iJuneraf pfant/. 193 



Brambles are used to bind down graves. Ivy, as an ever- 

 green and a symbol of friendship, is planted to run over the last 

 resting-place of those we love. 



In Persia, it is the Basil-tuft that waves its fragrant blossoms 

 over tombs and graves. In Tripoli, Roses, Myrtle, Orange, and 

 Jasmine are planted round tombs; and a large bouquet of flowers 

 IS usually fastened at the head of the coffins of females. Upon 

 the death of a Moorish lady of quality every place is filled with 

 fresh flowers and burning perfumes, and at the head of the body 

 is placed a large bouquet. The mausoleum of the royal family is 

 filled with immense wreaths of fresh flowers, and generally tombs 

 are dressed with festoons of choice blossoms. The Chinese plant 

 Roses, a species of Lycoris, and the Anemone on their graves. 

 The Indians attribute a funereal characfter to the fragrant flowers 

 of the sacred Champak [Michclia Champaca). 



The ancients planted the Asphodel around the tombs of the 

 deceased, in the belief that the seeds of this plant, and those of 

 the Mallow, afforded nourishment to the dead. 



The Greeks employed the Rose to decorate the tombs of the 

 dead, and the floral decorations were frequently renewed, under 

 the belief that this bush was potent to protedl the remains of the 

 departed one. Anacreon alludes to this pracftice in one of his 

 odes: — 



" When pain aftlicts and sickness grieves, 

 Its juice the droopiiig heart relieves ; 

 AtkI after death its odours shed 

 A pleasing fragrance o'er the dead." 



The Romans, also, were so partial to the Rose, that we find, 

 by old inscriptions at Ravenna and Milan, that codicils in the 

 wills of the deceased direc^ted that their tombs should be planted 

 with the queen of flowers — a pracftice said to have been introduced 

 by them into England. Camden speaks of the churchyards in his 

 time as thickly planted with Rose-trees ; Aubrey notices a custom 

 at Ockley, in Surrey, of planting Roses on the graves of lovers ; 

 and Evelyn, who lived at Wotton Place, not far distant, mentions 

 the same praiftice. In Wales, White Roses mark the graves of the 

 yoinig and of immarried females; whilst Red Roses are placed 

 over anyone distinguished for benevolence of character. 



All nations at different periods seem to have delighted to deck 

 the graves of their departed relatives with garlands of flowers — 

 emblems at once of beauty and quick fading into death. 



" With fairest flowers 

 While summer lasts, and I live here. Fidele, 

 I'll swceien thy sad grave. Thou shalt not lack 

 The flower that's like thy face, pale Primrose ; nor 

 The azured Hare-bell, like tliy veins ; no, nor 

 The leaf of Eglantine, which, not to slander, 

 Oul-sweetcned not thy breath." 



Shakspearf ( Cyiiibclhic. Act IV ). 



O 



