Tinbridge Hill in Lynchburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Symbolism, Gravemarkers and Grave Decorations
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 14, 2021
1. Symbolism, Gravemarkers and Grave Decorations Marker
Symbolism is very evident in many aspects of 19th century mourning. The carving on most of the older gravestones throughout this 200-year-old graveyard includes typical symbols of death: a drooping rose, weeping willow trees, a shroud-draped obelisk, a tree trunk cut off, urns, open heavenly gates, a hand pointing to heaven, or reaching down from the clouds, and even the form of a bed portraying the notion of finally being "at rest."
This broken wagon wheel, entwined with an ancient rose, was a typical Victorian grave decoration. It symbolizes the progression of life and its full circle being interrupted by death, the missing spokes.
Another form of grave marking or decoration involved leaving a child's favorite toy—a doll, tea set, tricycle, or car as recreated here. One third of all burials in this cemetery were children under the age of four.
This has always been a public graveyard where citizens could be buried regardless of their ability to pay. Many thousands of graves are not marked in any way except, perhaps, by a humble gravestone, but many are still evident by the contour of the grass.
Topics.
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Location. 37° 24.834′ N, 79° 9.306′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is in Tinbridge Hill. It can be reached from Taylor Street north of 4th Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Taylor St, Lynchburg VA 24501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1858 Map of Old City Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Bransford Vawter (1815-1838) (here,
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 14, 2021
2. Symbolism, Gravemarkers and Grave Decorations Marker
Additional keywords. burial customs
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 334 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
