New Bohemia, Virginia

Shamrock as Totem ~ Sacred and Secular:  What do the Bohemians share with the Irish? A cemetery and a faith. As you might guess from the name of this place, most of the folks buried here have Czech names. In America, however, cultural boundaries disappear and ethnicities get all mixed up. Not surprising, therefore, to find a shamrock in a Bohemian burial ground. Sacred Heart Cemetery. [2013]

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Maple Leaf Iconography:  Does pop culture matter? Judging from what's on cemetery landscapes, the answer would be 'yes.' In many circumstances, it is more important than religion. Judge for yourself from this headstone: Bruce Springsteen Greatest Hits, Toronto Maple Leafs, and two classic cars. At the bottom: a cross. Niagara Falls Cemetery. [2013]

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Maple Leaf Iconography:  Cemetery landscapes suggest that patriotism doesn't flag upon death. Many people, and not just veterans, make the national flag a permanent part of their memorial. They have it etched in granite. Just think: of all the icons that could have been chosen for this headstone, it was the maple leaf flag of Canada that won the lottery of choice. A more colorful version flies from poles, including those below in Canada's capital. Quick: What's Canada's capital? [2013]

East Gwillimbury, Ontario

Canadian Iconography:  Canadians are proud of nothing if not hockey, but lift your eyes to the heavens (as we all do when someone dies) and you will see something else that makes Canada Canada: a celebration in the sky, the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights. If you need evidence that the colorful sashes have become iconic, just look at one of Canada's commemorative coins (which also features an inuksuk). Queensville Cemetery. [2010]

Dunham, Quebec

Canadian Iconography:  An inuksuk, or stone cairn, was chosen as the official symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympics when they were held in Canada. They dot the Canadian Arctic, and some are shaped like human beings. In the relatively featureless landscapes of the polar fringe, monuments like this serve as landmarks and as navigation aids: appropriate metaphors for a journey into Second Life. In fact, this could be an avatar! Dunham Cemetery. [2011]

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Canadian Iconography:  The common loon is the most iconic of Canada's birds. It has, in fact, become a symbol of the nation. More than 25 years ago, it was chosen as the signature design element for the One Dollar coin, now popularly called "the loonie." The scene on this headstone uses the loon motif to epitomize the deceased's homeland and to symbolize the family, an institution as timeless as the Canadian North itself. Niagara Falls Cemetery. [2013]