We all have different traditions when it comes to commemorating and paying tribute to our loved ones who have passed away.
In today’s world, honoring the customs of others while commemorating the lives of the departed ought to come as standard practice. Some may choose to follow traditions or practices that the rest of us are not familiar with, but it doesn’t make them any less legitimate.
The same is true with gravestones and the ornamentation certain families choose to place over their loved ones’ last resting places. Coins being placed on headstones is one custom that is widely practiced and that you have probably witnessed at some point. However, why is this even a thing? And from whence did it originate? Continue reading to learn more.
Coins are traditionally placed on gravestones in cemeteries around the United States and other countries. When I was a little child, I first observed it when I was at my grandfather’s tomb, and even then, I started to wonder what it was all about.
Luckily, finding the beginnings online doesn’t need much research. Although it was previously thought that the practice originated with Roman military troops, a number of sources have disproved that theory in recent years.
Still, there’s a military connection to leaving pennies on gravestones. The American Legion Website states on one of its pages that it can be linked to the Vietnam War.
“Leaving a coin was considered a more practical way to communicate that you had visited the soldier’s grave than contacting the soldier’s family, which could devolve into an uncomfortable argument over politics relating to the war, due to the political divide in the country over the war.”
There are other reasons why veterans leave pennies on gravestones in memory of their fallen friends; occasionally, they do so in order to purchase a beer for them. Each coin represents a different meaning, according to reports.
For instance, a nickel is left by someone who served in boot camp with the deceased, whereas a penny just indicates that someone was present.
On the other hand, a dime represents a combined period of military service. Next are quarters, which inform the family of the presence of whoever left the coin at the moment of the loved one’s passing.
Ever notice a penny left on a gravestone? Were you aware of its meaning? Tell us in the comments below.
How Vintage Lipstick Cases Became Collectible Art
AuthorAvokadoReading3 minViews679Published by13.04.2024
Within the realm of vintage cosmetics, the lipstick case is a shining example of sophistication, glitz, and individual flair. Vintage lipstick cases, as works of art in a woman’s handbag, were made to make a statement, in contrast to the disposable packaging of today. These cases were created between the early and middle of the 20th century, and because they captured the style, materials, and workmanship of the era, collectors today prize them highly.
Antique lipstick cases, crafted from a variety of materials such as brass, enamel, semi-precious stones, sterling silver, gold plating, and elaborate etchings, served as a tribute to the artistic sensibilities of their time. They reflected the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s with geometric shapes, simple lines, and opulent metallic decorations. Following World War II, cases were increasingly elaborate, including romantic themes such as flowers and birds, frequently embellished with pearls or colored stones.
These enclosures were technical and functional miracles in addition to being stunning. Many had built-in mirrors for applying lipstick on-the-go, and some even had pockets for powder or little perfume vials, capturing the efficient portability of accessories from that era. Reputable companies like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. produced exquisitely crafted pieces that served as both useful accessories and status symbols, demonstrating the exceptional craftsmanship involved in their creation.
Vintage lipstick cases are nostalgic and provide insight into the lives and fashion preferences of ladies from bygone eras. They serve as a reminder of a bygone era when beauty routines were elaborate and ceremonial, in sharp contrast to the hurried, efficiency-focused approach of today. Many people have developed a passion for collecting these items because of their artistry and beauty as well as the histories and tales they represent.
Particularly for metal cases, maintaining the luster and avoiding corrosion on vintage lipstick cases requires routine polishing and mild cleaning. The excitement of the pursuit adds to the attractiveness of these treasure hunts, which lead fans to estate sales, antique shops, and online auctions. A vintage lipstick case is more than just a container, whether it is kept on a vanity or stashed away in a purse. It is a tiny piece of history and an item that captures the commitment to style and beauty of a bygone era.
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