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Lots of symbols at the top of this 19th century stone from York cemetery. A bird carrying a scroll with the word mizpah written on it. Birds symbolise messengers, often bringing peace. Mizpah is an emotional bond between two people who are separated, this can be a physical separation or the more final separation of death.
The handshake shows a clasped right hand gently encircling a flat left hand. This can symbolise God leading the deceased into heaven, but in this case the right hand with a distinct cuff and the left with a frilly edge likely represent a husband and wife. The extended forefinger, shows a gentle grip rather than a firm one with all fingers bent.
Parted drapes with side tassels place this statement of loss and continued devotion centre stage.
Taking part in Taphophile Tuesday
The hands are a nice touch if a little spooky. "mizpah" sounds Hebrew?
ReplyDeleteYes that is what I thought too, it's from the Old Testament: Genesis 31:49
DeleteWhat a beautiful find!
ReplyDeleteBeneath Thy Feet
That is a fascinating find; and the symbolic nature of the work does stand out.
ReplyDeleteI am much better with words and I am not much good at symbolism.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely interpretation! I would have looked at this and thought it was nice but wouldn't have got the hidden meanings.
ReplyDeleteVery tender.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I'm familiar with the various symbols, but the word mizpah is new to me. Always happy to learn something new about taphophilia!
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting to try to decipher the images.
ReplyDeleteI am just reading a book that starts off with description of a drive through "the deeply religious community of Mizpah, that is today nothing but a fascinating pioneer cemetery, as we head toward the summer cottage where the bush squeezes in and the paved hardtop eventually peters out into gravel."
It was from that sentence that I decided I must buy the book.
Hope the book is living up to the promise of that sentence!
DeleteLovely photo, and very interesting -- I didn't know what Mizpah was. Thanks!
ReplyDelete