Burial is a practice that has been used by humans since Neanderthals roamed the earth. In early human history, this practice was important for habitation reasons, but it has developed into a ritual practice that expresses respect for someone who has died. Kings and leaders throughout history have been buried with material possessions to denote their status or in an effort to supply them with resources for their predicted journey to the afterlife.
Today, people still regard burial as a ritual in respect that is intended to honor someone who has died. Although this cultural practice isn’t likely to go away anytime soon, we can certainly expect further developments in cemeteries and burial headstones in Walterboro, SC to accommodate rapid growth and constrained availability of resources:
- Vaults: You might be familiar with burial vaults in cemeteries or memorials that hold cremated remains, but future cemetery design might take this concept to new, technologically innovative heights. There are vaults illuminated with glowing statues that represent someone who has deceased. These vaults can accommodate hundreds of individual remains in a space-conscious, vertical building design. Relatives can access information about their loved one using a specially designated card.
- GPS locators: GPS is a frequently used and constantly developing form of technology. Now, some cemeteries are utilizing GPS technology to aid in the location of burial sites. Loved ones can locate the burial spot of a decedent using a smartphone app. This technology is currently used for natural, unmarked burial sites, and it will likely become more popular as cemeteries become more crowded and fewer people choose to have clearly marked graves.
- Tree planting: Historically, graves have given way to the growth of new life in the form of vegetation and trees. Many companies today are working to incorporate tree planting into the burial and cremation process in an attempt to achieve increased sustainability and eco-friendliness. You can get a tree planting urn that incorporates small portions of ash into a nutrient-rich soil mixture inside a small, clay-based container. When it’s planted, the seeds inside the mixture grow into a tree, which can act as a memorial for the decedent.
- Vertical cemetery construction: In metro areas where land is limited, cemeteries must go vertical. Future vertical cemeteries may maintain the same general aesthetic of the cemeteries we are accustomed to today, with vibrant green space and clearly marked gravesites, but with a design that maximizes space.
Regardless of how cemeteries change over the coming decades, remembering the dead with a personalized headstone isn’t likely to go away anytime soon. At Steedley Monument Works, we have offered customized burial headstones in Walterboro, SC since 1968, and we continue to deliver beautiful products that are made with quality materials and precise workmanship. We make burial headstones, cremation urns, granite mausoleums, benches, monuments and more. Regardless of the specific product you’re looking for, we’d be happy to help you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or stop by to check out our showrooms.