I took quite a few pictures at the Salem Burying Ground and Witch's Memorial in Massachusetts. Here are the first ones for you:
The Memorial is very simple: A square between a house from the 1600's and the Burying Ground, with 20 stone benches arranged around three sides, each inscribed with the name of a person who was hanged as a witch:


On the sidewalk there are words inscribed, with some of the pleas of innocence from the trials:

Onone side of the memorial is this house from the 1600's:

On the other side is the Burying Ground.


The stones often have winged skulls on them. These symbolized death and rebirth in the afterlife. 

This tree may or not have been a hanging tree, depending on who you ask. Either way, it is an eerie tree . More photos to come of the Graveyard in Part II, probably Tuesday.



Comments: 32
The tat on my neck is the skull and wings, it is nice to see someone who knows what it represents.
Henry, I can't believe you never heard of The Salem Witchtrials.
Wow! It would be cool to visit there, part of our history!
What a fun, interesting photo essay, Rhetta!
Thank you!
fascinating and beautiful essay!
:) wishing you laughter
cool pics very nice, thanxs for sharing
Those are nice photographs. I used to visit Salem a lot when I was younger. My dad used to know Lauri Cabot the official witch of Salem and we used to go visit her shop.
I also agree, with you, that tree is creepy. And all that can be very scary when you're 8 years old (and it's Halloween to boot!).
I must see this. Have never. I have been here in MA since about forever.
You really should see it, Kathryn. It was, for me, literally breath-taking.
I will see it, maybe this summer.
Interesting essay, on an even more interesting subject.
it's really beautiful. i am so saddened by these deaths. and so gladdened that we now have more freedom to practice the religion(s) of our choice.
10
First time I heard of this. Kinda gives me the creeps