What You Should Expect When Composing A Headstone Epitaph
When making final arrangements for someone who has passed away, there are a lot of details that require attention. These duties generally fall to family members of the deceased and may be handled by a single person, or the responsibilities may be distributed to make it easier. One such task is writing an appropriate epitaph for the gravestone.
This is a brief statement or phrase, sometimes a poem or prose, that is inscribed on an individual's headstone or commemorative plaque. It says something about the person it represents. There are several different forms this tribute can take, mostly dependent on the deceased's personality, life choices and who is writing it.
Practically every commemorative plaque or stone will bear information identifying the person. In the very least, this includes their name and typically a date for their birth and their death. While some opt to leave it at that, others choose to also add something extra like a sentiment, statement or further details about their life.
Traditionally, these inscriptions are short, touching sentiments stating what the individual meant to those who loved them or wishing them a peaceful rest. Sometimes they attest to what a loving spouse, parent, child or sibling they were, or mention their time in military service. Another popular choice is to use their favorite religious scripture.
A lot of people are choosing to design their own headstone. The primary benefit to this is that they can be sure that their last impression will be one they are comfortable leaving. It allows a bit of freedom, for example, for a person who was known for their sense of humor to be entertaining and witty with their final remarks.
Others may take this opportunity to provide a last bit of sage advice to all who visit their stone. This may be a suggestion to live life fully or any other lesson they might have learned while alive. There are no real rules when it comes to what one can have inscribed on their grave marker.
