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Fig Tree growing out of a tomb in Watford Churchyard
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Fig Tree growing out of a tomb in Watford Churchyard
A Fig Tree growing out of a tomb in Watford Churchyard - the legend runs that a lady buried in the vault from which the tree is growing was an atheist, and that on her death-bed she adhered to the tenet that expressed a wish that a fig tree might grow out of her heart if there were a God.... Local thought today is that the growth of the fig tree is more likely down to the vicars preference for eating figs as he walked to church, spitting the pips out as he went. It is also unlikely that an atheist would have occupied such an impressive tomb, so close to the church! Date: circa 1920s
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Media ID 18975153
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015
Atheism Atheist Belief Cemetery Churchyard Faith Grave Graveyard Growing Legend Outward Railings Tale Tomb Watford Wise Wishes Witch Wives Myth
EDITORS COMMENTS
In the heart of Watford Churchyard, a fig tree defiantly emerges from the ancient tomb, its gnarled branches reaching outward in a testament to the enduring power of nature and the intriguing legends that have shaped this hallowed ground for generations. The tomb, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate railings, stands as a solemn reminder of the past, while the fig tree, with its lush green leaves and ripe fruit, offers a tantalizing glimpse of the present. According to local folklore, the fig tree's origins are rooted in an intriguing tale of faith, belief, and the human capacity for the unexpected. The legend goes that a lady, an atheist by conviction, was once interred in the vault from which the tree now grows. On her deathbed, she reportedly expressed a fervent wish that a fig tree might sprout from her heart if there was indeed a God. The tree's emergence is seen by some as a miraculous fulfillment of her final request, a symbol of the power of belief and the enduring mystery of the human spirit. However, it is also believed that the growth of the fig tree may have more mundane origins. Some locals suggest that the vicar, who frequently walked to church through the churchyard, may have contributed to the tree's growth by spitting out fig pips as he went, inadvertently planting them in the tomb. Regardless of its origins, the fig tree continues to captivate visitors to Watford Churchyard, standing as a reminder of the enduring power of legends, the beauty of nature, and the enduring allure of the unknown. The scene unfolds in the 1920s, a time of change and transformation, with the tree's ancient roots reaching back to a time long past, while its vibrant foliage speaks to the present day. The image, captured in black and white, offers a glimpse into the past, inviting us to ponder the mysteries of faith, belief, and the enduring power of nature.
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