a grave interest: woodland cemetery {february 19, 2023}

I am a tombstone tourist, someone who loves to wander cemeteries. It’s similar to visiting a museum: an opportunity to enjoy rarely seen sculpture, intricate carvings, amazing architecture, all in a tranquil outdoor setting.

The studio where I practice yoga is a couple blocks down the street from Woodland Cemetery, one of the nation’s 5 oldest rural-garden cemeteries and the final resting place for many of Dayton's most celebrated inhabitants. I was on the hunt for Charles Kettering’s grave, found it faster than planned, so started wandering on the roads that wind around Woodland. I always go to the Lookout Columbarium, the highest point in Dayton, to view the skyline and then over to Paul Laurence Dunbar’s and the Wright Brothers’ graves. After that I just started walking and for whatever reason, I started noticing the many crosses that dot the cemetery.

I love to see the family plots. Back in the day families settled in the same town and stayed there. Today families are scattered and most likely wont' be buried together.

Cross and Angel. Angels are believed to be the guardians of mankind and can intercede for assistance from heaven. 

Celtic Cross. Similar to the Latin cross but with a circle intersecting the upright and the crossbar. Most are ornate. Celtic crosses became popular in U.S. cemeteries in the late 19th century.

Calvary Cross. Three steps make up the base on which the cross sets. Some bases are shaped to resemble the hill where Christ died. In the Protestant faith the three steps represent the Holy Trinity. In the Catholic religion, the three steps stand for faith, hope, and love.

IHS Cross. The three letters usually appear on the crossbar and are derived from the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek: iota, eta, and sigma. This has been said to stand for the Latin words “Iesus Hominum Salvator.” Jesus, mankind’s savior.

Woman at the Cross. The statue of a woman mourning the loss of someone abounds in cemeteries around the world as women have had the distinct responsibility of attending to the dead. The woman leans on the cross to gain comfort and strength.