Are you a taphophile?

by Delores Manderelle

Do you ever wonder why some people take an interest in epitaphs, tombstone rubbings, or just spending time in cemeteries? Or are you one of those people yourself? In which case, you may already know you're a taphophile...

Taphophile definition - What is it? What does 'taphophile' mean?

'Taphophile' is the name given to someone who takes an interest in cemeteries, tombstones, or memory of past lives. I consider myself a bit of a taphophile, and I'm in good company: Amanda Norman is a well-known English tapho-photographer. Some say William Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe were taphophiles themselves.

The word 'taphophile', taken from the Greek, means "to love graves." 'Taphophile' is often mixed up with 'necrophile' when they are completely different! Necrophiles are sexually or physically attracted to dead things or people. Taphophiles are interested or sometimes obsessed with cemeteries. Taphonomy is also known as the study of decomposing or decaying things.

Expect a weird look or two when people hear you say the word 'taphophile'. You can explain that it is only natural for people to question such an unusual hobby - but really it just adds to your knowlege and interests! As a self-confessed taphophile I've been asked a lot of odd and interesting questions. There are plenty of ways to explain your tapho heart to others without creeping them out.

Sounds like an interesting hobby. What do taphophiles do?

There are a myriad of ways to indulge your love of cemeteries and the histories of famous deaths.

Taphophiles may enjoy getting to know the cemeteries in their area, or plannig trips further afield to visit cemeteries of note. Any taphophile near London is near-certain to make occasional 'pilgrimages' to Highgate Cemetery. A grade I heritage site, Highgate Cemetery was build in the Victorian era, and their attitude to death and its presentation led to a wealth of gothic tombs, mausoleums and buildings - including the richly landscaped Egyptian Avenue. It became a fashionable place for Victorians to visit, and boasts a number of famous tombs including Karl Marx and the man now known as the 'Highgate Vampire'.

But a cemetery doesn't have to be famous or ancient to excite your interest. A taphophile will be richly absorbed in the landscape and atmosphere of the most humble cemetery, be it old or new.

Taphophiles may explore their love of cemeteries through grave rubbings or the writing of epitaphs - and studying those epitaphs that they find. Taphophiles may well engage in photography, poetry or artwork on subjects revolving around cemeteries.

Why become a taphophile?

There are many reasons why you can spend time in cemeteries. I like to incorporate my rubbings in artwork. Also, I take pleasure the history of it; I have rubbed tombstones from the year 1843. It's wonderfully rewarding to look at your collection and think how much time and dedication you have but into your hard work. Plus you can always add your rubbings to your cabinet of curiosities...

I only spend a small amount of time compared to some taphophiles. I only spend about an hour to three hours in autumn/fall. In summer it's easy to become dehydrated when rubbing or out in the sun, so I usually spend at the most 30 minutes to an hour. I recommend wearing a tee shirt and shorts in the summer. I also should mention not wearing your favourite outfit. Expect to get your knees dirty!

What is an epitaph?

An epitaph is a (normally) short documentation honouring someone who has passed. It's usually found on that person's gravestone. An epitaph can be many things, either created by the passed one or an admirer. Poems, songs, short stories and plays have been written as a dedication. Some people are capable of creating a story of someone just by seeing the epitaph on their gravestone.

Famous epitaphs include:

"Consider, friend, as you pass by: As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, you too shall be. Prepare, therefore, to follow me." (unnamed Scottish tombstone)

"I told you I was ill." (Spike Milligan).

Creating your own epitaphs for the purposes of art and researching others those of others, whether through literature references or by heading to your local cemetery, is a pleasurably thoughtful way for any taphophile to spend their time.

What is grave rubbing?

At some point in your life - perhaps in primary/elementary school - it is almost certain you were taken to a graveyard where you were encouraged to put a piece of paper over a tombstone and trace it with charcoal or a pencil. This is known as tombstone rubbing. Some dedicated tomb rubbers with spend hours touching up their rubbings and making them into art. People also rub tombstones to contribute to their research in Geaneology. It can be fascinating to find the history in the stone that you are rubbing. Be careful not to only take rubbings of famous death stones; you may be called a "Autograph Hunter."

Choosing which kinds of paper / marker to make grave rubbings with can add a beautiful artistic element. You could use black paper, and wax crayone in bronze, silver or gold to create an almost medieval effect. Charcoal on white paper is classic and ethereal.

How to make grave rubbings: A quick guide

• Thoughtless grave rubbings can damage tombstones, so check with the cemetery if grave rubbing is allowed.
• If the tombstone is delicate - either crumbling or wobbly or flaky - you could damage it, so take a photograph instead. Preserve tombstones for the enjoyment of generations to come.
• If you wish, you can clean the tombstone before you tape on your paper to hold it steady (see link for tomb cleaning tips and more)
• Taking your crayon/charcoal, rub from the outside in, or from the top down. Rub lightly at first, then with increasing (but still gentle) pressure.

Taphophile links for the interested

A video of Time Lapse Decomposition

How to make grave rubbings

An old, but useful, Taphophilia links blog

More How to guides, Interesting Hobbies and Arts & Crafts