Bogdanets Modern Cradle Grave
Location: Area FSK/Lot 31
Date of Placement: 2020
Decedents: Olya Bogdanets
Monument inducted into the Hall in September 2024 (Class #4)
Location: Area FSK/Lot 31
Date of Placement: 2020
Decedents: Olya Bogdanets
Monument inducted into the Hall in September 2024 (Class #4)
Mount Olivet is home to a unique style of cemetery markers referred to as “cradle graves.” These are also known as “bedstead monuments,” and were very popular in the 19th century, around the time of the American Civil War. A cradle, or bedstead, is composed of a headstone, footstone, and cradling. These elements represent the headboard, footboard, and bed rails on a bedframe. In 2016, preservation specialist Ashley Shales of Oakland Cemetery (Atlanta, Georgia) wrote that cradle grave monuments portrayed a particular style that appealed to Victorian-era sentiments for three reasons:
“First, heaven was likened to “returning home,” which was comforting to loved ones left behind because they could hope for a future where they were eternally reunited. A bed is a natural symbol of home. Second, the 19th century witnessed a phenomenon referred to by historians as the “feminization of death.” Public displays of mourning became fashionable, as did more beautiful, peaceful, and pleasant monuments and iconography. The bed is not only a symbol of the home, but of femininity and domesticity. The third — and the most frequently cited — reason for the bedstead’s popularity is that it likens death to sleep, a notion that undoubtedly eased the sorrows of many mourners.”
“First, heaven was likened to “returning home,” which was comforting to loved ones left behind because they could hope for a future where they were eternally reunited. A bed is a natural symbol of home. Second, the 19th century witnessed a phenomenon referred to by historians as the “feminization of death.” Public displays of mourning became fashionable, as did more beautiful, peaceful, and pleasant monuments and iconography. The bed is not only a symbol of the home, but of femininity and domesticity. The third — and the most frequently cited — reason for the bedstead’s popularity is that it likens death to sleep, a notion that undoubtedly eased the sorrows of many mourners.”
Illustration of a classic bedstead
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Historic cradle grave in Mount Olivet's Area B
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Bogdanets marker in Area FSK/Lot 31
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Bedsteads come in several forms and are made from a variety of materials, depending usually on the purchaser’s economic means, available stone, and current fashions. Headstones may be quite elaborate, often featuring iconography such as lambs or lilies, symbolizing purity and innocence. Most bedsteads are made of marble.
Headboard and Footboard
On some cradle graves, the top is designed to resemble the headboard of a bed and the bottom looks like the footboard. Plain or decorative curbing (or molding) can also be used to outline a single grave in the shape of a bed; hence these graves are also known as bed graves. Plantings within the bed framework are said to mimic a quilt or comforter.
Headboard and Footboard
On some cradle graves, the top is designed to resemble the headboard of a bed and the bottom looks like the footboard. Plain or decorative curbing (or molding) can also be used to outline a single grave in the shape of a bed; hence these graves are also known as bed graves. Plantings within the bed framework are said to mimic a quilt or comforter.
A photograph of Olya found on FaceBook
Not much info can be found on the decedent Olya Arkadyevna Bogdanets, a native of Kazakhstan. Olya was born on January 17th, 1959 and died on April 10th, 2018 in the city of Astana in the Almaty district of Kazakhstan. Her son had her remains brought to the United States in September of that year for burial in Mount Olivet. The grave monument was installed in 2020, and includes an illustration of Olya on the upright die.
Map of Kazakhstan showing Olya's home of Astana
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Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan and has a population of 1,423,726
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The Bogdanets monument is at the very rear of Mount Olivet, near the back entrance. On the November day this photo was taken, it was adorned with Autumnal decorations including ceramic pumpkins.
