Tuesday 6 November 2012

Mizpah


Lots of symbols at the top of this 19th century stone from York cemetery. A bird carrying a scroll with the word mizpah written on it. Birds symbolise messengers, often bringing peace. Mizpah is an emotional bond between two people who are separated, this can be a physical separation or the more final separation of death.
The handshake shows a clasped right hand gently encircling a flat left hand. This can symbolise God leading the deceased into heaven, but in this case the right hand with a distinct cuff and the left with a frilly edge likely represent a husband and wife. The extended forefinger, shows a gentle grip rather than a firm one with all fingers bent.
Parted drapes with side tassels place this statement of loss and continued devotion centre stage.
Taking part in Taphophile Tuesday

11 comments:

  1. The hands are a nice touch if a little spooky. "mizpah" sounds Hebrew?

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    1. Yes that is what I thought too, it's from the Old Testament: Genesis 31:49

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  2. What a beautiful find!

    Beneath Thy Feet

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  3. That is a fascinating find; and the symbolic nature of the work does stand out.

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  4. I am much better with words and I am not much good at symbolism.

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  5. What a lovely interpretation! I would have looked at this and thought it was nice but wouldn't have got the hidden meanings.

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  6. Interesting! I'm familiar with the various symbols, but the word mizpah is new to me. Always happy to learn something new about taphophilia!

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  7. This is interesting to try to decipher the images.
    I am just reading a book that starts off with description of a drive through "the deeply religious community of Mizpah, that is today nothing but a fascinating pioneer cemetery, as we head toward the summer cottage where the bush squeezes in and the paved hardtop eventually peters out into gravel."
    It was from that sentence that I decided I must buy the book.

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    1. Hope the book is living up to the promise of that sentence!

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  8. Lovely photo, and very interesting -- I didn't know what Mizpah was. Thanks!

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