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Guide to Common Headstone Symbols
While headstones can be as unique as the people they’re meant to memorialize, the symbolism that’s been common to gravestones throughout the ages. But often, what a symbol means can be a little difficult to figure out, especially on older headstones. Here are some common headstone symbols and what they mean: Whether you use this guide to help you select symbols for a loved one’s headstone or you’re planning to visit an historical cemetery, you’ll be better prepared to better understand what all the images you see mean. Headstones for Maryland Cemeteries From plain and simple headstones to intricately carved…
How to Find a Gravesite
Visiting gravesites is as much a study in common history as it is getting in touch with your own personal history. Whether you’re looking for a grave in a cemetery nearby or one across the country, you can use the steps below to help you find the site you’re looking for. 1. Gather Information About the Deceased In order to find the right grave, you need to know what you’re looking for. Some information that will be helpful in your search includes: You can find this information in census records, family records, newspapers, and even by calling local records offices…
What Is a Cremation Stone?
If a loved one is cremated, you may have heard of the option of getting a “cremation stone” or “cremation rock.” created. These keepsakes are newer on the market, so you may wonder what they are and why you may consider purchasing one. What Is a Cremation Stone? A cremation stone is, simply, a stone-like construction made of a deceased person’s ashes. They come in a variety of colors and shapes and are similar in texture to ceramic. Up to 100% of a person’s ashes can be used in creating cremation stones. To create a cremation stone, the ash is…
5 Tips for Writing a Eulogy
Whether a close friend or a family member has passed away, you’ve been asked to give them a heartfelt send-off by giving the eulogy. This can be a daunting task for many, especially if you’re not a writer. If this is something you’ve been asked to undertake, here are some tips for writing a eulogy that will memorialize your loved one well. Choose a Tone A eulogy should be heartfelt and sincere, but it doesn’t have to be completely somber. If you’re comfortable with telling a few jokes and funny stories, by all means, tell them. Just be sure to…
3 Tips for Choosing the Right Photo for a Headstone
As technology has evolved, so has what that technology is able to produce. That means that traditional headstones with a name and some dates, maybe an epitaph, have grown into beautiful tributes that can showcase a photo of the dearly departed for all to see. If you’re considering a photo headstone for yourself or someone you love, here’s what you need to know about choosing the right photo for the job: Choose the Correct Photo Type Your first task is to choose what type of photo you want engraved. Most families opt for a headshot-type photo of their loved one,…
How to Plan for Family Plots or Companion Graves
Death is something most people would rather not think about until they have to. However, when it comes to purchasing a burial plot, it’s crucial to plan ahead. This is because burial land is becoming more and more scarce. As most cemeteries reach full capacity, the price of plots is increasing, and if you wait too long, you might not be able to secure the final resting place you’ve always envisioned. Planning ahead is especially crucial for those who are hoping to be buried alongside their loved ones. Companion graves take up more space, so you’ll need to secure these…
4 Tips for Planning a Military Funeral
Planning a funeral is a huge responsibility, especially if the deceased person served in the military. Veterans are eligible for certain honors and benefits as provided by the Veterans Association, or VA. These options allow you to properly honor the life that was lost as well as their sacrifice, service, and dedication to our country. But they can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. Here are our tips for planning a military funeral. Contact the VA to Receive Benefits The VA may help cover some of the costs of the funeral, but it is your…
What Is a Cemetery Vault?
If you are planning to bury a loved one, you may have heard you need to purchase a cemetery vault. But what is a cemetery vault, and is it really necessary? When a person is buried, a casket is typically used to protect their body from the elements. Over time, the surrounding earth can shift, the landscape will be altered by other burials, and the water table naturally fluctuates. This can cause damage to the casket, and eventually, the deceased person. A cemetery vault is a type of sealed container that the casket is placed into. It reinforces the burial space and…
What Is Aquamation?
When a person is planning their end-of-life arrangements, there are a lot of choices to make. One of these choices is what happens to the body. Traditional burials and flame cremations have been the two most common options in our culture for a very long time. But recently, as people have become more conscious of their environmental impact, alternative methods of disposition have become accessible. One of these methods is aquamation, also known as “alkaline hydrolysis,” “green cremation,” and “flameless cremation.” How Does Aquamation Work? Aquamation takes advantage of the natural decomposition process and the dissolving powers of water. This…
6 Steps to Planning a Graveside Burial
When it comes to the ceremony of honoring your deceased loved one, there are a few options available. One way to do this is a graveside burial. This ceremony occurs at the burial site, typically after the casket is already in place, or right before it is to be lowered. A graveside ceremony can also be held for people who are cremated, such as at a mausoleum or other place of interment. Benefits to a Graveside Burial There are many reasons you might choose a graveside burial service. Typically, these services are quicker and less expensive than a full funeral…