Every December, advertisements for “grave blankets” appear. But what are these and where do they originate?
In the quaint town of North Arlington, New Jersey, amidst the hustle of holiday preparations, a unique tradition blooms — the crafting of grave blankets. These are not your typical quilts but rather arrangements of evergreen cuttings fashioned to cloak the graves of loved ones during the festive season. The tradition, deeply rooted in Scandinavian customs, serves as a token of respect and remembrance.
Joe DiDonna, a craftsman at Charlie’s Nursery in North Arlington, confides that people often mistake these grave blankets for bed covers. Each holiday season, his family-owned business produces nearly 4,000 of these somber yet heartfelt creations. “People think it’s like a bed blanket,” Joe says, explaining the meticulous process that goes into each piece. Evergreen boughs such as balsam and white pine are arranged, adorned with velvet bows, pinecones, or even colored balls, reflecting the preferences of those remembered.
The origin of grave blankets is largely attributed to Swedish and Norwegian settlers who adapted to America’s frigid winters by bringing this tradition with them. It’s a nod to their homeland’s severe cold, where such practices are still prevalent, especially in Midwestern regions like Minnesota and North Dakota, home to large Scandinavian communities. However, their beauty and sentimentality have allowed them to gain popularity in other areas, including New Jersey.
The day after Thanksgiving, often marked as the unofficial start of the grave blanket season, sees clients from various states reaching out for these bespoke creations. Some customers hail from as far as Hawaii, where demand surpasses local supply or quality. DiDonna shares that after the COVID-19 pandemic, their method became more efficient due to heightened demand. The pandemic year saw an unfortunate spike in need for these blankets as many sought to honor departed loved ones.
Each grave blanket is handcrafted, utilizing a Styrofoam base to which evergreen branches and embellishments are attached. The work is intensely personal, as Joe articulates. Requests often come with emotional stories — a child’s grave, a lost Marine, or a cherished family member — each blanket serving as a small therapy session for the grieving.
Vinnie Catanese, Joe’s uncle, places one each year for his wife at Holy Cross Cemetery. To him, and many like him, this practice is deeply personal. He recalls youthful memories of laying blankets with his father, feeling a sense of warmth and connection. Now, each placement for his late wife, Carol-Ann, is a ritual of love and remembrance, filled with memories of joy and shared moments long past.
Where flowers might wither in winter’s grip, evergreen grave blankets persist, staked against the wind until mid-January as per cemetery regulations. They stand as solemn reminders during the otherwise barren months, symbolizing that despite the chill, the memories and connections live on. Joe notes, “It looks like somebody cares,” as the green of the blankets helps to bring life to the dormant surroundings.
Grave blankets, with their roots in ancient traditions, continue to serve as symbols of love and remembrance. They stand as gentle reminders that even in the cold grip of winter, warmth and memory endure.
Source: Yahoo
