​Why People Bring Offerings to Cemeteries: Pennies, Alcohol, and Other Tokens of Respect

If you are like me, you enjoy walking through old cemeteries-especially at this time of year. In my book “Grave Spirits” I have several photos of cemeteries that I have visited across the U.S... Currently, my favorite haunt is Hollywood Cemetery here in Richmond, VA. It’s spacious, beautiful and spooky.  However, whenever I go to visit the places of the deceased, I never go empty handed!

Cemeteries have long been places of reverence, reflection, and mystery. Among the headstones, one often finds small offerings—pennies, flowers, and even bottles of alcohol—left by visitors. These offerings may seem simple, but they carry deep significance. Rooted in cultural traditions, spiritual practices, and personal beliefs, these tokens reflect humanity's enduring connection to the deceased and the unseen world. But why do people bring such offerings to the graves of loved ones, historical figures, and even strangers?

My favorite to bring—pennies! Pennies, and sometimes other coins, are commonly found on gravestones, particularly in the U.S. The tradition of leaving coins on graves has its origins in several sources. For military graves, especially those of soldiers who served in wars, pennies can symbolize the act of paying respect to the deceased and acknowledging their service. The type of coin left can vary in meaning:
A penny: indicates that someone simply visited the grave.

A nickel: signifies that the visitor trained with the deceased in boot camp.
A dime: shows that the visitor served with them.
A quarter: means the person was present when the soldier died.

Beyond military symbolism, leaving coins can be a universal act of remembrance and respect. In ancient times, the practice of leaving coins with the dead was linked to the belief in paying Charon, the ferryman who carried souls across the River Styx to the afterlife in Greek mythology. While that belief may have faded, coins today can still represent an offering to the spirit, a connection to the past, or a wish for the deceased's peaceful journey.

Moreover, alcohol, particularly in the form of libations, has been used as an offering to the dead for centuries. Across cultures, the act of pouring alcohol on graves or leaving bottles behind serves multiple purposes. In some traditions, alcohol is thought to nourish the spirit of the deceased, allowing them to partake in a communal act they enjoyed in life. For example:

In Vodou and Afro-Caribbean traditions, rum is commonly offered to spirits as a way to honor ancestors, deities, and the dead and in Mexican culture, during Día de los Muertos, families may leave tequila, mezcal, or other favorite beverages of the departed on altars or gravesites as part of the celebrations. These offerings symbolize the continuation of life and the idea that the spirits can return and enjoy the things they loved. Alcohol offerings can also serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, acknowledging that the dead are not truly gone, but remain a presence in the lives of the living.
 
Likewise, in many cultures, bringing food and flowers to cemeteries is a long-standing tradition. Food offerings, particularly those placed on graves during special occasions, festivals, or anniversaries, serve as a gesture of care. In cultures like the Chinese Qingming Festival or the Hindu Pitru Paksha, food is offered to the spirits of the dead to ensure their well-being in the afterlife and to foster a continuing relationship between the living and the deceased. Flowers, especially in Western traditions, are another popular offering. While their presence beautifies the cemetery, they also serve as a symbol of life, love, and the fleeting nature of existence. Different flowers carry specific meanings—roses for love, lilies for purity, and marigolds for remembrance—connecting emotions and symbols with the act of honoring the dead. Aside from the more widely recognized offerings, people often leave personal items on graves—notes, photographs, toys, or trinkets. These objects represent intimate memories and personal connections to the deceased, allowing loved ones to continue communicating with the dead in a tangible way. Whether it’s a sentimental item or an object tied to the person's identity, these gifts keep the memory of the departed alive and offer comfort to the living.

For those who practice witchcraft, occultism, or other spiritual traditions, leaving offerings at graves may hold deeper ritualistic significance. Graveyards are often seen as liminal spaces where the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin. Practitioners may leave offerings to spirits, deities, or ancestors to request guidance, protection, or favor. Items like alcohol, coins, or specific herbs may be used in these rituals to honor the dead and seek their blessings. In many magical practices, acknowledging and respecting the spirits of the dead is an important part of connecting to ancestral wisdom or ensuring that one's spells or workings are successful.
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In all its forms, the act of bringing offerings to cemeteries is about remembrance, respect, and connection. Whether a coin left on a grave, a libation of alcohol, or a bouquet of flowers, these gestures remind us of the continuity between the living and the dead. They allow us to honor those who have come before us, reflect on the impermanence of life, and affirm that, in some way, the dead are still with us.  
At its core, the practice of offering these tokens speaks to humanity's deep desire to stay connected to the past, even in the face of death. Whether stemming from religious traditions, personal sentiments, or spiritual practices, these offerings are symbols of our enduring relationships with those who have passed on, ensuring that their spirits remain honored and remembered in the world of the living.
 
So---do you have a penny for the dead?