Headstones originate from the belief that the dead must be forced to remain from the grave. Originally larges piles of rocks known as tertre were used, they were replaced with one large rock, which was subsequently replaced with the precursors to our present day grave makers.

In keeping language, the terms headstone, tombstone, grave marker together with gravestone are used synonymously. Though this is true today, it has not been always the case. Tombstones and gravestones were different goods. Tombstone and headstone were originally used in the outline of the stone lid for the coffin. The 'gravestone' is the marker that was set on the gravesite as a visible gun. Gravestones were originally made of such things as marble, sandstone and in many cases wood at different times, however all proved to be can not withstand the tests of time.

Memorial Headstones

Memorial headstones have long been the most common way of 'permanently' memorializing individuals regenerating places. Though cremation is becoming more and more popular, headstones are definitely not seeing a reduction in demand. The cremated remains are often hidden just as a body would be, with the headstone marking the exact resting place of the remains. Obviously, cremation leaves might be a much cleaner way to deal with remains, as well as allowing numerous resting places to be provided. Headstones still remain typically the most popular marker.

Varieties of materials for Memorial Headstones

Grave guns were originally created in such mediums as granite as well as marble. For a time wood was used but its deterioration rate ended up being very quick. Sandstone was also used but proved not necessarily worthy of the job. Markers today are generally created from granite, fermeté or a combination of the two.

Sculptures as Markers

In times past, pebble or granite sculptures were often used in order to memorialize the very resting place of a single individual. In recent times, the sculptures get given way to individual markers that resemble plaques. All these markers contain pertinent information about the person resting beneath these people. Sculptures are still in use today, however they are more likely to mark a family group gravesite rather than the resting place of one individual.

Who has Passed That way Before

If you have ever traveled to old western towns in the US for instance Tombstone and visited the graveyards, you will have seen yet another interesting thing about tombstones. They can tell of the prosperous history of a place. Many tombstones tell stories although some just contain names. Much old town history is found struck in the surface of old sandstone, marble and also granite tombstones.