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47-601: The Willesden United Synagogue Cemetery , usually known as Willesden Jewish Cemetery , is a Jewish cemetery at Beaconsfield Road, Willesden , in the London Borough of Brent , England. It opened in 1873 on a 20-acre (0.08 km) site. It has been described as the " Rolls-Royce " of London's Jewish cemeteries and is designated Grade II on Historic England 's Register of Historic Parks and Gardens . The cemetery, which has 29,800 graves, has many significant memorials and monuments. Four of them are listed at Grade II. They include

94-653: A Cross of Sacrifice , a memorial designed by Ralph Hobday in the form of an obelisk was placed in 1961 by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission opposite the World War II war graves plot. It commemorates both world wars. Israel Brodie , the Chief Rabbi, consecrated the memorial, which was unveiled by Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templer . The first national Jewish war memorial in the United Kingdom, it

141-461: A Jewish custom. Showing proper respect for the dead ( kevod ha-met ) is intrinsic to Jewish law. The connection between the soul and the human body after death is an essential aspect of Jewish belief in the eternity of the soul . Thus, disinterring the dead, deriving benefit from a corpse or grave, or acting in any way that may be perceived as "ridiculing the helpless" ( l'oeg l'rash ), such as making derogatory remarks or joking, but also partaking in

188-573: A background. These wreaths resemble a diadem , with thin metal leaves being attached to an ornamental band. Wreaths also appear stamped into Etruscan medallions. The plants shown making the wreaths in Etruscan jewelry include ivy, oak, olive leaves, myrtle, laurel, wheat and vines. Wreaths were worn as crowns by Etruscan rulers. The Etruscan symbolism continued to be used in Ancient Greece and Rome. Roman magistrates also wore golden wreaths as crowns, as

235-447: A cemetery is one of the first priorities for a new Jewish community. A Jewish cemetery is generally purchased and supported with communal funds. Placing small stones on graves is a Jewish tradition equivalent to bringing flowers or wreaths to graves. Flowers, spices , and twigs have sometimes been used, but the stone is preferred because in Jewish religion it is perceived specifically as

282-405: A cemetery. To ensure that the requirements for Jewish burial are met and that each member of the community is afforded a proper burial, Jewish communities establish burial societies known as the chevra kadisha , 'Holy Society', to provide these services free of charge. In larger Jewish communities, cemeteries are sometimes subdivided into sections according to the chevra kadisha that uses and

329-466: A custom that is sometimes done liturgically, through a hanging of the greens ceremony. The Advent wreath was first used by Lutherans in Germany in the 16th century, and in 1839, Lutheran priest Johann Hinrich Wichern used a wreath made from a cart wheel to educate children about the meaning and purpose of Christmas , as well as to help them count its approach, thus giving rise to the modern version of

376-444: A fruitful harvest in the coming year. In recent years, wreaths have experienced a significant surge in popularity as versatile home decor items. No longer confined to seasonal displays or special occasions, wreaths are now commonly used year-round to enhance interior and exterior spaces. From vibrant floral wreaths adorning front doors to minimalist greenery wreaths adorning walls, their versatility and customizable nature have captured

423-567: A long history of observing Saint Lucy's Day (St. Lucia's Day). "St. Lucia's crowns", made of a brass wreath holding candles, are part of the customs associated with this holiday. A wreath laying ceremony is a traditional practice during which funeral wreaths are laid at a grave or memorial site. It is done as a formal sign of respect towards a particular tribute (e.g. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ). These are formal ceremonies that involve high ranking dignitaries such as heads of state . Once

470-452: A long-standing tradition. Olive wreath was the prize for the winner at the ancient Olympic Games . In Christianity , wreaths are used to observe the Advent season, in preparation for Christmastide and Epiphanytide , as well as to celebrate the latter two liturgical seasons . These wreaths, as with other Advent and Christmas decorations, are often set up on the first Sunday of Advent ,

517-470: A prayer for protection and blessing upon the growing harvest." The symbolism of wreaths has been used at funerals since at least the time of Ancient Greece, to represent a circle of eternal life. Evergreen wreaths were laid at the burial place of early Christian virgin martyrs in Europe, the evergreen representing the victory of the eternal spirit over death. In early modern England, a wreath custom existed for

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564-458: A symbolic testament to their lineage back to Rome's early Etruscan rulers. Roman magistrates also used several other prominent Etruscan symbols in addition to a golden wreath crown: fasces , a curule chair, a purple toga , and an ivory rod. In the Greco-Roman world , wreaths were used as an adornment that could represent a person's occupation, rank, their achievements and status. The wreath that

611-426: A term coined in the World War II era, which was decorated with fringe and embroidered to commemorate life and sacrifice. This practice is still in place today, and wreath sashes now commonly adorn doors of homes to celebrate numerous holidays. Harvest wreaths, a common household decoration today, are a custom with ancient roots in Europe. The creation of harvest wreaths in Europe can be traced back to ancient times, and

658-531: A wreath is laid, the person who lays the wreath goes a few steps back to bow/salute the memorial. During wreath laying ceremonies of a military nature, bugle calls such as " Last Post ", " Taps ", or " Sunset " are played. In the Netherlands, wreath laying ( Dutch : Kranslegging ) is usually held during the National Remembrance Day celebrations on 4 May. During state visits, a wreath is laid out at

705-462: Is Grade II listed. There are three other Grade II listed monuments at the cemetery: 51°32′41″N 0°14′24″W  /  51.5447°N 0.2399°W  / 51.5447; -0.2399 Jewish cemetery The land of the cemetery is considered holy and a special consecration ceremony takes place upon its inauguration. According to Jewish tradition, Jewish burial grounds are sacred sites and must remain undisturbed in perpetuity. Establishing

752-411: Is an assortment of flowers , leaves , fruits , twigs , or various materials that is constructed to form a ring shape. In English-speaking countries, wreaths are used typically as household ornaments, most commonly as an Advent and Christmas decoration . They are also used in ceremonial events in many cultures around the globe. They can be worn as a chaplet around the head, or as a garland around

799-409: Is associated with animistic spiritual beliefs. In Ancient Greece, the harvest wreath was a sacred amulet, using wheat or other harvested plants, woven together with red and white wool thread. The harvest wreath would be hung by the door year-round. Harvest wreaths were an important symbol to the community in Ancient Greece, not merely to the farmer and his family. The festivals devoted to Dionysus ,

846-437: Is followed with a celebration and feast. A wreath may be used as a headdress made from leaves, flowers and branches. It is typically worn in festive occasions and on holy days. Wreaths originally were made for use with pagan rituals in Europe, and were associated with the changing seasons and fertility. Christianity appropriated the symbolism of the wreath based upon its Roman association with honour and moral virtue. During

893-560: Is responsible for that section of the cemetery's care and upkeep. Early Jewish cemeteries were located outside of the city. In the Diaspora , it is traditional to bury the dead with the feet in the direction of Jerusalem . Some findings showed that the dead would be buried with a handful of soil from the Holy Land. The tombstones usually have inscriptions in Hebrew and the regional language. During

940-545: Is to document every Jewish burial site in the world. The Lo Tishkach European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative was established in 2006 as a joint project of the Conference of European Rabbis and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany . It aims to guarantee the effective and lasting preservation of Jewish cemeteries and mass graves throughout the European continent. The ESJF European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative

987-872: The Chatam Sofer Memorial (part of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Bratislava ). The Jewish cemetery of Siret is considered one of the oldest cemeteries in Eastern Europe , its foundation is dated around 1500. Founded in 1832, the Jewish Cemetery of Coro , in Venezuela is the oldest Jewish cemetery in continuous use in the Americas . The mission of the International Jewish Cemetery Project

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1034-629: The Midsummer wreath had to be picked early in the morning before the dew had dried; the belief was that once the dew dried, the magical properties of the plants evaporated with the dew. Midsummer celebrations are still observed in Germany and Scandinavia as well, with Maypoles and wreaths playing a prominent role, similar to England. By the Renaissance period, wreaths became symbols of political and religious alliances in England. Protestant reformers such as

1081-630: The Nazi Germany regime, Jewish cemeteries all over Europe were destroyed and desecrated; for this reason, some cemeteries have therefore also become Holocaust memorials, such as the cemetery in the Warsaw Ghetto . The largest Jewish cemeteries of Europe can be found in Budapest , Łódź , Prague , Warsaw , Vienna and Berlin . Other Jewish cemeteries in Europe include the Jewish Cemetery in Khotyn and

1128-511: The Oschophoria and Anthesteria , included a ritual procession called the eiresîonê . A harvest wreath was carried to Pyanopsia and Thargelia by young boys, who would sing during the journey. The laurel or olive wreath would be hung at the door, and then offerings were made to Helios and the Hours. It was hoped that this ritual would bring protection against crop failure and plagues. In Poland,

1175-441: The catacombs " using a candle-lit wreath to "light her way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible"; as such, on this day, many young Christian girls dress as Saint Lucy, wearing a wreath on their head. Decorative wreaths originated in Ancient Greece, they were used to promote healthy crop harvests, it would be made from the previous years harvest (such as wheat) and would be hung on people's doors in hope for

1222-606: The coming of Christ , with the former being used to mark the beginning of the Christian Church's liturgical year and both serving as décor during Advent and Christmas festivities. While Advent wreaths are erected on stands or placed on tables, Christmas wreaths are often hung on doors or walls. Within Advent, the Church observes Saint Lucy's Day , the memorial of Saint Lucy , who is said to have brought "food and aid to Christians hiding in

1269-552: The Advent wreath. For every Sunday of Advent, starting with the fourth Sunday before Christmas, he would put a white candle in the wreath and for every day in between he would use a red candle. The use of the Advent wreath has since spread from the Lutheran Church to many Christian denominations , and some of these traditions, such as the Catholic Church and Moravian Church , have introduced unique variations to it. All of

1316-492: The Advent wreaths, however, have four candles, and many of them have a white candle in the centre, the Christ candle, which is lit on Christmas Day . Advent and Christmas wreaths are constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus and the circular shape of the wreath represents God, with no beginning and no end. Advent and Christmas wreaths are now a popular symbol in preparation for and to celebrate

1363-533: The Middle Ages, Christian art featured depictions of the Virgin Mary and various saints crowned with wreaths, much as figures from Roman and Greek mythology were depicted wearing wreaths, as well as Roman and Greek rulers and heroes. Wreath customs in Europe have survived over many centuries. The observance of May Day in England includes Maypole festivities, culminating in a race by young unmarried men to climb to

1410-793: The National Monument in Amsterdam . In Russia, it is tradition to lay wreaths at war memorials on Days of Military Honour and commemorative military holidays, such as Defender of the Fatherland Day and Victory Day . One of the more notable laying of wreaths takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow's Alexander Garden , where the President of Russia , the Prime Minister of Russia , members of

1457-558: The Puritans saw wreaths and the holidays they were associated with, such as May Day, as being pagan corrupting influences that destroyed healthy Christian morality. Soldiers confiscated wreaths in Oxford on May Day of 1648. During the Interregnum following the overthrow of Charles I of England , wreaths symbolized Royalist sympathies. In Bath, Somerset , the coronation of Charles II of England

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1504-475: The Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican traditions) bless Corpus Christi wreaths that are made of flowers. Wreaths and bouquets are often "attached to flags and banners, to houses, and to the arches of green boughs that span the streets." In Christian homes, these wreaths are suspended on walls or displayed on doors and in windows. Corpus Christi wreaths are also "put up in gardens, fields, and pastures, with

1551-458: The Victorians. Wreaths are commonly laid at the tombs of soldiers and at memorial cenotaphs during Memorial Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies. Wreaths may also be laid in memory of persons lost at sea, either from an accident or due to navy action. In a memorial service at sea, the wreath is lowered to the water and set adrift. Funeral wreaths were also commonly adorned with a "wreath sash",

1598-637: The architect Nathan Solomon Joseph (1834–1909). In 2017 Historic England listed the cemetery at Grade II on the grounds of: its being the first venture of the United Synagogue; its having associations with many influential families and individuals who are buried there; its overall design by a prominent Jewish architect; "the quality, opulence and variety displayed by the monuments as a group, reflecting both Jewish traditions and English influences"; and its survival – "the Old Cemetery remains intact, whilst

1645-467: The attention of interior designers and homeowners alike. The rise of do-it-yourself crafting and online marketplaces has also contributed to the accessibility of wreath-making materials and designs, allowing individuals to express their creativity and personalize their living spaces with these charming and visually appealing accents. On the eve of the Feast of Corpus Christi , Christian clergy (chiefly those from

1692-649: The cemetery to visitors on 7 September 2020: it has a programme of public outreach events that have included walking tours, an online literary festival ("Life Lines") and an exhibition at Willesden Library . The cemetery, developed on ground purchased from All Souls College, Oxford , was opened in 1873, three years after the United Synagogue was established by Act of Parliament. It was expanded in 1890, in 1906 and between 1925 and 1926. The cemetery and its funerary buildings, in English Gothic style, were designed by

1739-679: The funerals of "young maidens". A young woman of the same age as the one being mourned would lead the funeral procession, carrying a wreath of white flowers to represent the purity of the deceased, and "that eternal crown of glory reserved for her in heaven". By the Victorian era, the symbolism of flowers had grown to become an elaborate language, and the symbolism of funeral wreaths was no exception. Flowers represented life and resurrection. Specific flowers were used in funeral wreaths to represent particular sentiments. Cypress and willow were used for crafting wreath frames, and were associated with mourning by

1786-468: The harvest wreath ( wieniec ) is a central symbol of the Harvest Festival, Dozynki . Wreaths are made of different shapes and sizes, using harvested grain plants, fruit and nuts. The wreath is then brought to a church for a blessing by a priest. The tradition includes a procession to the family home from the church, with a girl or young woman leading the procession and carrying the wreath. The procession

1833-594: The most commonly used symbols to address achievement throughout Greece and Rome. Laurel wreaths were used to crown victorious athletes at the original Olympic Games and are still worn in Italy by university students who just graduated. Other types of plants used to make wreath crowns also had symbolic meaning. For example, oak leaves symbolized wisdom, and were associated with Zeus , who according to Greek mythology made his decisions while resting in an oak grove. The Twelve Tables , dating to 450 BC, refer to funeral wreaths as

1880-493: The neck. The word wreath comes from Middle English wrethe and from Old English writha 'band'. Wreaths were a design used in ancient times in southern Europe . The most well-known are pieces of Etruscan civilization jewelry, made of gold or other precious metals. Symbols from Greek myths often appear in the designs, embossed in precious metal at the ends of the wreath. Ancient Roman writers referred to Etruscan corona sutilis , which were wreaths with their leaves sewn onto

1927-445: The pleasures or needs of the living, such as eating, drinking or smoking, are forbidden in the presence of the dead. Showing proper respect for the dead also requires a prompt burial , the waiver of certain rabbinic restrictions on Shabbat and religious holidays to ensure proper care of the dead, the ritual cleaning ( tahara ) and dressing of the body in shrouds ( tachrichim ) before burial, as well laws concerning proper conduct in

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1974-469: The subsequent evolution of the cemetery is well-documented and legible". The cemetery has 33 Commonwealth service war graves from World War I , six of which form a small group by the Assembly Hall, and 77 from World War II , 22 of them grouped in a war graves plot. These include the grave of Dudley Joel (1904–1941), businessman and Conservative Party politician, who died in World War II. In place of

2021-493: The tomb of Rosalind Franklin , who was a co-discoverer of the structure of DNA. In 2015, the United Synagogue , which owns and manages the cemetery, was awarded a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore some key features of the cemetery and to create a visitor centre, a permanent exhibition and a web-based education project. The cemetery's heritage project, House of Life , officially opened up

2068-569: The top of the Maypole to capture the May Day wreath perched at the top of the pole. The winner of this contest would wear the wreath as his crown, and would be recognized as the May Day King for the rest of the holiday. Plants traditionally used to make Midsummer wreaths and garlands include white lilies, green birch , fennel , St. John's Wort , wormwood , vervain and flax . The flowers used in making

2115-537: Was commonly used was the laurel wreath . The use of this wreath comes from the Greek myth involving Apollo , Zeus' son and the god of life and light, who fell in love with the nymph Daphne . When he pursued her she fled and asked the river god Peneus to help her. Peneus turned her into a laurel tree. From that day, Apollo wore a wreath of laurel on his head. Laurel wreaths became associated with what Apollo embodied; victory, achievement and status and would later become one of

2162-608: Was established in 2015 as a German-based nonprofit. It received the initial grant of 1 million euros from German government in 2015 In November 2018 the EJSF received a European Union grant for a mass survey project of Jewish burial sites using drones. In December 2019 further funding was granted for a new 2019-2021 project "Protecting the Jewish cemeteries of Europe: Continuation of the mapping process, stakeholders’ involvement and awareness raising". Wreath A wreath ( / r iː θ / )

2209-452: Was marked with a procession of 400 maidens in white and green, carrying "gilded crowns, crowns made of flowers, and wreaths made of laurel mixed with tulips", and led by the mayor's wife. Saint Lucy is traditionally depicted in Christian artwork wearing a wreath as a crown, and on the wreath stand lit candles symbolizing the light of the world represented by Christ. Sweden in particular has

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