Annual report of the Board of Commisioners of the Department of Parks for the City of Boston 1883

This is the ninth annual report by the Board of Commissioners of the Department of Parks for the City of Boston, printed in 1883. The seal of the City of Boston is the dominant symbol here. Within it, we find a visual emblem of civic identity, a beacon sitting atop a hill. This specific motif of a beacon can be traced back to ancient lighthouses guiding sailors to safe harbors, symbolizing safety and guidance, and evoking a sense of hope and direction. We also see that the image is surrounded by a garland. The evergreen garland, a symbol of the life cycle, represents perpetuity and commemoration. Throughout the ages, garlands have resurfaced in different guises—from celebratory wreaths in ancient Greece to festive decorations during Roman triumphs. Even in modern times, garlands are often used during seasonal festivals, reaffirming their timeless appeal. These symbols are powerful and engage viewers on a subconscious level. The beacon and garland form a bridge linking our modern world to the ancient past. We see a continuous chain of cultural memory that speaks to our shared human experiences.