New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in the US, and as such there is a long and fascinating history. The human history of New Orleans is interesting in that it entails so many markers of different cultures that melded together to give it the vibrancy that it is known for. Moreover, most of the living, working, and dying done by the residents of New Orleans was done within the city. People found their mates, had their children, grew old, and died in the city in which they were born. That means families could visit the cemetery and pay their respects to multiple generations all buried in one place. Family legacies seem to be more concrete in New Orleans and these strong ties are reflected in the burial places of the city's dead.
Saint Mark the Baptist Cemetery
On the West Bank of New Orleans, on Lee's Street, is Saint Mark the Baptist Cemetery. The cemetery is split in two by Lee's Street, with one-half on one side and one-half on the other. From the street, Saint Mark's is nothing special to look at. Gates or stone walls that are nicely decorated are not present. Many of the plain chain link fences have long fallen over, while others are barely left standing. Much of the area is overgrown although most of the weeds are taken care of. Like every other New Orleans cemetery, most of the grave sites are above ground, and those underground are marked by simple headstones.
The style for the graves at Saint Marks typically include coping and tabletop internments. Some are expertly constructed, while many others are built from brick or cinderblock. It is clear this is a cemetery for the average middle class family, and not populated by politicians, dignitaries and Voodoo queens. Handwork and careful craftsmanship, out of love and memory, are noticeable in some of the grave markers. Old wooden crosses can still be seen there, decorated thoughtfully with the ages and names of the deceased. One or two gravestones are hand carved. Many lay forgotten and in disrepair. Even those laid to rest twenty or thirty years ago seem to be slowly sinking into the grasses of time.
Don't Forget to Remember
If nothing else, Saint Mark the Baptist Cemetery is a reminder to remember those who have passed. Of course, a body's final resting place is to us a representation of a loved one's existence on earth, even once they have moved on to the mysterious reality that awaits them after death. Don't forget that spot, don't forget that little piece of human history.
----------------------------------------------------
At Bookit.com you can use the internet to plan and book your travel arrangements, while finding the best travel deals around the world. You can make your vacation plans come to life when you use our easy online booking option. For an incredible time we suggest Laketown Wharf http://bookit.com/us/florida/panamacity/hotels/majestic-beach-resort-ebr/ today.
EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=288739
No comments:
Post a Comment