The burial headstones in Walterboro, SC that we see today have their origins in centuries-old traditions. Our current practices for marking graves are quite different than the methods of the past. Tracing this history and the changes that occurred reveals how we arrived at today’s granite headstones.
From Tombs to Headstones
The earliest grave markers were monuments set up to remember the dead. These tombs were made of large stones. They were typically located near the family home rather than in a cemetery. These family monuments were often used to bury several generations of the family. These structures looked a lot different than the burial headstones in Walterboro, SC we see today.
The Original Gravestone
You might wonder about the terms “gravestone” and “headstone.” We usually use the two words interchangeably, but they actually have very unique meanings. There is a reason why we have two terms. A gravestone was originally a literal stone that was placed over the grave. It covered the entire area rather than only the head of the grave. The point was to use the weight of the stone to keep the body in the ground. Similar to headstones, the gravestones featured markings on top that indicated the details of the deceased, such as name, age and dates of birth and death.
The Emergence of Headstones
Over time, the size of the stone decreased. It was no longer used for its weight, but simply to mark the grave. Headstones began to include more detailed information about the deceased. In addition to name, death date and birth date, other inscriptions, such as Bible verses or memorial messages, began to appear on headstones. Burial plots also shifted location, from family property or churches to public cemeteries.
The First Memorial Headstones
It is suggested that the Celtic and Roman cultures are responsible for starting our current tradition of using special headstones to memorialize the deceased. When Romans buried their dead, they included not only the name and title of the deceased, but also any stories of battles they fought. The Scots, on the other hand, usually included information about the deceased’s profession. The Celts typically crated simple headstones. Once Christianity was introduced in Ireland, more ornate headstones became popular, often featuring the shape of a Celtic cross.
Granite Headstones
It wasn’t until around 1860 that granite became the most popular material for burial headstones in Walterboro, SC and the rest of the United States. This choice of material was logical, due to its durability. It is the strongest material available and withstands weather well. Granite is such a good choice for headstones that some cemeteries only allow headstones made of this material.
Modern Burial Headstones in Walterboro, SC
Today, Steedley Monument Works is the premier source for durable, granite burial headstones in Walterboro, SC. As a third-generation family owned and operated company, we strive to deliver personalized services at a fair price. We offer a variety of modern methods such as shape carving, laser etching and blasting to create the perfect memorial for each individual. Contact us today for more information about our professional headstone services.