Understanding Cemetery Symbols by Tui Snider
[The following is an adapted excerpt from my book, Understanding Cemetery Symbols. I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy my book after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.]
Why are benches so common in cemeteries?
This historic cemetery tradition harkens back to ancient Greece: After erecting a table stone to place food and wine on during grave site celebrations, ancient Greeks often installed a type of stone bench called an exedra. Now the family had a place to sit during their gravesite visits.
What is an exedra?
Exedrae may be straight or curved. These benches are for public use, so you can find them in gymnasiums and public squares, as well as burial grounds. If you’ve ever seen a painting of a Greek philosopher sitting while surrounded by his students, the artist most likely painted him sitting on an exedra.
Still the most popular form of cemetery seating
Exedra-style benches were fashionable graveyard monuments in the Victorian era through the 1920’s in America, and are often found on wealthier people’s graves. Even when it’s not an exedra-style, you will notice that benches are the most common type of seating found in cemeteries, even today.
And I know I sound like Captain Obvious here, but it is perfectly fine to sit down on cemetery benches. I’m adding that bit because I sometime see people hesitate to do so. They’re worried that it is somehow disrespectful; it’s not! Just make sure that the bench is sturdy and safe before you sit down.
Want to learn more about cemetery symbols?
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Tui Snider is an author, speaker, and photographer who specializes in North Texas travel, cemetery symbols, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!”
Snider’s best-selling books include Paranormal Texas , Understanding Cemetery Symbols, and 100 Things to Do in Dallas - Fort Worth Before You Die.
Snider has several more books in progress, and enjoys connecting with writers and readers all over the globe through social media, her newsletter and her website: TuiSnider.com.
Funny that I have never wanted to sit on one of those elaborate benches like you’ve posted, but I have no problem with the basic black marble ones in the Memorial Gardens where my Dad is buried! I don’t know why those seem OK to me….
Hi, Lisa! Maybe it’s because they seem newer and more sturdy? And the others seem more ornamental? Thanks so much for dropping by! :)
[…] E – Exedra: An ancient Greek cemetery tradition that carries through to this day! […]
That is fascinating! I had no idea.
Hi Doree! Yeah, I’m always surprised how even the most simple things connected with cemeteries have a deeper story behind them! Thank you for visiting! :)
I’ve always avoided sitting on benches in graveyards out of the fear of being disrespectful. It’s good to hear that it’s actually okay to sit on them. Next time I will use one!
You are not alone! So many people feel that way about cemetery benches nowadays. Now, however, you know that when you sit on a cemetery bench you’re participating in an age-old custom. Thanks for dropping by! :)
You’re welcome.