Tombstones are one of the most common objects associated with Halloween and All Saints Day. But have you ever wondered what kinds of headstones are there? Take a look at this fascinating topic for the season and learn how to take care of your dead relatives’ grave markers.
The types of tombstones
One thing which will surprise you is that there are a lot of different tombstone types. They mainly differ in the way they are positioned on the grave, as well as the kind of text put on them. Here are some of the popular ones you will encounter.
Flat tombstone
As the name implies, this type of headstone lies flat on top of the grave. They can either be flush into the soil or raised two inches off the ground. You have the choice of either granite, marble, or a bronze plate and different colors. Because of their low cost, flat headstones are the most common ones you will find in Philippine cemeteries.
Upright headstone
These feature a vertical tablet that sits on top of a cement or stone base at the head of the grave. Since they have a larger face, you have more room for messages. Aside from a rectangular tablet, you can choose a more stylized marker, such as a cross.
Kerbed tombstone
A kerbed tombstone run the full length of the grave, indicating the actual space where the coffin is buried. It provides the biggest space for personalized messages to the dead. You can also combine it with other grave marker types such as a flat or upright one.
Bevel tombstone
A bevel tombstone is similar to a flat headstone but the back edge is raised slightly higher than the front. The design makes it easier to read the inscription when looking down. Bevel markers are usually used with raised graves.
Cremation memorial
These look similar to upright headstones but have receptacles carved into them where you can set your loved one’s cremated remains. The setup is preferred by some families over closed storage units since they can still see the urns housing their loved one’s ashes.
Choosing a tombstone
Deciding on a tombstone to put on your loved one’s grave can be surprisingly hard. After all, you want that marker to embody your respect and love for that person. There are a few factors to weigh on.
Inscription and images
In most cases, you might want a simple marker with just an inscription about the dead and a message. Avoid the phrase “In loving memory of” as this is already overused. Instead, opt for a different phrase that is a more personal expression. You also want to keep your inscriptions short but impactful to visitors, such as a quote from the person themselves.
When deciding on the type of font to be used, consider one that has a timeless appeal. You would also want to talk to the stonemason for their recommendations. Sometimes, the font you want might not be legible enough when carved, so you should get alternatives.
While most tombstone-making services already carve simple images as part of the marker design, you can also opt for elaborate ones. Some companies offer laser-etching for this. If you want to put photographs on the tombstone, these are attached using ceramics.
Materials and finishes
In the Philippines, marble is the most common material used for headstones. But you can also choose granite, limestone, or even a bronze plate. Choose one that will be durable and will suit the location of the burial site. Note that the material you choose will have an impact on the cost.
As for finishes, you can go for either a semi- or fully-finished marker. Another option is a honed finish, which works well for a marker with three different colors. While the common color is white, most cemeteries don’t follow a strict guideline, so you are free to have your relative’s marker in any hue.
Proper tombstone care
Once the tombstone is installed in your relative’s grave, you have to ensure that it is in good condition. Part of proper tombstone care is keeping it clean often. While the cemetery has its own cleaning service, doing it yourself is another form of showing respect to the dead.
The best way to clean a tombstone is from the bottom. This prevents the acids from molds from dipping down and accumulating at the bottom. Use a soft scrub brush and a plastic scraper to gently nudge of dirt and grime. Also, remember to use only clean water to avoid contaminating the stone with impurities.
Once you have cleaned the headstone, do some touch-up. You can use a fine-tipped marker or paint applied with a small brush to highlight the inscriptions. In case of chips or cracks, fill it with some plaster. If the damage is significant, consider getting a replacement.
Honor your dead relatives with the right tombstone
Choosing the right kind of tombstone can be considered as the best parting gift you can give to a relative that has passed away. The ideas and tips here will help you decide on which ones to get. May you pick the ones that will let you celebrate their memories the best.