When I was young I saw some pictures of some deceased relatives (from the 19th century). At the time I thought that taking and having formal photographs of dead people to be about as strange as strange could be… I guess that this proves, in a left-handed manner, that I am truly a baby boomer. We currently live in a society, which is still obsessed with youth and mortality.
A Memento Mori is an idea which the Romans had; it came through the middle ages unscathed, and not has fallen into disrepute (unless you are a Goth…). It means to remember your mortality, or more pointedly, remember that you too, will die.
To most readers, this idea may seem rather disquieting. If you have grown up in a world where all of your focus is upon youth, and the pre-adult pleasures of life (i.e. no responsibilities, not seeing the big picture, and not seeing consequences of actions) this idea would certainly seem alien.
The 19th century Victorians used the latest technology (photography) with which to create modern implementations of Memento Mori…i.e. the aforementioned photos of the dead.
Another broader and perhaps less pointed version could be seen in the classic adage, “this too, shall pass.”
Memento Mori
http://www.romeartlover.it/Mememori.html
