What does the date on the tombstone mean?

History

How are dates written on a tombstone?

Many gravestones simply show the year of birth and the year of death. For example, 1950-2022. However, you can provide more specific dates if you prefer. Anyone can choose to show the full date – for example, 15 Dec 1950 – – but it is particularly common for babies and children.
 

What do you call the dates on a tombstone?

When you lose a loved one, you will likely spend some time wondering what do you write on a headstone. A short message referred to as an epitaph is usually added to a headstone along with a person’s name, birth date, and death date.
 

What does the dash mean on a tombstone?

The dash in Linda Ellis’s poem, “The Dash,” refers to the dash between a person’s date of birth and their date of death on their tombstone. The dash represents the time that the person spent on earth and serves as a symbol for their life.
 

What is written on a tombstone?

There are a few common things that are added to headstones. These include the full name of the person, their date of birth and their date of death. In addition to these basic details, many people choose to include a short epitaph.
 

Why do some gravestones only have one date?

Most of the gravestones are engraved with both the date of birth and the deceased’s date of death. Some individuals have only one commitment. If the marker on the tombstone reads only one date, it’s almost always the death date of death.
 

What is the difference between a gravestone and a tombstone?

So, to sum up, historically, a “tombstone” was the stone placed on top of a stone coffin. A “gravestone” was a stone slab covering a grave. “Headstones” were generally markers denoting a grave. Today, though, all of these terms indicate a marker placed at the head of a grave.
 

What happens if you point at a grave?

Don’t Point at Graveyards



If you do, locals believe that a spirit will latch onto you. Not only that, but they’ll never let go, and you’ll be stuck with this stray spirit for the rest of your life.
 

What should you not put on a gravestone?

Finally, never use household soap, dishwashing liquid, detergent, wax or any other cleaning product when cleaning a headstone, gravemarker or monument, regardless of how safe or gentle it claims to be on various surfaces. (This includes biodegradable and/or all-natural/organic products.)
 

Do you have to put dates on a headstone?

Some cemeteries insist the dates are inscribed, and it’s probably a good idea; the headstone is not just a marker of a grave but a record of a life, and it could lead to confusion if the inscription is particularly cryptic. Often, the names and dates are enough.
 



How is lettering done on a headstone?

Hand cut letters are cut into a V shape, which creates a shadow effect that adds an extra depth and dimension to the lettering. The letters are first sketched out by hand onto the memorial and then carved using different sized tungsten chisels and a lettering hammer.

How are gravestones marked?

Headstones come in a number of styles, including: Flat markers, sometimes called “grass markers,” which lie flat on the ground at the head of the grave, flush with the grass. Bevel markers, usually about 8 inches thick, which lie flat on the ground at the head of the grave and rise above the grass.

Do you have to put dates on a headstone?

Some cemeteries insist the dates are inscribed, and it’s probably a good idea; the headstone is not just a marker of a grave but a record of a life, and it could lead to confusion if the inscription is particularly cryptic. Often, the names and dates are enough.
 

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