Symbolika na cmentarzach żydowskich w białostockiem

Abstract

Tombs on Jewish cemetaries are decorated with the ornament of a hexagonal star (shield or star of David), serving first of all as a religious sign. Basic set of inscriptions was written in Hebrew, but also other languages were used: Yiddish, Polish, Russian, German, or even versions with mixed languages appeared. The most frequent motif placed on the tombs is that of a hand. The hand is usually supplied with additional attributes, or performs ritual gestures which symbolize the deceased's public functions or accomplishments. Hence, for example, hands joined in supplication can be found on the tombs of rabbis. A treasurer, or a person involved with charity, would have his tomb decorated with a collection box and, above it, a hand at the moment of throwing in a coin. Among the images of animals the most frequent ones are those representing a lion, a tiger, a bear or a deer - containing allusions to the qualities and merits of the dead, or his name as well. Also images of beasts, griffons and leviathans occur. A number of symbols is made up of images of birds, amcmg which the most popular ones are those of a pigeon, an eagle and a phoenix. The end of earthly existence is symbolized by images of broken trees or dying flame - for men, and broken candles - for women (they were responsible for caring for Sabbath candles). The image of a snake swallowing its own tail or a sand-glass represents the attitude towards continual transition of time, also symbolizing eternity. The tomb ornaments frequently represent motifs drawn from the stories in the Bible.