"In death everyone is equal" is conveyed by the similar, unadorned Jewish gravestones of the Middle Ages and the early modern period. Until the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), only the Hebrew or Aramaic script shaped its appearance.
Even until the 19th century, simple wooden plaques commemorated the majority of the dead.
In the Baroque and Rococo periods, elaborate decorations such as foliage, columns, ornaments, garlands, "curtain decoration" were attached to the Mazevot.
In addition, traditional religious symbols were initially taken up. For example, the menorah (seven-branched candlestick) and Magen David refer to the Shabbat, while tablets of the law refer to a rabbi or scholar. In addition to gravestones with animal symbols (lions, deer), there are secular symbols of transience – hourglass, bent roses, war equipment on the monument to the fallen.
Margret Löther
Literature: Daxelmüller, Christoph: The Good Place. Jewish Cemeteries in Bavaria, Augsburg 2009
Read more
READ MORE PART
Blessing hands mark the gravestone of a member of the tribe of priests (Kohen). They refer to the Aaronic blessing (Moses 6:24-27): "May the Lord bless you and take care of yourself ...". Show image
A jug refers to male descendants from the tribe of Levi. The Levites performed the Temple service and symbolically washed the hands of the Kohen (priests) before the priestly blessing.
The tombstone of a shofar blower bears a horn. The shofar is an instrument made from the horn of a ram made from the horn of a ram, which is only used ritually. For example, on Rosh ha-Shanah, the Jewish New Year.
A knife and medical aids can be found on the macewa of the mohel (circumciser). His responsible task on the 8th day after the birth of a boy symbolizes the covenant of of God with the people of Israel.
A crown stands for power and strength, characteristics of the deceased - the woman as the "crown of the house" wears the "crown of the good name" - and quotes the Bible: " ... who crowns you with grace and mercy" (Psalm 103:4). mercy" (Psalm 103:4).
In Jewish and Christian mourning culture, the wreath and ring symbolize the completion of a person's completed with the death of a person: a circle of life has come full circle. Palm branches are seen as a sign of joy, peace and victory.
In Christian and Jewish sepulchral art, poppy blossoms and capsules symbolize eternal sleep after death. eternal sleep after death.
The tree trunk and anchor combine to form a complex statement: just as under the conspicuous broken broken columns, a person who died before adulthood rests under the tree trunk. adulthood. His memory remains anchored in the memory of his loved ones.