The Schönberg (“beautiful hill”) cemetery of Kehlen, Luxemburg, is, like its name says, situated on top of a hill. It has some very remarkable old tomb crosses dating from the 16th century. Some have the form of a Celtic cross, others have solar symbols and wheels. There is even a cross representing a crucified ass. Until recent times, the crosses were reused when a grave was cleared. Nobody knows why. The name Kehlen is said to originate from Callidovilla meaning the villa of Callidus.The history of Kehlen goes back to the Gallo-Roman period (at least). Celtic tombs have been excavated in nearby Nospelt.
The crucified ass brings to mind “The Golden Ass”, a Latin novel by Apuleius (125-180 AD), which can be found here: http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/language/a/goldenassconten.htm.
Hercules, Gallo-Roman stèle at the entrance of the cemetery, at the point where two Roman roads once crossed
The crucified ass
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