A memorial plaque is essentially a piece of stone or metal designed as a tribute to a loved one who has passed away. These plaques will usually feature inscriptions with the loved one's name and perhaps a message describing and celebrating their life. These plaques can come in many shapes and sizes and are placed in a variety of locations. The history of marking a loved one's passing with a stone or plaque is a long and extensive one, but how did it come to be?
Burials
Commemorating death by erecting stones, tablets or plaques is one of our oldest traditions and dates back thousands of years. One of the earliest burial sights was discovered recently in the tropical uplands of the Kenyan coast. The Panga ya Saidi cave contained the remains of a two-and-a-half-year-old baby now named Mtoto. After a series of detailed examinations by scientists, it was revealed that the burial was 78,000 years old, making it the oldest known burial in Africa.
However, this is not the oldest burial in the world. This title goes to the Qafzeh Cave in northern Israel. The cave hosts the remains of ancient homo sapiens estimated to be at least 100,000 years old.
Gravestones
Gravestones also have a long and fascinating history. Experts believe that humans have been marking grave sights with stone monuments since the Neolithic and bronze ages approximately 3,000 - 6,000 years ago. These markers weren't the individual headstones and plaques we see today though. Instead, the stones were used to mark the site of mass graves, choosing not to individually identify people.
Cemeteries
Before cemeteries became commonplace in society many hunter-gatherers simply buried loved ones near where they lived. Eventually though, humans began burying their loved ones together, forming the world's first cemeteries. Gross Fredenwalde in Germany is believed to be the world's oldest cemetery. The burial site holds at least 9 graves with historians estimating its age at nearly 9,000 years old. Other ancient cemeteries such as Kerameikos in Athens, Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, and Udegram Cemetery in Pakistan are all believed to date back almost 3,000 years.
Headstones
Historians have found dating the first headstone as far more challenging. However, it is thought the tradition of leaving flowers at someone's resting place could be as old as 14,000 years. Headstones and their popularity, however, are thought to have originated around the 17th century as the world began burying those they loved in the grounds of churches.
Memorials
The history of commemorating those who have passed with physical markers is a long and fascinating story. The memorial plaque however is a fairly new addition. So, why would you choose a modern memorial?
Location
The beauty of a memorial plaque is you can place them wherever you and your family like. Your loved one who has passed may have enjoyed a quiet spot in their garden, or perhaps a tree along their favourite walk. With a memorial plaque, you have the freedom to place a lasting reminder of someone you love in a place that truly means something. Aside from areas of significant sentiment they are also a fitting option at burial sites and cemeteries.
Inscriptions
If you have lost someone close to you one of the main things they leave behind is memories. Memories of laughter, adventure, and support. One of the best ways to cherish and save these memories for years to come is to write them down.
However, pen and paper rarely stand the test of time like stone or metal do and after all these memories should be celebrated. Inscribing these memories on a memorial plaque will ensure your messages will be clear to read for generations to come. Safeguarding the special times you have shared with those you hold dear.
Design
The plaque you chose can come in many shapes and sizes meaning you can personalise this tribute exactly how you and your family wish. For example, your plaque could resemble a book, heart or flower. This ability to hand pick a design will certainly fill you and your family with confidence.
Materials
Doubtless, you, your family, and those loved ones who have passed will have clear ideas of how the plaque should look. With a memorial plaque, you can choose from a variety of different stones and metals to ensure you get the finish that’s right for you.
Material options
Different metals and stones can have varying symbolisms or meanings, and the choices can at times feel overwhelming. So, what are the options and what do they mean?
Bronze
Used often to commemorate achievement or success, bronze plaques are one of the most trusted options. Not to mention bronze is extremely versatile and requires very little maintenance, meaning you can be sure the plaque will stand the test of time. This metal is also incredibly durable and works well in almost any setting.
Brass
Brass while being fairly similar to bronze can be manipulated into a variety of different alloys allowing you to customise your plaque to whichever shade or colour suits best. This metal is certainly a fantastic choice if you’re after that traditional feel. One thing to bear in mind though is brass can tarnish faster than bronze, so it may need a little more ‘TLC’ on occasion.
Stainless steel
If you want to catch the eye and make your plaque stand out on a summer's afternoon then stainless steel is a great choice. The polished surface means your plaque will glisten when the sun touches it creating a perfect point of celebration. This metal is also brilliant for engraving so your message or poem will stay clear for generations.
Granite
Granite is a safe and worthy choice for any commemorative piece. The stone works perfectly for memorial plaques due to its contemporary feel but durable nature. It’s safe to say a granite plaque would be a noble and fitting tribute to your loved one.
Wood
A suitable choice for woodland burials, a wooden plaque can be made from a variety of woods and customised in a whole host of ways. This might be just the choice for you if your family is particularly eco-conscious, as a wooden plaque is much more environmentally friendly than some of the other options.
Personalisation
Some of the first things many of us think of when commemorating someone who has passed are phrases, poems, or songs. Memorial plaques make these memories last with personalised inscriptions on your chosen material, but what are the options available?
Poems
One of the best ways to remember someone is in writing. Whether it be a particular favourite of the family or simply a message that sums up the character of the person. With a memorial plaque, you can ensure these words stay with the ones you love forever. A constant reminder of how much they meant.
Images
Perhaps you and your family are of faith? Or the one you are choosing to remember served in the forces? An image inscribed on the memorial plaque can really help bring these beliefs and values to life tastefully.
Quotes
Did the person you love have a phrase they were known for? Sometimes these phrases or sayings deserve to be remembered and cherished. With a memorial plaque, you can ensure that phrase will be spoken for years to come. You can even personalise the in which those special words are written so carry that same feeling you remember them for.
Silhouettes
Perhaps you wish to remember those who have passed with more than just words. An image or silhouette of a person can be a powerful way to commemorate them. Whatever material you choose, an image of the person you love looks brilliant on a memorial plaque.
Examples from a gravestone maker
We have many examples of premium and tasteful memorial plaques that might give you a headstart on choosing the right one for you and your family.
Stone Music plaque
This plaque was made from a dark, almost black grain of granite creating a refined and contemporary feel. The granite was polished and finished with gold engraving. The stone also incorporated an engraved image of a guitar finished again with gold detailing. This is just another example of the plethora of customisable options available.
Star plaque
Built again using dark polished granite this plaque certainly grabs the attention. Carved into the shape of a five-pointed star, the plaque stood on a plinth giving the impression that the star was floating above the ground.
Humans, for thousands of years, have respected the dead with markers, stones, and burials. It’s clear, then, that a personalised reminder of those we love is a key part of respecting those who have passed.
If you choose a memorial plaque for your loved one, the options available are extensive. With personalised choices for material, design, and inscriptions, you can be confident that the memory of your loved one will live forever. To talk more about memorial plaques, contact us today.
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