People use the terms interchangeably, but there is a difference between grave markers and headstones. In general, grave markers lie flat on the ground while headstones rise above the grave in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Neither flat markers nor raised stones are “better.” Both have their places.
Today, the word headstone is used to describe an upright stone situated at the head of a burial plot. A headstone contains information engraved, embossed, or etched onto the stone material, such as the name of the deceased person, and birth and death dates.
Cenotaph - a grave where the body is not present; a memorial erected as over a grave, but at a place where the body has not been interred. A cenotaph may look exactly like any other grave in terms of marker and inscription.
In early religions, these piles of rocks and wood were placed upon gravesites as a means to "keep the dead from rising." However, the term "headstone" arose from a Jewish tradition whereby visitors showed a mark of respect by laying a stone at the head of a grave.
So, to sum up, historically, a “tombstone” was the stone placed on top of a stone coffin. A “gravestone” was a stone slab covering a grave. “Headstones” were generally markers denoting a grave. Today, though, all of these terms indicate a marker placed at the head of a grave.
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.
People use the terms interchangeably, but there is a difference between grave markers and headstones. In general, grave markers lie flat on the ground while headstones rise above the grave in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Neither flat markers nor raised stones are “better.” Both have their places.
Therefore, graves were always dug six feet deep to prevent body snatchers from gaining access to the buried remains. Another issue that people were worried about was animals digging up graves. An ancient practice of burying dead people six feet underground may have helped mask the odor of decay from predators.
One of the earliest gravestone symbols is the death's head, or winged skull. These symbols reflect the strict orthodox Puritan values which were in practice from the 1620's to the early 1700's. The winged skull symbol pertains to life and death, and suggests the briefness of life and the power of death.
If the coffin is sealed in a very wet, heavy clay ground, the body tends to last longer because the air is not getting to the deceased. If the ground is light, dry soil, decomposition is quicker. Generally speaking, a body takes 10 or 15 years to decompose to a skeleton.
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.
In Catholic Liturgy, the catafalque is either an empty casket or a wooden form made to look like a casket that is covered by the black pall and surrounded by six unbleached (orange) candles (when they are available); it is a symbolic representation of the deceased or a monument erected to represent the faithful ...
It is recommended that vertical headstones should be placed no sooner than 6 months after the burial. This time will allow the rain, gravity, and other elements to compact the soil. Some cemeteries may require a full year to pass, while others might only recommend 6 to 8 weeks.
Flowers are beautiful, vibrant, and add color and life to any cemetery plot. If you've chosen a flat grave marker, many of those come with a built-in vase to place flowers in that does not add unsecured décor to the cemetery. Many cemeteries may also let you place a small plant on the grave as an alternative.
If you want to place a memorial you must own the Exclusive Right of Burial for the grave, or have the permission of the owner of the right.
On earth our dear ones do live on through those of us to whom they were so very precious. We now fondly dedicate this monument (plaque) to the blessed memory of (name) realizing that his (her) remains lie not only in this plot of ground but in every heart his (her) life did touch.
O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, bless this grave, and send your holy angel to watch over it. Lord, comfort those who mourn and sustain them with the hope of eternal life.
If you are intending on making a homemade tombstone from scratch for a gravesite at a cemetery, it's very important that you call or contact the cemetery beforehand. Every cemetery has their own set of headstone rules and restrictions, so you'll want to make sure they'll accept a homemade headstone on the grave itself.
Respect the graves.
People often leave tributes to remember their loved ones, and the cemetery staff has been instructed not to remove anything. Is it disrespectful to walk on graves? Yes, it is disrespectful. Always walk between the headstones and avoid standing on top of a gravesite.
If the grave site is low on water content or moisture, metal caskets are known to last even longer, over five decades. Under favorable weather conditions, experts say that metal caskets may even last more than that – up to 80 years.
The body takes between ten to fifteen years to decay to a point where you may just find bones, teeth and hair remaining in the casket. There may also be some excess tissue and clothing fibers that withstood the ten years of decay.
To Symbolize Their Visit
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.
For this reason, granite is the most durable headstone material. But despite its natural strength, not all granite is the same in terms of reliability. Grade is the term used to signify granite quality, and it reflects: Durability.
If you want a gravestone that will last for generations, bronze is the way to go. It's so durable that civilizations have fashioned tools from the copper alloy for thousands of years.