Never use harsh chemicals on a gravestone they will cause erosion of the stone. Cleaning gravestones with bleach will break down the stone, this may not be evident straight away but over time damage will begin to show.
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.
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.
A headstone is a lasting tribute to your loved one that can be seen for generations to come, so it's OK to take your time choosing what to write on it. A headstone inscription is usually made up of a top line, the person's name, date of birth and death, and a few short words to pay tribute to them.
The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” rings especially true when picking a memorial photo that captures your loved one's essence. The photo you choose will serve as a visual reminder of your loved one's physical attributes every time someone visits their gravesite.
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.
soul. The finger pointing down does not indicate. damnation; instead, it most commonly represents an. untimely, sudden, or unexpected death.
When seen on a cemetery headstone or gravemarker, two clasped hands on the same level with matching cuffs typically represent: A farewell/goodbye to earthly life. The continuity/unity of life and death as a human condition. A greeting/welcome to eternal life.
HANDS PRAYING - Represents Devotion to God. Praying hands symbolize obedience, submission, sincerity, repentance, veneration and respect in regard to one's higher power.
Spiritual teachers and biblical references suggest that our beloved departed ones may know when we visit their grave, and people may feel a sense of being watched or comforted when they visit a loved one's grave.
Other visitors may want to be alone. - Don't touch any monuments or gravestones. They are very meaningful to the families who placed them there. Some older memorials might be in disrepair and might fall apart under the slightest touch.
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.
Since gravestone rubbing, even if done properly, can cause some damage to the monument, it is a controversial practice. However, it has not been termed illegal as of yet. Nevertheless, it is best to contact the cemetery to make sure that it is allowed and is within the policies of the area.
Black crusts can be deposited on sandstone gravestones. These result from the deposition of particulate matter such as soot, but can also form by the reaction of sulfur dioxide and calcium carbonate that may be present.
Natural stone, such as marble and granite, can be cleaned with chlorine or a special product. Never use vinegar to clean a granite or marble headstone. Or a gravestone of any other type of natural stone. Be careful with bicarbonate of soda too.
Butterfly A butterfly symbol may represent rebirth, resurrection, or the natural cycle between birth and death. It may represent the soul and may be found on children's headstones. Also: The soul. It is symbolic of the resurrection of Christ.
The second type of decorative motif used on Boston's seventeenth-century gravemarkers was the "death's head." A death's head, often with wings or crossed bones, or both, was a stylized skull. Some have speculated that winged skulls were intended to symbolize a combination of physical death and spiritual regeneration.
If you've ever wondered whether this is an unhealthy coping mechanism, experts argue it is a completely valid and healthy way to cope with loss. “Speaking out loud to a loved one who has passed — whether at a grave site or out loud at home — is helpful for many people processing grief,” Dr.
Sitting on a grave stone may be considered disrespectful by some people, as it is a place where a person is buried and may be considered sacred. It is best to show respect and avoid sitting or climbing on grave stones.
Star: In headstone inscriptions, stars represent divine guidance. There are usually two different kinds of stars that you might see on headstones. A five pointed star represents the Star of Bethlehem. A six pointed star stands for the power of God's creation.
It represents the crucifixion and/or resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some Christian religions do not use the Latin cross or any cross at all, even though they believe in Jesus Christ.
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.
Grave blankets are customary headstone coverings that are typically used during winter months and holidays. The cemetery arrangements cover a portion or most of the plot and are highlighted with a series of holiday-themed ribbons or flowers.
You can place flowers on the ground by the headstone or in front of it. You can also place a fresh bouquet on top of the headstone. You can lay a wreath or cross on the ground near or against the headstone. Most cemeteries allow plastic vases that are secured with a self-stake into the ground by the headstone.