We all have things that we hold close to our hearts, but a tradition from ancient times of being buried with possessions still lives on for some people. Burying a loved one with a keepsake is more popular than you may think, and burial gifts accompany many to the grave. Some famous people have expressed unique wishes regarding items they want to be buried with, and we have compiled a list of them. So, put the kettle on and your feet up and learn some interesting facts!
John F Kennedy – A Whale’s Tooth
President Kennedy used to collect scrimshaw, which are ornamental whalebone or walrus ivory pieces. His wife commissioned an artist to engrave President Kennedy’s seal on a Bull Whale’s tooth for a Christmas gift in 1965, and he was buried with it.
Humphrey Bogart – A Whistle
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall started their famous Hollywood love story on the set of the 1944 classic, To Have and Have Not. He gave her a whistle bracelet charm before they wed, which he took to the grave.
Harry Houdini – Letters from the Heart
When Harry Houdini’s mother, Cecilia, passed away, he was truly grief-stricken. She wrote
him letters as he toured the world, and he requested that these letters form a pillow for him in his coffin. This wish was granted in 1926 when he was buried in Machpelah Cemetery in New York City.
Frank Sinatra – Whiskey and Cigarettes
Frank Sinatra famously sipped Jack Daniels whiskey on stage for more than 50 years. He had it with three to four rocks, two fingers and a splash. He died in 1998 at the age of 82 and was buried with a flask of Jack Daniels, some cigarettes with a lighter and a roll of dimes. His grave is at Desert Memorial Park, with the words, ‘The Best Is Yet to Come’ engraved.
Roald Dahl – Pencils and Chocolate
Roald Dahl is buried at Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, with a collection of comforts at his request. These include his snooker cues, his pencils and some chocolate.
Leonard Bernstein – A copy of Alice in Wonderland
Leonard Baernstien, the conductor and composer of West Side Story, died in 1990 and was buried with a selection of precious memories. One of which was a copy of Alice in Wonderland. It is said that he never travelled without it. Other things buried with him included his conductor’s baton, a piece of amber and a lucky penny.
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