More than a month ago I posted about an article I read regarding some unmarked graves from 1800's found in south Bibb County, Georgia. They were believed to be part of a slave cemetery on a McArthur family plantation. An update has recently been reported. The number of burials is up to 38, and it's believed that the cemetery was used beyond emancipation. Descendants from all parties involved are working together to uncover as much as possible. It is really nice to see. Follow the link to read the full article by Phillip Ramati --> Black families used south Bibb County cemetery beyond slavery era, DOT finds.
Why do people put rocks on grave stones? Some time ago, I learned that the rocks signified a visitor. That is true enough, but I decided to learn a little more about the custom and share my findings with you. Putting rocks on tombstones is most often described as a Jewish custom. There are many "Ask a Rabbi" columns out there, but I did not find one that knew for sure where the custom originated. They all agreed, however, that a rock symbolized a visitor and when put on a tombstone said, "I remember you." I also read that some people pick up a rock wherever they are when they think of a person that has passed. Then, the next time they visit the grave, they place the rock to say, "I wish you were here." Rabbi Shraga Simmons offers a deeper meaning: "We are taught that it is an act of ultimate kindness and respect to bury someone and place a marker at the site. After a person is buried, of course, we can no longer participate in burying them. H
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