When did the world's first headstone inscription appear? Presumably, at the same time with the very tradition of burial and the creation of graves. A monument or a cross serves as a designation of the place where a person is buried.
Of course, an inscription containing the full name and years of life is needed, otherwise we will not be able to find the graves of our ancestors and people dear to us. But in addition to the necessary information about the person buried at this place, it is customary to place an epitaph on the monument - often a short text characterizing the deceased himself or the thoughts of his loved ones.
Why do we need a tombstone?
Major tombstones are often placed some time after the funeral. This is understandable from a practical point of view, since the grave must settle. Do not forget about the feelings of those who are engaged in arranging the burial place, the first time after the death of a loved one is very difficult for them, and often they are not at all up to decorating the cemetery plot.
But a few months have passed, and the moment has comepay tribute to the memory of the deceased and erect a monument. A tombstone inscription can be applied using a variety of techniques, often the method of imprinting is determined by the type and nature of the material chosen for the monument. The method of laser engraving, relief or bas-relief is common, letters are often made of metal.
What to write on a tombstone?
One of the most difficult questions is which epitaph to choose? Some people leave instructions in their will as to where and how they want to be buried while they are still alive. There are cases in history when famous writers even wrote in advance for themselves inscriptions in verse or prose. Funeral services agencies offer clients universal epitaphs suitable for everyone. One of the most famous is “Remember, love, mourn.” It is noteworthy that the most common are the inscriptions that speak of the feelings of loved ones. You can also talk about the person, for example, mention their hobbies or profession. Grave inscriptions for a husband can be made with a mention that he was a good husband and father. Do not forget that the epitaph does not have to be in verse. You can try to compose it yourself using a few non-rhyming phrases.
How to decorate a tombstone?
The inscription on the monument may not be personal, but general. Some philosophical quote about life and death will do. The tombstone inscription can be located both on the front and on the back side of the tombstone. You can complement it with a simple pattern,for example, two cut flowers or a candle. If you want to put a long text on the monument, for example, a quatrain, and there is not enough space on the front side, you can engrave it on the back. Often, whole verses are used as a back "non-main" epitaph, which have a hidden meaning for a particular family, or which the deceased himself liked. Gravestone inscriptions to parents may include words of gratitude from children and grandchildren. The epitaph does not have to be sad and strict, because in addition to mourning for the departed people, we experience boundless warm feelings for them and recall with delight the moments when they were still with us.
