Famous Funeral Monuments

Famous Funeral MonumentsWhen a family goes through the process of funeral planning, a portion of the time is spent selecting a funeral monument. Typically a modest plaque or headstone stating the name, birthdate, and date of passing, these elegant stone monuments are a lasting reminder of those who have come and gone in our lives.

Erecting funeral monuments is nothing new. For as long as people have lived and died, they have been putting up markers—which range from simple stone piles to elaborate structures that have stood the test of time. A journey through any history book will show you just how important funeral monuments are and how different cultures have all adopted them in their own unique way.

  • Pyramids of Egypt: Perhaps the most recognizable funeral monuments in the world, the pyramids of Egypt were built solely to house the ancient rulers as well as a large portion of their riches to carry into the afterworld.
  • Tomb of Mausolos: This Greek tomb, which dates back to 350 BCE, was built to house the remains of Persian ruler Mausolos and his wife. It was one of the first true stone tombs, and as the name suggests, is the origin of the term mausoleum.
  • Taj Mahal: This Indian structure is often mistaken as a palace. While it is very grand and could easily house the country’s leaders, it is actually a tomb constructed for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his third wife.
  • The Pantheon: Like most of the ancient ruins that still stand in Rome, this one has a long history of prestige. Although originally built as a monument to the gods, it was used as a tomb during the Renaissance, and distinguished people like the painter Raphael are now buried here.
  • Westminster Abbey: This British structure performs double duty as a church and as a burial ground for distinguished citizens, including past kings and queens of the country.
  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: This Arlington National Cemetery monument is one of the most recognized in the United States. It was erected to pay tribute to service men and women who died without their remains being identified.

While most of these examples are huge structures built by government entities to honor the truly distinguished, just about everyone who passes on in today’s society is laid to rest with some kind of physical reminder of their time here on earth. For this, we can thank the Victorians, who popularized the pomp and ceremony of the funeral process, including using skilled masons to carve elaborate designs and personalize grave markers.

Today, you can opt between an elaborate headstone or vault, or even plant a tree in commemoration of those you love. The sentiment—that you are creating something that will last longer than the brief flash of human life—remains the same, and having someplace you can turn to for your grief can mean a lot as you move through the recovery process.

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