Joie de Vivre Magazine: graves

Leaving rocks or stones after visiting someone's grave is a Jewish custom.

“... Unique to Jewish tradition, however, is the custom of placing pebbles, stones, and small rocks on Jewish graves. … the origin of mourners leaving pebbles, stones or rocks at the site of Jewish graves is unfortunately lost to time. Many theories exist, however, ...”

The referenced article discusses eight (8) theories. As a student of the Bible, before reading this article, I immediately thought about Theory No. 3: God commanded Joshua to create a memorial in Jordan comprising 12 stones that would represent the "children of Israel for ever." Check out the article to read the other seven (7) theories. It's very interesting.

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Related Post:
Do You Dare Go Dowsing for Graves?

Gravestones are fascinating historical markers. But not all graves are marked. The history of those buried is lost. Or not!

“Some people use the term “dowsing” while others use “divining” or “witching”. All three terms mean the same thing.” Some say dowsing is pseudoscience and does not work. Nevertheless people earnestly dowse for graves in certain areas where bodies are believed to be, but the burial spot or final resting place has become lost because they are unmarked. Volunteers for history societies often dowse for graves; and there are others who have their reasons.