Why are they considered appropriate?

THE several ongoing controversies over the decoration of graves around here is a very peculiar thing, and I would like to hear a genuine and anger-free explanation as to why toys, trinkets, and wind-chimes are considered appropriate, as distinct from being something to do with someone's superstitious beliefs rather than traditional religious behaviour or local custom.I don't think there were any photographs on graves here until the death of a Chinese gentleman 36 years ago and the subsequent usage by Greek and Italian families afterwards. Photographs in Weston cemetery are not offensive to anyone I know of.What is a problem is the new idea of spreading toys and trinkets on a child's grave, a habit that comes straight from the voodoo graves in Haiti. This could degenerate into a competition for most expensive trinket and act as a magnet for thieves. There are those who could not afford to do this and how do they feel?Sticking wind chimes on trees comes from places like Tibet where they frighten away evil spirits, so what are they for in a civilised society? The major problem here is that there is not a national guideline for limits of behaviour and the decisions are left to local and ecclesiastical authorities, thereby creating conflicting decisions in a small area. I would suggest however that nothing should ever be placed in a graveyard that could upset or offend other users. Death is supposed to be the great leveller and not a way of doing away with respect.BRIAN AUSTIN - Alma Street, Weston