English: The "Merry Cemetery," Sapanta, Romania. June 2007. "Sapanta's Merry Cemetery was the creation of Ioan Stan Patras, a simple wood sculptor who, in 1935, started carving crosses to mark graves in the old church cemetery. He painted each cross in blue -- the traditional colour of hope and freedom -- and on top of each he inscribed a witty epitaph to the deceased. ... Every cross tells a different story, and the painted pictures and inscriptions illustrate a wealth of traditional occupations: Shepherds tend their sheep, mothers cook for their families, barbers cut hair, and weavers bend over looms. ... Shown in art exhibitions across Europe, the crosses attract busloads of visitors who marvel at the gentle humour and human warmth that created them." (Lonely Planet)