It is common for people to make note of their wishes for funeral arrangements in their will. In the modern age people in the western world people are generally presented with two choices for the proceedings following the funeral: cremation or burial. Cremation is a popular option chosen by many these days; however a number of people still desire the traditional option of burial in preference over cremation. In terms of memorials it is usual for cremation burials to feature simple plaques, whereas traditional burials generally feature full headstones. Burial headstones are a fine way to honour and dignify the memory of a beloved relative for many years to come.
Focal point of mourning
Erecting burial headstones generally serves a two-fold purpose. First and foremost it creates a memorial to the honour of the departed loved one so that their memory will not be forgotten. Close relatives may inscribe an epitaph upon burial headstones in order to pay person tribute to the memory of the beloved family member. A dignified and respectful gravesite can honour the memory of the deceased relative for many years to come. The headstone also functions as a public tribute to the memory of the individual for all to see and for all to remember.
Secondly, burial headstones also serve as focal point for the mourning of the surviving family members. Relatives may visit the gravesite both immediately after the death of the loved one and for the rest of their lives. Many relatives often pay tribute to the memory of the departed family member by leaving flowers or other items at the gravesite. Furthermore, relatives and close friends may visit the gravesite in order to feel close to the deceased person and for a moment of peace and quiet to reflect upon their memory. Burial headstones can offer great piece of mind during the grieving process, giving the family a focal point for their mourning, providing a peaceful place to reflect and feel near to the deceased person and establishing a fixed memorial which will last for generations.
The traditional approach
When a loved one has been buried in accord with their wishes it is traditional to erect a headstone to mark the gravesite, to express sorrow over the loss of a cherished person and to reflect upon and celebrate the life of a much missed person. Burial headstones allow the surviving family members to do all of this as well as create a dedicated memorial which can be visited for as long as the family members are living. Moreover, by having a place to visit in order to remember the loved one, this can assist the family members through their time of mourning and also draw the family closer together. For those who would prefer the option of a traditional burial over cremation burial headstones offer the ideal solution for memorialising the individual and marking the gravesite for both the current generation and for all generations to come to remember their past relatives.