No apologies for photographing a cemetery. It is 18 months since my darling husband died
and I sought solace by visiting his grave.
It takes me around an hour to get there, as the cemetery we chose is a
provincial one situated in the town where we first met.
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| This rather rickety-looking seat was in the older part of the cemetery |
My father, mother, a brother, and a grandmother are also
buried here, so husband is in good company!
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| A view across the cemetery |
The cemetery is not large, being so much more intimate than
the big city one, and has a very peaceful atmosphere with several large trees
and all kinds of resident birds. It is
actually a lovely place to just sit for a while and ponder on things.
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| This area is reserved for Returned Servicemen |
Whenever I leave a cemetery I like to follow Maori protocol
and wash my hands before leaving, throwing some of the water backwards over my
shoulders.
Washing the hands this way is to clear any connection that
has inadvertently been made with the spiritual world, and also leaves the
departed ones in their places so they do not follow you.
Sounds superstitious I know, but the act always leaves me
feeling purified somehow. It gives me
peace instead of turmoil.
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| I love this majestic old oak tree |
Margaret.
I like to walk in cemeteries. They are so peaceful. I'd never heard of the hand washing ritual.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize your husband died so recently.
You need days like that to sooth your soul Margaret.
ReplyDeleteAccording to my sisters my mother was always 'just popping up to say hello to your Dad'. Seemingly she'd rant and rave at/to him about allsorts and come home in a better frame of mind.
And yes, that is quite a good looking Oak tree!
We have lots of churches and graveyards in our town. I love looking at old gravestones and they are such peaceful places to visit. There are a few big cemeteries in the area, mostly for cremations nowadays. Mum died 8 years ago and Dad has her ashes and wants them to be scattered together when the day comes. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteI can tell you this. Cemeteries are favourite spots fir birders. They are quiet, often have many large trees, grassy areas, and water features. All that a bird could wish for means that a wide variety of species are often to be found there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tradition the Maori have. It would be comforting I imagine.
ReplyDeleteNo need to apologize anyway you look at it...but I think a lot of us like to visit cemeteries. I always feel a bit sad, but also so wish I could see their life unfold...I always wonder what happened in the dash between the years. I love that tree you showed...I still have not made a final decision about where we are going to be buried...it is something we need to do...Roger will just say whatever I want. So I need to settle my mind about it and should be prepared.
ReplyDeleteWhen we lived "up north" we were next to the Waipapakauri Cemetery and often went for a walk there. The grandchildren (quite young) always enjoyed going there. My late husband's grandparents are in the Hamilton Cemetery.
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