Hand Symbolism on Gravestones
Hand symbolism on gravestones can reveal how our ancestors lived and what they believed. One of the most common gravestone symbols on tombstones is the hand. There are clasped hands, pointing fingers, hands holding objects, and more. Finger Pointing Up Fingers pointing upward indicate that…
The Diaspora of India and BillionGraves
Documenting the diaspora of India with the BillionGraves app is one of the goals of a new genealogical society: The Genealogical Society of India and its Diaspora. It’s something you could help with too! Simply download the BillionGraves app to your smartphone and take photos…
The Candy Bomber
The Candy Bomber was a nickname given to World War II pilot, Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen (1920 – 2021). He became well-known for dropping candy tied to miniature parachutes from his plane to German children in Berlin from 1948 to 1949. Halvorsen was also known…
Westminster Abbey Gravesites
Westminster Abbey gravesites are the final resting places for more than 3,300 notable people. Who can be buried at Westminster Abbey? Someone once said, “I once started to research this very question. But on discovering that the first requirement is that you have to be dead,…
35 Victorian Era Cemetery Superstitions
Victorian era cemetery superstitions and traditions help us to better understand the world our ancestors lived in. In our day, we may throw a fancy wedding but during the Victorian era, elaborate funeral customs were all the rage! Many of the cemetery superstitions and traditions…
Discovering Roadside Cemeteries in Autumn
Discovering roadside cemeteries in autumn can be like finding hidden treasure! Fall is one of the best times to take your BillionGraves photo app on the road. The leaves are changing to breathtaking reds and golds, the weather is cooler, and there is less traffic…
