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Headstone, tombstone or burial marker

Headstone, tombstone or burial marker

Posted: 22 Jun 2015 12:02AM GMT
Classification: Query
I am from Australia and am presently working on.a U.S. Branch of the family in Illinois. I am confused as to what the grave stones actually are and what they are called. In Aust we have headstones over our graves or if cremated have niches for the ashes with a small plaque. What is the custom in the U.S.? When I see a grave stone embedded in the ground am I looking at an actual burial or cremation? And what is the marker called - headstone, tombstone, memorial?
Hope someone can clarify for me. Thanks
Chris

Re: Headstone, tombstone or burial marker

Posted: 2 Jul 2015 3:00AM GMT
Classification: Query
A person who is buried in a coffin can have a grave marker that is a headstone (upright) or a flat gravestone. A person who is cremated then buried usually has a flat one. Some people who were cremated are scattered in cremation gardens or put into niches and have plaques. Others have their ashes scattered at sea or other places without markers.

Tombstone is an old word and is generally not used today except in literature or for effect. Ditto tomb, which is the grave. Memorial would refer to something other than a grave or gravestone, like a statue or plaque for victims of a disaster or massacre. Though memorial can also be used generically to mean gravestones in general. Cemeteries commonly have memorial as part of the name. But then so do many hospitals.

I'm probably not remembering all the terms perfectly but hopefully this helps.

Re: Headstone, tombstone or burial marker

Posted: 2 Jul 2015 8:48AM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi Cyndi
Thanks so much for the information, and yes, your definitions were very helpful. I wasn't aware that the term "tombstone' was an old fashioned word so this in itself is very helpful, and from what you have said, most of the grave markers I have seen photos of actually refer to graves and not cremations, and again this has been very helpful.
All the best
Chris
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