Headstones traditionally go at the head (top) of the grave, marking where the person's head is located, with the body usually buried facing East (feet towards the East) so they face the rising sun/Second Coming. While usually at the head, some cemeteries or specific circumstances (like second interments or unique cemetery layouts) might place markers at the feet, sometimes as smaller "footstones," or even place the main marker at the foot.
A headstone is typically placed at the head of a grave–it can be inscribed with the name of the person who died, other important information, and even a special message from the family. At Monuments of Victoria, we recommend placing the stone at the head of the grace so that the person who has died can face East.
Lots of old graves are placed with the front facing to the west. But this doesn't always mean that the buried body is facing to the west, too. Even with a west-facing tombstone, the deceased can still face to the east. This was actually common practice a long time ago.
You should never touch coins—or anything else—left on a gravestone because every token has a personal meaning. These items are not simply left behind by accident—they're meaningful symbols for grieving families.
There are many common issues with headstones of all designs. Improper installation, lack of adequate cleaning, no maintenance, waiting too long to repair, selection of the wrong material, incorrect spelling or fonts, cracks or scratches, and other related problems.
Here's what they generally signify: 1. Penny: A penny left on a gravestone signifies that someone visited to pay their respects. 2. Nickel: A nickel indicates that the visitor and the deceased trained together in boot camp or basic training.
Over time, the use of headstones has evolved with cultural and religious beliefs shaping their significance. While Christian and Jewish traditions have long associated headstones with burial, other cultures, such as Muslim, embrace a more humble approach without the use of headstones.
First and foremost, profanity or derogatory language should never be engraved on a headstone. This includes any words or phrases that may be considered offensive, vulgar or disrespectful. Using such language not only dishonours the memory of the deceased but can also offend other visitors to the gravesite.
A dime means you and the deceased veteran served together in some capacity. A quarter is very significant because it means that you were there when that veteran died. The tradition of leaving coins on the headstones of military men and women can be traced to as far back as the Roman Empire.
Hands. Hands are found on many older gravestones in many different positions. A hand with the finger pointing down symbolizes God's hand reaching down for the soul, and may signify a sudden death. A hand with the finger pointing up indicates the soul of the departed going to Heaven.
Cremation turns the body of someone who has died into ashes. This is only done after a person has died, so they do not see or feel anything.
No, eyes are not removed during the embalming process. Instead, the eyes are typically closed and often small caps that fit over the eyeball are used beneath the eyelids to maintain the natural curvature and appearance of the eyes as the body dehydrates.
If a medical device / implant has any kind of battery, radiation, pressurisation or silicone in its manufacture, it must be removed before a cremation can take place. Otherwise, the cremator(s) could suffer serious damage.
Headstones placed at the feet help maintain clean sightlines and consistent spacing across burial rows. This design reflects a shift toward cemeteries as serene, park-like environments rather than crowded graveyards. Uniform placement also simplifies future planning.
One particular aspect refers to the position you're buried relates to one of the spouse. Typically, the husband is buried on the left, whereas the wife should be on the right, as you're standing at their feet.
Walk in between headstones, and don't stand on top of a burial place. Follow cemetery rules. Most cemeteries will have a sign near their entrance stating their hours and directions about decorations and behavior.
Symbol of Remembrance and Visitation
The simple act of leaving stones on graves signifies that someone has visited the grave, paying respects to the departed. This tradition is particularly meaningful in cultures where the visitation of graves is a common practice.
Pennies simply signify a visit to the grave. A nickel indicates shared boot camp experience. A dime suggests service together in some capacity. A quarter communicates that the visitor was present when the deceased was killed.
The coins are to honor the deceased and to let the family know someone had visited the graveyard . If you see a penny signifies a visitor , a nickel indicates they was at boot camp together , a dime suggests they served together , a quarter means the visitor was present at time of death .
However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds. In terms of accessories, a white shirt is the most common item of clothing to wear under a suit, while jewelry should be kept to a minimum and not too flashy.
Some cultural beliefs suggest that going home directly after a funeral might bring bad luck or offend the spirit of the deceased. Therefore, many people choose to gather in a different location as part of their mourning traditions and post-funeral practices.
10 Facts Funeral Directors Don't Want You to Know
The body no matter where it goes when you die whether it's cremated or in a grave, it don't go to heaven with you, your spirit does. But when Jesus comes back we will have have resurrected bodies, so no that doesn't send you to hell.
Cenotaph. A memorial or headstone placed on a grave where the physical body is not present. Historically, cenotaphs have been used to memorialize or to commemorate the deaths of those lost in war, or are at rest in another part of the world. TOP.
As Alicia Hoyt reports: "Historically, financial limitations and social status were factors in whether a person (even a famous one) was awarded a big fancy marker. Mass, unmarked graves were also common in times of widespread disease or war; plus older markers simply deteriorated over time or were stolen.