Placing a grave marker at the burial site of a loved one can provide a sense of closure and give mourners a place to pay their respects. Many cemeteries feature an eclectic array of monuments and plaques that reflect the themes and sentiments of their era. Below is a closer look at the history of headstones.

Grave Markers Through the Years

Origin of the Term “Gravestone”

Grave markers are commonly called gravestones, a term that derives from a Jewish ritual to honor the dead. When visiting the burial ground of deceased loved ones, people would place stones at the head of the grave in remembrance. The custom is still observed today.  

Engravings in the Victorian Era

Before the 19th century, people usually buried their deceased loved ones at home or in private family plots close to home. Grave markers typically included only the name, age, and date of death. As public cemeteries rose to prominence in the 1800s, messages on headstones became more elaborate, including engravings with personal tributes and illustrations.

Grave Markers Reflect Contemporary Attitudes About Death

It’s often possible to determine when older grave markers were created by looking at the decorative embellishments. During the Victorian era, for example, ritualistic mourning practices, such as wearing black for extended periods, helped people cope with loss. The grave markers of the time are typically large and elaborate, featuring ornate statuary including images like doves, angels, and weeping willow trees. By contrast, colonial-era grave markers are simple and understated by comparison. This is unsurprising since many immigrants from Europe ascribed to Puritan beliefs about death and the afterlife. These religions uphold modesty and simplicity and saw ornate embellishments as signs of pride and boastfulness.

If you want to honor a deceased loved one with a grave marker, reach out to the professionals at Gibney Monument Works in Perry, NY, for assistance. From helping you distinguish between styles and materials to providing monument engraving services, they will create a touching tribute to help memorialize your cherished family member. To schedule a consultation in Wyoming County, call (585) 237-2750. Visit the company online to see pictures of custom monuments they’ve created.