Types of Grave Markers

Grave markers are an integral part of a cemetery. Various styles are available, but some are more common than others. Mentioned below are common styles of grave markers.

Headstones: These are usually made of granite, marble, fieldstone or cement, and are placed at the head of the grave.

Footstones: Footstone markers are placed at the foot of the grave.

Lawn Markers: This type of marker is mounted flush with the ground. It is usually a bronze plate bolted onto a stone. Carved marble or granite block is used in this type of arrangement.

Niche Markers: These are small granite, marble or bronze plaques mounted on a wall in mausoleums.

Companion Markers: Companion markers contain the names of two or more people.

Temporary Grave Markers: Before a permanent tombstone is installed, temporary grave markers are used to mark the plot after burial. Traditionally, it consists of a typed or handwritten card containing the name, birth and death date of the deceased.

Grave Markers

What are the common styles of grave markers?

Some common styles of grave markers are:

·         Headstones

·         Footstones

·         Lawn Markers

·         Niche Markers

·         Companion Markers

·         Temporary Grave Markers

What are some popular headstone symbols?

Here are some popular headstone symbols along with their meanings:

Star: A star represents immortality and divine guidance. There are two types of stars used in a headstone: a five-pointed star and a six-pointed star. A five-pointed star symbolizes the star of Bethlehem and a six-pointed star symbolizes the power of God’s creation.

Cross: A cross is a symbol of the departed person’s religious faith. It also signifies resurrection. A cross symbol found in a military cemetery symbolizes trials, victory, and reward.

Angel: The symbol of an angel inscribed on a headstone symbolizes spirituality. An angel is said to guard the tomb, and is thought to be a messenger between God and man.

Poppy flower: A poppy is a popular headstone symbol. It symbolizes death, eternal sleep and peace.

Rose: A rose symbolizes love, hope, and victory. It also stands for purity of soul.

Bird: A bird is regarded as the departed person’s soul.  A bird symbol on a headstone denotes that the departed person’s life and spirit are eternal. A bird also symbolizes peace.

Anchor: The inscription of an anchor on a headstone generally means that the deceased was a lover of the sea or was in the navy. In spiritual terms, it symbolizes hope, steadfastness and eternal life.

Heart: A heart on a headstone means love and devotion for the departed soul. Two hearts engraved on one monument specifically signifies a happy marriage.

Different Headstone Symbols

When it comes to choosing symbols for a headstone, it is important that you know the meaning behind the symbol you are choosing. Many people think that headstone symbols are chosen randomly, but this is not true. Each symbol has a very specific significance in relation to the deceased. Here are some popular headstone symbols along with their meanings:

Star: A star represents immortality and divine guidance. There are two types of stars used in a headstone: a five-pointed star and a six-pointed star. A five-pointed star symbolizes the star of Bethlehem, and a six-pointed star symbolizes the power of God’s creation.

Cross: A cross is a symbol of the departed person’s religious faith. It also signifies resurrection. A cross symbol found in a military cemetery symbolizes trials, victory, and reward.

Angel: The symbol of an angel inscribed on a headstone symbolizes spirituality. An angel is said to guard the tomb, and is thought to be a messenger between God and man.

Poppy flower: A poppy is a popular headstone symbol. It symbolizes death, eternal sleep and peace.

Rose: A rose symbolizes love, hope, and victory. It also stands for purity of soul.

Bird: A bird is regarded as the departed person’s soul. The bird symbol on a headstone denotes that the departed person’s life and spirit are eternal. A bird also symbolizes peace.

Anchor: The inscription of an anchor on a headstone generally means that the deceased was a lover of the sea or was in the navy. In spiritual terms, it symbolizes hope, steadfastness and eternal life.

Heart: A heart on a headstone means love and devotion for the departed soul. Two hearts engraved on one monument specifically signifies a happy marriage.

Book: A book can represent many different things, including the book of life, often represented as the Bible. It may also depict learning, a scholar, a prayer, memory, or someone who worked as a writer, book-seller, or publisher.

Sword: A sword on a headstone stands for protection. A sword is meant to guard the grave from any negative energies. 

Headstone Symbols

I was looking for a headstone for my uncle’s grave when I came to know of the various symbols used on headstones. I have now decided to inscribe a symbol on his headstone. What are some of the commonly used symbols?

There are many types of symbols which can be used on a headstone. However, each symbol has a very specific significance in relation to the deceased. Here are some popular headstone symbols along with their meanings:

Star: A star represents immortality and divine guidance. There are two types of stars used in a headstone: a five-pointed star and a six-pointed star. A five-pointed star symbolizes the star of Bethlehem, and a six-pointed star symbolizes the power of God’s creation.

Cross: A cross is a symbol of the departed person’s religious faith. It also signifies resurrection. A cross symbol found in a military cemetery symbolizes trials, victory, and reward.

Angel: The symbol of an angel inscribed on a headstone symbolizes spirituality. An angel is said to guard the tomb, and is thought to be a messenger between God and man.

Poppy flower: A poppy is a popular headstone symbol. It symbolizes death, eternal sleep and peace.

Rose: A rose symbolizes love, hope, and victory. It also stands for purity of soul.

Bird: A bird is regarded as the departed person’s soul. The bird symbol on a headstone denotes that the departed person’s life and spirit are eternal. A bird also symbolizes peace.

Anchor: The inscription of an anchor on a headstone generally means that the deceased was a lover of the sea or was in the navy. In spiritual terms, it symbolizes hope, steadfastness and eternal life.

Heart: A heart on a headstone means love and devotion for the departed soul. Two hearts engraved on one monument specifically signifies a happy marriage. 

What are the benefits of a mausoleum?

The following are some of its benefits:

·         One of the key benefits of a mausoleum is that it is cleaner and dryer than a traditional underground burial.

·         It is a good option for people who do not want to be cremated, or are apprehensive about being buried underground.

·         A mausoleum reduces the amount of land that is used for a burial..Therefore, it is more ecologically friendly than an underground burial.

·         Unlike traditional graves in a cemetery, people can visit a mausoleum at any time of the year as the crypts are protected from inclement weather.

One of the biggest benefits is that there is an option to purchase a family mausoleum where all the members of the family can be entombed together, making the option of entombment cost-effective.  

Mausoleum: The Benefits

A mausoleum is an external, free-standing building which is constructed as a monument enclosing the burial chamber of a deceased person or people. Here are some of the benefits of constructing a mausoleum:

·             One of the key benefits of a mausoleum is that it is cleaner and dryer than a traditional underground burial.

·             It is a good option for people who do not want to be cremated, or are apprehensive about being buried underground.

·             A mausoleum reduces the amount of land that is used for a burial. Therefore, it is more ecologically friendly than an underground burial.

·             Unlike traditional graves in a cemetery, people can visit a mausoleum at any time of the year as the crypts are protected from inclement weather.

·             Some mausoleums have background music and convenient benches so that visitors can sit and reflect comfortably in a peaceful environment.

·             One of the biggest benefits is that there is an option to purchase a family mausoleum where all the members of the family can be entombed together, making the option of entombment cost-effective.

·             During the winter, and in some rural areas where there is no appropriate equipment, burial may become difficult. There are no such issues in an above-ground mausoleum.

The Benefits of Constructing a Mausoleum

What is a mausoleum and why should I consider constructing a mausoleum on my grandfather’s grave?

A mausoleum is an external free-standing building which is constructed as a monument enclosing the burial chamber of a deceased person or people. Here are some of the benefits of constructing a mausoleum:

·         One of the key benefits of a mausoleum is that it is cleaner and dryer than a traditional underground burial.

·         It is a good option for people who do not want to be cremated, or are apprehensive about being buried underground.

·         A mausoleum reduces the amount of land that is used for a burial. Therefore, it is more ecologically friendly than an underground burial.

·         Unlike traditional graves in a cemetery, people can visit a mausoleum at any time of the year as the crypts are protected from inclement weather.

·         One of the biggest benefits is that there is an option to purchase a family mausoleum where all the members of the family can be entombed together, making the option of entombment cost-effective.

Why is granite widely used for gravestone manufacturing?

Selecting a durable material for a gravestone can play an important role in ensuring its longevity and appeal. Granite is by far the most common and widely used stone because it is affordable, hard, sturdy, and resistant to extreme environmental conditions.

·         It is an affordable, hard and sturdy stone and can withstand extreme temperatures, modern hydrocarbon and acid rain pollution.

·         It is available in a wide range of colors such as black, white, grey, blue, green, magenta, mahogany, etc.

·         It can be etched, polished, and carved to produce beautiful results.

·         A granite gravestone comes in all shapes and sizes to fit any budget.

·         It requires minimum maintenance and, hence, minimal maintenance costs.

·         This stone does not deteriorate easily.

·         A granite gravestone is heavy, and hence cannot be stolen easily.

Why Is Granite Widely Used for Manufacturing Gravestones?

Selecting the right and durable material for a gravestone can play an important role in ensuring its longevity and appeal. A gravestone can be built with different materials like granite, bronze, and marble. However, granite is the most common and widely used stone because it is affordable, hard, sturdy, and resistant to extreme environmental conditions.

Here are some advantages of using granite for gravestone manufacturing:

·         It is an affordable, hard and sturdy stone and can withstand extreme temperatures, modern hydrocarbon and acid rain pollution.

·         It is available in a wide range of colors such as black, white, grey, blue, green, magenta, mahogany, etc.

·         It can be etched, polished, and carved to produce beautiful results.

·         A granite gravestone comes in all shapes and sizes to fit any budget.

·         It requires minimum maintenance and, hence, minimal maintenance costs.

·         This stone does not deteriorate easily.

·         A granite gravestone is heavy, and hence cannot be stolen easily.

Why is Granite Widely Used for Manufacturing Gravestones?

I am looking for the best material to build my grandfather’s gravestone. Which material should I go for?

Selecting the right and durable material for a gravestone can play an important role in ensuring its longevity and appeal. Granite is by far the most common and widely used stone because it is affordable, hard, sturdy, and resistant to extreme environmental conditions.

Here are some advantages of using granite for gravestone manufacturing:

·         It is an affordable, hard and sturdy stone and can withstand extreme temperatures, modern hydrocarbon and acid rain pollution.

·         It is available in a wide range of colors, such as black, white, grey, blue, green, magenta, mahogany, etc.

·         It can be etched, polished, and carved to produce beautiful results.

·         Granite gravestones come in all shapes and sizes to fit any budget.

·         It requires minimum maintenance and, hence, minimal maintenance costs.

·         This stone does not deteriorate easily.

·         A granite gravestone is heavy, and hence cannot be stolen easily.

What are some gravestone decoration ideas?

The following are some gravestone decoration ideas:

Flowers: Flowers are the most popular method for decorating a gravestone. You can either add a wreath, grave blanket, or some other aesthetic floral arrangements on it. The flowers can either be artificial or natural. However, most cemeteries prefer fresh-cut flowers.

Trees: You may plant trees at the gravesite. Ask the cemetery ground keeper about the type of trees that you may plant. You may choose a small tree, shrub, or potted flowering plant and plant it near the grave or on the sides to pay respect to the departed soul. Plants like chrysanthemums, wildflowers, and geraniums are very common as they require less maintenance.

Toys: If the gravestone is that of a young child, you can decorate it with a teddy bear or some other adorable toy.

Flags: During holidays such as Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day, you may notice small flags placed on veterans’ gravestones. You may also use flags on your loved one’s grave at any time of the year.

Seasonal decorations: During Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc., you may put up decorations that reflect the occasion.

Memorabilia: Another gravestone decoration idea worth considering is placing a piece of memorabilia as a reminder of a special event or occasion.

Gravestone Decoration Ideas

Decorating a gravestone is a way of showing respect to the deceased. Many people want to decorate their loved one’s gravestone to make it special and beautiful. Wreaths, flowers, stones, and other decorative objects are some articles that can be used for the purpose. However, when you plan to decorate your loved one’s gravestone, make sure you check the rules of the cemetery so that you do not violate their rules and regulations.

Here are some gravestone decoration ideas for your loved one:

Flowers: Flowers are the most popular method for decorating a gravestone. You can either add a wreath, grave blanket, or some other aesthetic floral arrangements on it. The flowers can either be artificial or natural. However, most cemeteries prefer fresh-cut flowers.

Trees: You may plant trees at the gravesite. Ask the cemetery keeper about the type of trees that you may plant. You may choose a small tree, shrub, or potted flowering plant and plant it near the grave or on the sides to pay respect to the departed soul. Plants like chrysanthemums, wildflowers, and geraniums are very common as they require less maintenance.

Toys: If the gravestone is that of a young child, you can decorate it with a teddy bear or some other adorable toy.

Flags: During holidays such as Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day, you may notice small flags placed on veterans’ gravestones. You may also use flags on your loved one’s grave at any time of the year.

Seasonal decorations: During Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc., you may put up decorations that reflect the occasion.

Memorabilia: Another gravestone decoration idea worth considering is placing a piece of memorabilia as a reminder of a special event or occasion.

Gravestone Decoration Ideas

I want to make my grandmother’s monument special and beautiful. What are some good gravestone decoration ideas?

Decorating a gravestone is a way of showing respect to the deceased. Many people want to decorate their loved one’s gravestone to make it special and beautiful. Here are some ideas:

• Flowers are the most popular method for decorating a gravestone. You can either add a wreath, grave blanket, or some other aesthetic floral arrangements on it.
• You may plant trees at the gravesite. Choose a small tree, shrub, or potted flowering plant and plant it near the grave or on the sides to pay respect to the departed soul.
• The gravestone of a young child can be decorated with a teddy bear or some other adorable toy.
• You may also use flags on your loved one’s grave at any time of the year.
• During Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc., you may put up decorations that reflect the occasion.
• Another gravestone decoration idea worth considering is placing a piece of memorabilia as a reminder of a special event or occasion.

What are some ideas for unique headstone inscriptions?

The following are some unique headstone inscription ideas:

·         Go for an artist-drawn inscription. With the help of an artist, engrave your loved one’s image and the things he/she loved. This will give people a real glimpse of who the person was.

·         Include the own words of your loved one in the headstone. Go through old letters to find something that represents the person's voice.

·         If your loved one had a favorite song, you can engrave a portion of the lyrics on the headstone.

·         You can also honor your loved one with a quote. You can choose meaningful words from the Bible, a favorite movie, an admired politician or author, something the person always said, etc.

·         You can also inscribe your loved one’s headstone with a coded message.

Ideas for Unique Headstone Inscriptions

Inscription on a headstone offers a lasting memorial to your departed loved one. However, it may not be easy to find an appropriate inscription. Depending on the deceased’s personality and sense of humor, you can incorporate one of these ideas:

Go for an artist-drawn inscription

Give your loved one’s headstone a custom look by working with an artist. You can engrave your loved one’s image and the things he/she loved. This will give people a real glimpse of who the person was.

Include the own words of the deceased

Some people write their own epitaphs while they are still alive. However, if your loved one didn't write his/ her own epitaph, you can read through old letters to find something that represents the person's voice. Expressions of love or other personal notes can be a great way to immortalize a loved one.

Include inscriptions based on song lyrics

If your loved one had a favorite song, you can engrave a portion of the lyrics on the headstone. The chorus of the song is always a good choice. Anyone familiar with the song will understand that it was meaningful to your loved one.

Include meaningful words

You can also honor your loved one with a quote. You can choose meaningful words from the Bible, a favorite movie, an admired politician or author, something the person always said, etc.

Go for coded epitaphs

Some people these days choose to inscribe their loved one’s headstones with coded messages. To build a perfect coded epitaph, you should consider one of these ideas:

• Use the first letter of each line of a verse to spell out a word or message.
• Choose a riddle to inscribe on the stone.
• Leave a message about a secret hiding place.
• Offer clues about a family secret.

Ideas for Headstone Inscriptions

I am planning to put some inscriptions on my mother’s cemetery headstone. What are some important inscriptions that I can incorporate?

Inscription on a headstone offers a lasting memorial to your departed loved one. However, it may not be easy to find an appropriate inscription. Depending on the deceased’s personality and sense of humor, you can incorporate one of these ideas:

• Go for an artist-drawn inscription. With the help of an artist, engrave your loved one’s image and the things he/she loved. This will give people a real glimpse of who the person was.
• Include the own words of your loved one in the headstone. Go through old letters to find something that represents the person's voice.
• If your loved one had a favorite song, you can engrave a portion of the lyrics on the headstone.
• You can also honor your loved one with a quote. You can choose meaningful words from the Bible, a favorite movie, an admired politician or author, something the person always said, etc.
• You can also inscribe your loved one’s headstone with a coded message.

What are the different types of cemetery monuments?

The following are the most common types of cemetery monuments:

Slant style monument: A slant- style monument can be used for a grave designed for 1 or 2 burials. A slant style monument is normally low to the ground and can be one to two feet high, with the polished face sloping at about a 45 degree angle.

Single monument: The single monument is a vertical tablet used to identify a single burial plot which in many cases can accommodate up to two interments.

Double monument: A double monument is designed for couples who wish to have adjoining burial sites in order to show their eternal commitment to each another.

Upright monument: This type of monument is most commonly found in older cemeteries, and includes a standing headstone and other tablets. An upright monument consists of two separate pieces: a top piece that stands upright and a base for the top to rest upon on.

Large plot sized monument: A large plot sized monument is usually designed for 6 – 12 burials or even more.

Flush monument: A flush monument lies flush with the ground. It is generally twenty-four inches by twelve inches, but can be larger or smaller depending on a cemetery’s requirements.

Types of Cemetery Monuments

A cemetery monument is a type of structure explicitly created to commemorate a person and pay tribute to his or her life. Many cemeteries have several regulations on what type and size of monument they will allow. The following are some of the most common types of cemetery monuments found in cemeteries today:

Slant style monument: A slant-style monument can be used for a grave designed for 1 or 2 burials. A slant style monument is normally low to the ground and can be one to two feet high, with the polished face sloping at about a 45 degree angle. Many cemeteries have specific rules and regulations about the sizes of slant that can be used.

Single monument: The single monument is a vertical tablet used to identify a single burial plot which in many cases can accommodate up to two interments. It consists of a top stone and base.

Double monument: A double monument is designed for couples who wish to have adjoining burial sites in order to show their eternal commitment to each another.

Upright monument: This type of monument is most commonly found in older cemeteries, and includes a standing headstone and other tablets. An upright monument consists of two separate pieces: a top piece that stands upright and a base for the top to rest upon on. This monument is made of a number of materials, including granite, marble, slate and sandstone.

Large plot sized monument: A large plot sized monument is usually designed for 6 – 12 burials or even more. The layout of the lettering and location of the design play a role in determining how many names will eventually fit on the entire monument.

Flush monument: A flush monument lies flush with the ground. It is generally twenty-four inches by twelve inches, but can be larger or smaller depending on a cemetery’s requirements.

What should you consider while writing an epitaph?

·         Less is more—on a monument or headstone you will be limited to a few lines. It is important to be concise when trying to sum up a person’s life.

·         Choose wisely—the best epitaphs are timeless and not overly sentimental. It is best to choose an epitaph when emotions have settled down, so you can think clearly.

·         Pick a voice—often, someone is speaking in the first person (a relative, a friend; the deceased).

·         Who does it speak to? — Consider whether you want the epitaph to speak directly to someone, maybe a passerby or the loved one him/herself

Choosing an Epitaph

The most difficult time in a person’s life concerns the death of a family member or friend. It may be experienced on numerous occasions during their lifetime but this doesn’t make the loss any easier. However, dealing effectively and positively with grief when a loved one passes away is essential to the recovery process. The most burdensome part of the whole mourning process may be preparing for a funeral service. Once a loved one has been put to rest the final step of the process is choosing a tombstone or grave marker to identify the grave.

The choice of a stone for the grave is also an opportunity to commemorate a loved one with a significant inscription. An epitaph can highlight personality traits or accomplishments in life, and is a meaningful way to give respect to the deceased. Often times people choose to write an epitaph using a piece of prose, a bible verse, or accomplishments. The purpose of an epitaph is to praise the virtues of your deceased loved one.

What to consider while choosing an epitaph

•          Less is more—on a monument or headstone you will be limited to a few lines. It is important to be concise when trying to sum up a person’s life.
•          Choose wisely—the best epitaphs are timeless and not overly sentimental. It is best to choose an epitaph when emotions have settled down, so you can think clearly.
•          Pick a voice—often, someone is speaking in first person (a relative, a friend; the deceased).
•          Who does it speak to—consider whether you want the epitaph to speak directly to someone, maybe a passerby or the loved one him/herself.

Epitaphs allow us to remember our loved ones in a way we never thought possible. A few sentimental words that describe how a person lived his/her life can give us the strength and courage to move on.