People all over the world have all kinds of ways of celebrating and memorializing those who have passed on. Depending on the culture, there are all kinds of ways to honor the dead, but all are equally moving and beautiful in their emotion.
Most of us are used to seeing cemeteries, where many people inter their dead. These plots of land are filled with stone markers engraved with names, dates, and even symbolic images meant to convey a variety of ideas about death, mourning, and memory.
Whether you think they're peaceful or creepy, these are probably what you picture when you imagine memorials and burials.
But in Florida's Key Biscayne, some creative designers have taken the idea of a traditional cemetery and given it a little twist. In fact, the twist is not exactly in Key Biscayne, but rather, right off it.
The Neptune Memorial Reef is a memorial located completely underwater. It has all the plaques, sculptures, and memorials of a traditional cemetery, but all completely submerged.
It's also not technically a "cemetery." Technically, it's a mausoleum because it houses cremated remains rather than bodies.
Check out this mysterious, beautiful place in the photos below.
What do you think about an underwater memorial? Do you think it's a good, space-saving idea, or do you prefer to visit memorials without the scuba gear?
Let us know in the comments!
[H/T: Only In Your State]
The Neptune Memorial Reef is a mausoleum located under the sea off the coast of Florida's Key Biscayne.
Inside these art nouveau-style gates, lie the cremated remains of many people, as well as a diverse array of marine life.
The reef was built using the mythical sunken city of Atlantis as its inspiration, which is why you'll see many columns and Greek-style classical structures, and why it has an ancient feeling.
But the structures weren't just chosen for their looks. They were also chosen to be the most attractive real estate for seaweeds and corals.
It's anything but primitive, though. Instead, it was carefully engineered and designed to not only look beautiful, but also to withstand Florida's strong late-summer hurricanes and to be completely environmentally safe.
And of course, to provide a beautiful final resting place for so many people's friends and loved ones.
Neptune Reef is part of the Green Burial Council, which works to provide more sustainable, ecologically friendly alternatives to traditional burials, like the biodegradable Capsula Mundi that offers a green burial option on land.
Individuals can get memorial stones and plaques like these, many of which are marine-themed like this little starfish.
Other options include sea turtles and shells, while other people prefer something a little more natural and simply have their plaques affixed to stones.
The creators of Neptune also see this place as a continuation of life, too.
Because it's been built as an artificial reef, it encourages all kinds of plants and animals to make homes here.
It's also an important way to support our oceans' biodiversity, especially with reefs around the world facing threats from pollution and climate change.
And it seems to be working.
Neptune Memorial is full of all kinds of beautiful wildlife, who use the space as a place to live, eat, and raise their babies. Most recently, 56 different species of fish alone were spotted here.
Here, you can see coral and seaweed growing on an arch piece, and some bright French anglerfish checking things out.
The mausoleum also has a resident green moray eel who "guards" the gates and keeps an eye on things.
It's really beautiful to see all this life flourishing in a place of remembrance.
Other residents include American stingrays, named Desi and Lucy, and a sea turtle named Crush. Word is still out on this guy's name.
And it's not just animals who love swimming through Neptune Memorial's columns.
Human divers are also welcome to check out this thriving reef, whether for research, for fun, or to visit loved ones. Naturally, all divers are expected to be gentle and respectful.
Some people even use the haunting, mysterious, and beautiful place as a backdrop for some stunning artistic photography.
It's really a great way to memorialize someone — in a place that inspires exploration, discovery, research, and creativity.
When it's time to inter someone, the family gathers to pay their respects on the shore before the memorial is brought into the water by divers and placed.
Sometimes, if they can, the friends and family even go underwater, too, but not always.
This is truly a unique way to memorialize someone and a wonderful way to provide a haven for all the amazing creatures that call the sea their home.
Let us know what you think of it, and SHARE with anyone who likes to do things a little differently!
