January 18, 2022

The Haunted Mansion's Memento Mori

Are you a fan of the Haunted Mansion? Do you wish you could be the Number 1,000 added to the "999 Happy Haunts" who reside there? If so, do I have a place for you! Follow me to the Magic Kingdom for a little insight.

Definitely the most unique gift shop in the Magic Kingdom and perhaps in all of Walt Disney World is Liberty Square's creepy Memento Mori. The atmosphere oozes the netherworld with gifts that help place you in the midst of the afterlife. Creepy or cool? But what did you expect when it is right down the path from the most otherworldly attraction in the park. 

Did the name of the store give it away? Is the little blue shop's name a pun built on the word "memento"? No, but the real meaning is even more interesting... and impactful.

Back in ancient days, the Latin phrase "Memento Mori" was often written on the top of letters and other important documents.  It's definition and common use meant "Think of Death", "Remember Your Death" or "Remember You Will Die". But it was not only an admonition to think about dying. It also meant to think about eternity and also with an emphasis to also consider how you will live your life now.

My heart is to honor and love Jesus now and into eternity, so my focus is on the things that will last beyond my lifetime. My mind is made up, so my life has purpose. 

What is your focus and your purpose?

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

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