The reason is most likely algae, lichen, moss, mold, or mildew growth and stains. These growths develop on the surface, making headstones and memorials look dark and dirty. The majority of monuments sit outside and are constantly subjected to moist, humid conditions.
headstone. Headstone - a flat, stab-like stone grave marker placed at the held end of a grave. Headstones may be used alone or in conjunction with footstones.
Headstones humanize the dead with important details such as their name, title, age, key dates, and epitaph etched on them. This helps those passing by recall that it's a person lying beneath these stones no matter how much they get used to seeing the monument.
A headstone, tombstone, or gravestone is a stele or marker, usually stone, that is placed over a grave.
Lots of cemeteries have in-ground grave markers instead of headstones, and when walking through the grass you should ALWAYS be cautious of where you step. If you do accidentally step over someone's burial site, apologize, and leave them a gift if you have one. If there are paths, try to stick to them!
Headstones are upright funeral markers. They are also called "tombstones" and "gravestones." They stand at the head of a plot above where a person is buried.
Foremost, never attempt to clean a gravestone, marker or cemetery memorial that does not “belong to you.” In other words, if the deceased was not a member of your immediate family, you should not attempt any cleaning efforts without the express written consent of the owner/immediate family.
Many people leave stones on a loved one's grave or memorial to mark their visit. The symbol of the stone can bring comfort to family and friends, letting them know their loved one has been visited, grieved and prayed for by others, too.
The reason is most likely algae, lichen, moss, mold, or mildew growth and stains. These growths develop on the surface, making headstones and memorials look dark and dirty. The majority of monuments sit outside and are constantly subjected to moist, humid conditions.
Headstones will be placed at the head of the grave and centered. Headstones will be placed in a straight line with the headstones to the left and right of the grave. The cemetery caretaker will place 3 stakes on each grave where a headstone is to be set.
Grave subsidence refers to the appearance of graves 'sinking'. This is an entirely natural process caused by loosened soil settling into place. Grave subsidence is a process that Council manages and rectifies, and it should not be cause for concern. A grave can take up to 12 months to settle.
With regard to its use on headstones, grave markers, and memorials, the cross most likely symbolizes that the deceased was a Christian, as well as his or her hope of new life in heaven.
The wheat has no religious significance but is a centuries old custom that symbolises the resurrection at judgement time. The family then approaches to place some sand in the grave which symbolises going back to original roots, back to the earth.
The practice of leaving flowers at graves began thousands of years ago when the ancient Greeks would honor fallen warriors. They believed that if the flowers rooted into the ground and grew from the gravesite, it was a sign that the fallen had found peace.
Respect the graves.
Touching monuments or headstones is extremely disrespectful and in some cases, may cause damage. For example, some older memorials might be in disrepair and could fall apart under the slightest touch. Be sure to walk in between the headstones, and don't stand on top of a burial place.
One of the hardest parts of burial is saying goodbye to your loved one for the final time. Throwing dirt on the grave is a visual symbol of this goodbye, and it's a final offering to the loved one. By leading the burial effort with the initial throws of dirt, the family takes a step closer to closure.
Don't sit or lean on the headstones, grave markers, or other memorials. It's not very respectful. If you're planning on being there a long time, bring a little travel chair.
Get permission and follow any rules laid down by the property owners. Cemeteries, temples, ruins, etc., are most likely owned and managed by some entity, whether it is a church, local government, historical society, etc. Be sure they are okay with you visiting and doing photography there. Get a permit if required.
Visitors to the grave may recite supplications and recitations recommended by scholars. Visitors are strongly advised not to step on or over a grave or sit on a grave.
Originating out of a superstition in the early post-Talmudic period, the ritual of washing one's hands after being at the cemetery was done to dispel the evil demons that might have attached themselves there. Another explanation is to cleanse oneself of the ritual impurity of being in contact with the dead in any way.
Many cemeteries prefer flat headstones, as they make landscaping maintenance easier. Also, flat headstones tend to be less prone to damage because they sit flush against the lawn.
A short message referred to as an epitaph is usually added to a headstone along with a person's name, birth date, and death date. Typically, the goal of the epitaph is to leave some words of wisdom, share the most important values of the deceased, or summarize the person's life.
Ancient Jews believed that placing the stone on a grave would keep the soul down in this world. Some people find comfort in this. Another interpretation leaning more toward superstition, suggests the opposite, that the stones can keep evil spirits, demons and golems from getting into the graves.