Last week our class went to the Cimetière du Père Lachaise, a cemetery in France home to many famous celebrities, star-crossed lovers, and beautiful tombstone architecture. Throughout class that day, which included getting lost multiple times whilst looking for relatives, my professor told us about how French cemeteries differ from American ones, mostly in terms of tomb decorations.
Most cemeteries in the US typically look the same, rounded off headstone at hip height that states the name, DOB, DOD, and maybe a quote from a religious text. However, French cemeteries are much more elaborate, and usually, the tombstone can tell a story all on its own. The decorations, while aesthetic and pretty to look at, are symbolic. So, for this post, I’ll be taking you into the symbolism of French cemeteries, really cool tombstones we found, and some of Père Lachaise’s most famous residents.
First off is the upside-down torches. These torches are a symbol of death and exclusively used on tomb decorations and in cemetery settings. As a lit torch would represent life, an upside-down torch represents a life that has gone out.
There are a few to talk about in this picture so bare with me.
First is the winged hourglass, which symbolizes the passing of time, and how life is not forever. Then the obvious urn, which is where ashes are put after cremation. This one is pretty straightforward. Next is the sheet, which is typically put over a person’s body after they die. After that is the wreath, and this is where culture shock comes in a little. I had no idea that wreaths were a symbol of death in France. Growing up in the US, wreaths are ever-present during the Christmas season, a symbol of warmth and home, so it’s not hard to imagine I had an audible “huh” moment when I learned that it was the complete opposite over here.
Here’s an interesting one I never knew before until the visit, broken columns are not due to vandalism (most of the time), they are on purpose. A broken column symbolizes the taking of a person too soon. A person who was in their prime and at the top of their game, and found that life was too short for them. That person will usually be accompanied by a broken column.
Some people who were buried tried to stick to a certain theme or aesthetic. Among all the Greek Revival and Gothic architect, I stumbled across this Egyptian Revival gem. Very true to form with the Winged Sun, a symbol of the soul and its eternity in the afterlife, most tombs stuck to one, MAYBE two style choices, to keep it consistent but also unique.
However then there was this guy. Not wanting to take ANY chances in the afterlife, this guy has it all: Greek Revival, Egyptian Revival, upside-down torches, urns, Winged Sun, winged hourglass, wreaths, even some bats made it to the party. So if you want to be granted passage into any and all major afterlives, hit this one up.
Next up are some cool architecture honorable mentions, like this cloaked figure trying to get into the small chapel. Perhaps it’s meant to represent the spirit of those who are buried beneath, letting their family members know they are still there.
Next is another clothed figure, as it appears to be resting on the top of the tomb. Its body cannot be seen, but it is clear that the bulge on top is meant to be a head.
Next is Victor Noir, the man who lost his life in a duel. Yeah, he’s um……….a symbol of……..fertility………..Let’s move on.
Here was the tomb of Heloise and Abelard. Known as somewhat of a French Romeo and Juliet, Heloise was the student of academic, Abelard, in the 11th or 12th century. Soon after meeting, they developed a scandalous love affair that resulted in a secret marriage, love child, castration of Abelard, and the sending of Heloise away to a convent. They would never see each other again, but they wrote letters back and forth to each other to keep the flame alive, and it is this reason they are one of the most romantic and tragic couples in history.
There were other notable celebrities buried there, such as Chopin. Notice the upside-down torches and wreathes on the handle of the torches.
Also, was the grave of Oscar Wilde. Glass has enclosed the monument so as to protect it, but people still find ways to slip notes and flowers over the top. Plus, there are many of his poems written in lipstick on the glass, along with many lipstick kisses.
And finally, the grave of Jim Morrison. Lead singer of the Doors, Morrison became a member of the 27 Club in March of 1971. His resting place was blocked off by gates but some fans still found ways to decorate his tomb with flowers. Also, the tomb was easy for me to find since a fan was playing his music and praying by the gate.
The cemetery is so large and there are just so many people buried there, it was impossible to do it all in a single day. Maybe another day I’ll come back and find even more interesting people here.