When we lose a loved one, the grief is often ongoing. Whatever their final wishes, their remains will have a final resting place. Putting up a marker in the cemetery or on the wall of remembrance is a way of dealing with the pain of their loss. Cemetery monuments are personal and made to order and can be as elaborate or as simple as desired.

Grave markers or headstones can be made from a variety of different materials. Constructed or carved from the simpler and less durable wood, to granite, bronze, other rocks and other metals. This again, will depend on cost and how complex and detailed you wish to go. Generally speaking though, the most common materials used in a headstone would be concrete, granite or marble.

The size of the selected monument will depend on personal preference. Many people would select the simpler design of a headstone with an inscription. Others will choose to go with something a little more bold, either as a mark of respect, or in an effort to make a final statement. In some cases, the larger headstones are used as a family marker, with the names and dates of multiple family members.

Historically, the larger and more elaborate the tombstone, the more important and wealthy the deceased was. Think of the enormous bronze and granite monuments that remain standing in cemeteries around the world. If you go in less affluent countries you will find that the common man is simply marked by the erection of a wooden cross or other crude marker.

Inscriptions on a headstone are selected by either the deceased before they passed, or by the loved ones that do the final arrangements. Some are as simple as the name of the deceased, with his date of birth and the date of his death. Others are more detailed, with either a quote or excerpt from a poem as well. This too is the choice of those involved in the process and if you select a sombre poem or humorous quote, it is entirely up to you.

Your religious beliefs will possibly play a part in your final selection of the gravestone. For example, it is common for people of the Jewish faith to use the Star of David symbol, either as a design or etched on the stone. Some other beliefs may lean towards a statue of a woman in robes, known as Our Lady of Grace.

Often found on the grave sites of young children is a headstone with angels. Photographs are also included as part of the memorial. This can be part of the grieving process for parents and other family members and a way to help them to deal with their pain.

Most suppliers recognize that the process of selecting cemetery monuments is a deeply personal and emotional one and will allow you to do it with little or no pressure from their sales staff. Some companies offer you the option of pre-planning your memorial and will allow you enter a payment plan. The benefit of doing this is that you take the initiative and are able to select exactly what you want, as well as taking this difficult task away from your loved ones when you pass.

Above and Beyond offers a variety of Toronto funeral homes and funeral insurance to provide families with all the necessities to honour their loved ones.

Above and Beyond offers a variety of Toronto funeral homes and funeral insurance to provide families with all the necessities to honour their loved ones. http://www.funeralservices.net/

Author Bio: Above and Beyond offers a variety of Toronto funeral homes and funeral insurance to provide families with all the necessities to honour their loved ones.

Category: Death
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