Cemeteries have long served as places of remembrance, reflection and even ritual — but at some famous gravesites, visitors leave behind far more than flowers, which is a topic Jessica Farren, a public relations specialist at ASD — Answering Service for Directors, explores in this article.
From lipstick kisses on the tomb of Marilyn Monroe to “I Voted” stickers covering the grave of Susan B. Anthony every Election Day, a fascinating tradition has emerged at the resting places of some of history’s most recognizable names.
The article explores seven unusual gravesite tributes from around the world, revealing how the legacies of artists, authors, activists and cultural icons continue to inspire deeply personal acts of remembrance decades — and in some cases centuries — after their deaths.
Among the stories featured:
- Potatoes left at the grave of French scientist Antonie-Augustin Parmentier, who helped popularize the potato as a lifesaving food source.
- Pens and pencils placed on the grave of beloved Dutch children’s author Annie M.G. Schmidt.
- Soup cans stacked atop the grave of pop art pioneer Andy Warhol.
- Peaches, chocolate bars and even onions left in tribute to famed storyteller Roald Dahl.
- The controversial tradition of drawing Xs on the alleged tomb of New Orleans Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
The article also examines how cemeteries balance public fascination and tourism with preservation concerns, particularly when visitor traditions begin to damage historic monuments.
For cemetery and funeral professionals, the piece offers an intriguing look at how memorialization continues to evolve — and how gravesites can become enduring cultural touchstones that connect generations through ritual, symbolism and storytelling.
