Choosing Memorial Markers For Cemeteries
Memorial markers for cemeteries serve a couple of different purposes.
One is to identify whose grave one is at.
The other is to tell future generations something about the person buried in the spot's life.
This makes each marker unique, even though many begin with virtually the same design.
Information that is included on grave markers generally includes the name of the deceased, his/her birthdate, and the date of his/her death.
Many people also have a short epithet placed on the marker that tells something more personal about the person.
"Beloved husband and father" and "Gone Home" are common examples.
This can be personalized to whatever extent the family desires.
In addition to the words placed on the markers, different shapes have been used throughout history.
A cross is common in Christian graveyards.
Other Holy symbols may be used in cemeteries that cater to other religions.
Angels are another common sight in grave markers.
Some simply have an obelisk erected over the grave with a variety of artwork or poetry etched into all four sides.
Before choosing the style of marker one wants to have placed at a loved one's grave, it is important to contact the board of trustees responsible for the care and maintenance of the graveyard.
This is because some have special restrictions on the types of markers they will allow.
These can limit markers to certain dimensions and/or shapes.
One common restriction is to only allow flat markers that do not extend above the ground.
This is often done to make it easier for maintenance workers to keep the grass cut and looking good as befits a memorial garden.
One should also look into the different materials that are available and their prices.
Granite is the most common material used in making headstones gravestones.
This is because granite is a very hard rock that will last through many years of all types of weather before it begins to show signs of erosion.
However, there are other types of stone that are almost as hard or harder and might have some special significance to those viewing the grave in the future.
Some materials can be chosen because they help call to mind happy memories associated with the life of the person.
Other markers may be produced with concrete or brick.
These are normally used when one desires a very personalized stone that would be difficult to shape from quarried stone.
One is to identify whose grave one is at.
The other is to tell future generations something about the person buried in the spot's life.
This makes each marker unique, even though many begin with virtually the same design.
Information that is included on grave markers generally includes the name of the deceased, his/her birthdate, and the date of his/her death.
Many people also have a short epithet placed on the marker that tells something more personal about the person.
"Beloved husband and father" and "Gone Home" are common examples.
This can be personalized to whatever extent the family desires.
In addition to the words placed on the markers, different shapes have been used throughout history.
A cross is common in Christian graveyards.
Other Holy symbols may be used in cemeteries that cater to other religions.
Angels are another common sight in grave markers.
Some simply have an obelisk erected over the grave with a variety of artwork or poetry etched into all four sides.
Before choosing the style of marker one wants to have placed at a loved one's grave, it is important to contact the board of trustees responsible for the care and maintenance of the graveyard.
This is because some have special restrictions on the types of markers they will allow.
These can limit markers to certain dimensions and/or shapes.
One common restriction is to only allow flat markers that do not extend above the ground.
This is often done to make it easier for maintenance workers to keep the grass cut and looking good as befits a memorial garden.
One should also look into the different materials that are available and their prices.
Granite is the most common material used in making headstones gravestones.
This is because granite is a very hard rock that will last through many years of all types of weather before it begins to show signs of erosion.
However, there are other types of stone that are almost as hard or harder and might have some special significance to those viewing the grave in the future.
Some materials can be chosen because they help call to mind happy memories associated with the life of the person.
Other markers may be produced with concrete or brick.
These are normally used when one desires a very personalized stone that would be difficult to shape from quarried stone.