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Category: Travel Photo Essays

Travel tips, photos & travelogues from all over the world.

Cemetery Symbolism: F is for FATAL

What does FATAL signify on a headstone? FATAL: When I first started visiting historic graveyards, I’d see the word “fatal” on headstones and think, “How macabre!” After doing a little research, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that “fatal” is actually an acronym for “fairest among thousands, altogether lovely.” FATAL is the motto used by the Order of the Eastern Star, a fraternal order related to the Masons. The Order of the Eastern Star was originally for women only, but now allows both men and women to become members, and is open to people of all religions. How to comment:…

Cemetery Symbols: D is for Dove

What does a dove signify on a headstone? DOVE: In general, doves represent innocence, peace, and/or the Holy Spirit. The meaning of a particular dove depends on what it is doing. A dove that appears to be swooping down from above symbolizes a loved one taking the deceased up to heaven. If the dove itself appears dead, as in the photo above, it stands for someone who died young. The tiny tree stump here is another reference to a life cut short. So sad! (How to comment: Please comment about this post on Tui Snider’s Facebook. Leave your link in…

Cemetery Symbols: C is for Cross

What does a Greek Orthodox cross signify? GREEK ORTHODOX CROSS: Crosses come in many different forms! In the interest of keeping this A to Z post short and sweet, I’ll only discuss one. Anyway… I recently visited a monastery where I was told why the bar at the bottom of the Greek Orthodox cross is tilted: It is a symbolic way of expressing that the “wise thief” who was crucified on the right side of Christ went to heaven, while the unrepentant thief who was crucified on his left side went to hell. (How to comment: Please comment about this…

Cemetery Symbols: B is for Books

What do books signify on a headstone? BOOK:Books are a common feature in historic graveyards, but they rarely have actual words carved into them, as the one you see in the photo above. When books are open, it indicates that a person’s life was cut short, in mid-story, so to speak. A closed book acknowledges that a person’s story on earth has reached its end. Books may also represent The Bible or other holy scripture. (How to comment: Please comment about this post on Facebook: B is for Books. Leave your link in the comments, and I’ll drop by your…

Brandy Herr’s Haunted Granbury

The following is an adapted excerpt from Paranormal Texas my fun travel guide to haunted places near Dallas and Fort Worth. Check it out if you like reading (and even visiting!) haunted locations: Haunted Granbury When it comes to haunted lore in Granbury, Texas, Brandy Herr is my go-to gal. It’s no secret that I relied heavily on Herr’s book to plan my research trip to that town for my travel guide to haunted places in north Texas. Thanks to Brandy, I knew where to look! That’s why I say Herr’s Haunted Granbury is a must-have for any ghost hunter’s library, especially…

Jefferson, Texas: Simple Pleasures, Ghosts, & Bigfoot in the Little Easy

The following is an adapted excerpt from Unexpected Texas – my best-selling travel guide to quirky, offbeat and overlooked places near Dallas and Fort Worth. Check it out if you enjoy learning quirky facts, or are looking for offbeat road trip ideas in north Texas. Jefferson, Texas aka the Little Easy With its brick streets, horse drawn carriages, wrought iron railings, and abundance of Greek revival architecture, a visit to Jefferson, Texas can make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set for New Orleans in the late 1800’s. This town’s resemblance to the “Big Easy” is no mere affectation, but a genuine…