The narrow road leading from the village center leads to the beautifully restored and well-kept Reformed cemetery with its “boat-shaped” headstones, which is unique in Europe. With its rows of more than six hundred grave markers carved from robust oak, it offers an uplifting sight.
The origin of the cemetery’s headstone culture has not been clearly clarified by ethnography to this day. There are several explanations for this. The headstones of Csekei are said to be both boat-shaped and human-shaped, and even combining the two shapes, they speak of the symbolism of a human figure lying in a boat. According to tradition, before the Tisza was regulated, floods often surrounded this small elevation. But even then, the body had to be buried, brought in through the water. The deceased could be transported on these boats for their last journey, and it was no longer necessary to take them back, so they remained here as headstones.
The tomb of Ferenc Kölcsey was built on the highest point of the cemetery. This worthy tomb was placed in the cemetery on the 100th anniversary of his death. Designed by Antal Gerendai, the tomb has six round columns, a cornice at the top, and two candelabras at the front. In the middle of the tomb stands an urn with the Kölcsey inscription and coat of arms.
Source: Medieval Churches Path Association