The headstone or grave marker is a universally recognizable symbol. Today they range from a flat marker on the ground with the important details of a person’s time on this Earth to very large, ornate markers that tell a portion of the story of someone’s life. But where does this come from, how did this tradition evolve into what we see today?
Grave markers date back to approximately 3,000 B.C. First coming into view in the Celtic and Roman ages. These monuments were generally quite large and accounted for entire families as organized cemeteries did not yet exist. And, of course, we are all familiar with the iconic monuments of the ancient Egyptians and Mayan cultures that, in some cases, still stand today.
As time went on grave markers and headstones evolved into a fairly common practice. Medieval times brought about the use of iconography on headstones including skulls, angels, and more. If someone couldn’t afford stone; wood, iron, or brass were acceptable substitutes. Later, churches began using cemeteries on church grounds and the Victorian age popularized private cemeteries.
In the modern cemetery we still see hints and flashes of the historic practices laid out above. For instance, the large monument designating an entire family with smaller name plates or headstones gathered around it is still a tradition seen in cemeteries today. We also see monument benches and other markers intended to be an inviting place to sit and spend time with your loved ones who have passed. Today, the options to memorialize yourself or your loved ones is nearly limitless. The right cemetery can even help you pay a timeless homage to a first responder or veteran in very special ways.
Toledo Memorial Park can assist with all of your monuments and markers needs. Reach out to a team member at the Park today.
For more on headstones:
https://www.southwestmonument.com/article/the-evolution-of-headstones-a-brief-history