Historical Trends In The Use Of Tombstone.

It is quite common for the people to use the terms ‘tombstones’ or ‘gravestone’ interchangeably. Well, in very simple terms and in common parlance, these are used to refer to the stone that are laid on the grave. But, looking more specifically, there is a definite difference between these two terms which is derived from the traditional usage. The term ‘tombstone’ was used to refer to the lid of the coffin which was made of stone. Whereas the ‘gravestone’ was laid over the grave. A ‘grave marker’ is any such thing which can mark a grave. Besides, there was also a custom to put a footstone at the foot side of the grave. This practice is not followed any longer. Today, in place of the footstones, people place the headstones towards the head-side.

It is interesting to note the changes in the shapes, materials used in making and themes of the carvings on the gravestones. These were earlier laid on the grave but slowly, these began to be placed in the vertical form. The size of the grave monument was representative of the social standing of the deceased. The higher the status, the bigger were the monuments. The tombstone and the grave monument used to be marked with different types of markers to carve out different types of designs.

The eighteenth century graves are commonly found to have the carvings symbolising the death. These bore the symbols of how the person had died. These reminded a person about the death and its inevitability, ostensibly to tell them to do good deeds. Skulls, variously carved out, were a common feature. In the nineteenth century, the skulls gave way to the angels and crosses. These symbols signified a strong belief in the existence of life after the death.

Grave markers are of different types. Some are affordable markers which are made from inexpensive materials. The more durable and long lasting the marker, the more is the price. Some types of tombstone monuments markers are:

1. Wood markers: If it were not for the problem of decomposition of wood, these would have been the most affordable markers of all.

2. Iron markers: Iron is yet another material used for the making of grave monuments. The ones made from the wrought iron are more prone to rust and damage than the ones made of cast iron.

3. Limestone: Limestone lends itself to easy carvings since it is soft. At the same time, it must be said that this gets dissolved in the slightly acidic rain water, making it rather a poor choice as a grave monuments marker.

4. White Bronze: These sand cast zinc headstones are considered to be more long lasting and affordable markers than the marble.

5. Granite: This is quite an expensive proposition as a grave marker. It is hard and, therefore, difficult to carve out. Sandblasting of a rubber stencil on the surface of the marble is used to inscribe the names and dates.

People who need the tombstone for their deceased must negotiate to get a good deal since the traders make use of the sad moment to their advantage by not negotiating.

By: Jermarmonuments

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This article is written by Jermarmonuments which deals in tombstone, headstones, www.jermarmonuments.com/grave-design-marker-memorials-headstone-monuments-company.php">Grave monuments .