebooks.

  • Early New England Cemetery Stone stickers by Gh0stBreathArt. Photo from Etsy.

Grave Moss Pendant

This grave moss pendant, created by Mist Metal and Stone, is a truly unique piece of jewelry, made from real moss carefully collected (with permission) from a late 1800s gravestone. The moss is preserved in eco resin and set in steel, creating a one-of-kind keepsake. Be sure to check out the rest of their Etsy shop, as they offer many other unique and beautiful pieces for sale.

  • Grave Moss Pendant created by Mist Metal and Stone. Photo from Etsy.

Gravestone Crayon Set

These fun and quirky gravestone-shaped crayons, created by In Wonderment on Etsy, make a unique and playful gift! This set includes 6 multi-colored crayons, each featuring a different gravestone design. Hand-poured from 100% Crayola crayons, they are perfect for art lovers, and creative types.

  • Gravestone Crayon Set created by In Wonderment. Photo from Etsy.

Guess Where Trips

Guess Where Trips offers a fun and adventurous way to explore new places with a twist of mystery! Each trip includes a Before You Go package and four surprise stops filled with unique destinations, recommendations, and fun facts. You can choose from a variety of day trips based on your interests, but I wanted to highlight two of the trips that feature cemeteries: Historic Haunts and Beautifully Haunted.

This summer, I had the chance to experience their Historic Haunts tour and had an amazing time exploring spooky spots like haunted buildings and eerie cemeteries.

  • Historic Haunts tour by Guess Where Trips. Photo from my own Historic Haunts Tour, Summer of 2024.

I Forgot Something 8×10 Art Print

Created by Night Spirit Studio, this beautiful art print titled I Forgot Something is inspired by 1800s mourning watercolor paintings. These mourning paintings were historically created by schoolgirls and featured gravestone symbolism like urns and weeping willows. With its giclée print quality and haunting design, this vintage-inspired piece would make a lovely addition to any art collection.

  • I Forgot Something 8×10 Art Print created by Night Spirit Studio. Photo from Etsy.

Oval Burial Plot Necklace

Created by Mockingbird Lane Artistries, this darkly beautiful piece blends together art, history, and nature. Featuring a hand-painted mini gravestone, lichen harvested from a cemetery, and graveyard dirt from the filming location of Night of the Living Dead. This lovely piece would make a perfect addition to any jewelry or film memorabilia collection.

  • Oval Burial Plot Necklace created by Mockingbird Lane Artistries. Photo from Mockingbird Lane Artistries website.

Pleasure Grounds of Death: The Rural Cemetery in Nineteenth-Century America by Joy M. Giguere

Pleasure Grounds of Death explores the fascinating history of how rural cemeteries became popular spots for strolls and picnics, and grew to influence American culture, community identity, and social issues of the time. A perfect read for history lovers, cemetery enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the cultural significance of these beautiful resting places.

  • Pleasure Grounds of Death: The Rural Cemetery in Nineteenth-Century America by Joy M. Giguere. Photo from Amazon.ca

Support Your Local Cemetery Sweatshirt

The Support Your Local Cemetery sweatshirt from Everything After Co. on Etsy is a perfect blend of humor and dark aesthetic, making it an ideal gift for any taphophile. Featuring a retro design, it comes in four different colors and is made from a comfortable cotton-polyester blend—perfect for lounging or cemetery exploring.

  • Support Your Local Cemetery sweatshirt from Everything After Co. Photo from Etsy.

As you navigate the holiday season in search of the perfect gift, remember that it’s the thought behind the gifts that make it truly special. Whether your gifting something spooky, historical or simply unique, these items are sure to spark conversation and bring joy.

Happy gifting, and thanks for reading!

Cemetery Photography by Chantal Larochelle is not affiliated with any of the brands or artists featured in this guide, and I do not receive any compensation or proceeds from sales. I am simply sharing products I love!

Cemetery Book Review: Haunted Cemeteries

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Spooky season is right around the corner!

I have a lot of upcoming October content planned, so I thought I would officially kick off the Halloween season on the blog by sharing a spooky cemetery book review. It’s called Haunted Cemeteries: True Tales From Beyond the Grave by Edrick Thay.

Earlier this summer, I wrote a guest post for The Haunted Walk, titled Beyond the Headstones: 5 Surprising Secrets to Discover in Cemeteries. So when I was in Ottawa this summer visiting family, I made it a point to pop into the Haunted Walk office, on Sparks Street, to say hello. While there, I browsed their spooky-cute gift shop and this book jumped out. I thought it was a pretty fitting purchase.

  • Haunted Cemeteries book, purchased from the Haunted Walk shop in Ottawa.

Haunted Cemeteries was first published in 2004 by Ghost House Books, a part of Lone Pine Publishing. Ghost House has published a large series of books all focusing on local legends, ghosts, hauntings, and other unexplained phenomenon.1 Haunted Cemeteries is a collection of stories about the world’s most notoriously haunted cemeteries and graveyards. The majority of the cemetery stories come from the United States, but the book does feature two cemeteries that are located in Ontario; Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls and Burkholder Cemetery in Hamilton.

Here is the book synopsis from Goodreads:

“Cemeteries are places of quiet repose where the dead are left to eternal rest. But some spirits refuse to rest in peace. Join Edrick Thay as he explores some of the world’s most notoriously haunted graveyards, both past and present, and interviews ghost hunters to discover how these eerie sites become charged with paranormal energy.

Plagued by nightmares, a mother has her daughter exhumed from Mount Carmel Cemetery in Chicago, only to make a shocking discovery paranormal researchers encounter spirits of wounded soldiers in Ontario’s Drummond Hill Cemetery, once the site of bloody conflagration when an archaeologist discovers a sealed tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, he awakens a terrifying ancient curse at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, ghosts of celebrities from another era float among the decrepit tombstones Anomalous Luminous Phenomena, or mysterious lights that defy explanation, illuminate Silver Cliff Cemetery in Colorado Ohio ghosthunters descend on Camp Chase Cemetery in Columbus, hoping to come across the captivating Lady in Gray a high school girl, fascinated with the paranormal, encounters a particularly irritable ghost at Bachelor’s Grove in Chicago in Salem, Massachusetts, site of the infamous witch trails, a ghost materializes, still mourning his inhuman death”

  • Haunted Cemeteries: True Tales From Beyond the Grave by Edrick Thay.

Haunted Cemeteries features 19 stories and a handful of black-and-white cemetery photos. The short stories made this an easy book to pick up when I had a few minutes to read. I appreciate those types of books.

The book includes some more well-known cemetery hauntings, like Bachelor’s Grove in Chicago and the Egyptian curse of King Tut’s tomb, but also highlights some lesser-known hauntings and folklore. As an avid reader of cemeteries and the supernatural, discovering these new unfamiliar stories was a lot of fun.

Overall, this was a fun and easy read, and I enjoyed the ghostly tales that can sometimes surround cemeteries. Reading about ghost stories, legends and reputed curses from beyond the grave is always a great way to ease into the Halloween season—especially when it also involves exploring the rich history of cemeteries.

Thanks for reading! 

I am always on the hunt for cemetery-related book recommendations. If you are an author and have a cemetery-related book you would like me to review, please reach out at hello@chantallarochelle.ca. I would love to hear from you.

References:

  1. Ghost House | One Pine Publishing