Leaving gifts on a loved one’s headstone is a ritual dating back thousands of years and practiced by cultures all over the world. Americans leave many meaningful gifts for their loved ones, which can be as ephemeral as a spring bloom or as everlasting as granite. Recognizing the importance of gift-giving in our culture, Finger Lakes Monument helps Canandaigua, NY, families honor the memory of their deceased loved ones with monuments, custom-engraved stones, and memorial benches. 

The gifts we leave near headstones vary, but love is at the heart of each one. Here are a few suggestions from Finger Lakes Monument:

• Flowers: One of the simplest expressions of love is a flower, which can carry across your sentiment without the need for words. Leave your loved one their favorite flower or a bouquet that represents your enduring affection.

• Cards: If there are any words you want to say to your loved one, write them down in a card. It’s also a common practice for several people to contribute to a card, which you can leave by your loved one’s headstone alone or with other gifts.

• Collages: Homemade collages can express your fond memories of the deceased in a more personalized way than a store-bought gift can. They can consist of photographs, drawings, ticket stubs, pieces of cloth, and other items that have special significance.

• Coins: The tradition of leaving coins on graves dates back to Roman times, and it’s become an important aspect of the United States’ military culture. The type of coin you leave on a headstone signifies your relationship to the deceased, with a penny meaning you knew them, a nickel meaning you trained together, a dime meaning you served together, and a quarter meaning you were with them when they died.

Finger Lakes Monument is based in Canandaigua, NY, and creates granite monuments, with a specialty in veteran memorial headstones. If you’re interested in commemorating your loved one with an everlasting monument, call (585) 394-1340, or visit the website to view examples of their craft.