Have you ever figured out why the skull motif was used so much in these cemeteries? I find it depressing so I often wondered if they felt differently about it.

I believe they symbolized death with the possibility of resurrection.
Winged angels got more popular when religious sensibilities moved away from Puritanism and embraced the idea that it was a given that anyone could be "saved" rather than a chosen few.

It's sad that these children died so young... They probably became ill from some preventable illness, stopping them from ever growing older and pursuing a goal, travelling the world or meeting someone special. Sure, they could have perished in some other way down the road, but at least they would've lived a touch longer and had more of a fighting chance. Potential was just completely robbed from them so early on.

It's really something people take for granted; making it past childhood without dying young, and it's especially less likely for us living in the 21st century, rather than the 17th, obviously given our advanced and readily accessible medical treatment and knowledge. Kind of a sobering thought, makes you appreciate what you may not have given much notice or appreciation for.

At least you've now forever immortalized their headstone in the digital realm, even though all we have left of them is a few dates and names.

Anyway, I've prattled on enough about this existential ramble more than I intended to.


Rest in peace.

Coincidental year for the Great Plague of London.