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Thursday 29 October 2009

Billy

Autumn, graveyards and Halloween today.

Billy's heart in Bow Cemetery was one of many in this style grouped together. Is this significant? Was it Victorian fashion or are they part of group who died in similar circumstances? Any locals know the answer?

I don't know why but I thought that Halloween was an American invention. But no, it's origins go back further than that. Back with the Celts a couple of thousand years ago. Samhuinn (pronounced.. sah'win) marked the end of summer or the beginning of winter. The cows all had to be brought indoors. The ghosts of the dead were all a bit cold so were hanging about. Hence a good idea to leave them some food and do whatever was necessary to keep them happy.

So I hope Billy is resting happily under the trees in their red and gold autumn robes.

9 comments:

Hans said...

London has some very nice cemetaries indeed. My favourite is Highgate Cemetary. Especially the section that you can only acces on organized tours. Would you bring us a photo from there some day?

Angie said...

Oh, Mo, I just love this pic. A heart gravestone among Queen Ann's Lace (or is it Cow Parsley?)

Unknown said...

The day has its origin in the Celtic New Year, which celebrated the return of the spirits of the dead to their homes.

But Halloween has been transformed into a much more pagan celebration, and America still has quite a hold on the holiday. Just travel to Salem, Massachussetts!

Anonymous said...

lol, you should definitely brought your lipstick! To the moon, that is ;-)

B SQUARED said...

And that, as they say here, is the rest of the story.

Candie said...

Nice one!

Anonymous said...

nice
abstract
composition

i love old cemetaries

/t.

me said...

I think the USA just made it what it is today. When I was young and living in England Halloween was a tame affair with a few "toffee apples" and "bobbing for apples" activities. No trick or treating or decorating houses. Guy Fawkes night was a much bigger event.

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Nice pic *twilight zone music*. Happy Halloween!!

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