Humans have been marking and commemorating gravesites for millennia. The earliest known instances of headstones, as we think of them, date back to early Roman and Celtic cultures, when inscribed rocks were used to mark areas where friends and relatives were laid to rest.
Today, headstones are made from a slew of materials, of which granite is the most well known and highly regarded. Modern cemeteries and graveyards typically include headstones of a variety of sizes and ages. Granite headstones in Walterboro, SC are a great way to commemorate your life, or the lost life of a loved one.
If you are making your end-of-life preparations, you may be curious to know more about headstones and the interesting cultural significance they bear. Here are just some of the most surprising and little-known headstone facts:
- Modern cemeteries: Before the 19th century, there was no such thing as a “cemetery.” In earlier days, most families buried their dead on their own property. Eventually, families began burying their dead on the grounds of the churches they attended. When churchyards began to become overcrowded, however, what we now think of as cemeteries came into existence. Eventually, cemeteries developed into the park-like spaces we know today.
- Outdated mortsafes: Throughout much of European and early American history, graves were protected by an iron cage called a “mortsafe.” The mortsafe served four primary purposes: to prevent grave robbers from stealing jewelry off of the decedent, to prevent animals from digging up the grave, to keep people from sitting on the gravesite and to keep the decedent from digging themselves out of the grave as a zombie or vampire. These fell out of fashion in the 18th
- Memento Mori: Early American Puritans were known for many things, including their prudishness and piety. Puritans often had skulls, cross bones, angel wings and other symbols of death inscribed on their headstones as a “memento mori,” or a reminder that in the end, everyone must die. The memento mori was often accompanied by a poem or scripture related to the fragile nature of life. The idea of memento mori predates Christianity; it’s attributed to the Greek Stoics.
- Significant symbols: In addition to memento mori, there are a number of other significant symbols that have been used on headstones throughout history. You can learn a lot about a person by the symbols inscribed on their headstone. For instance, a weeping angel often denotes a premature death. The presence of a bugle is typically associated with a life of military service. If a headstone bears a Fleur-de-Lis, there’s a good chance that the decedent was a mother.
Steedley Monument Works has been a trusted provider of granite headstones in Walterboro, SC since 1968. We are proud to provide each of our clients with high-quality commemorative stones that are reflective of their lives and the love of their friends and family members. We deliver personalized services designed to cater to our customers’ individualized needs. Call us today to learn more.