Want to Clean Headstones?

If you are cleaning the headstones of your dear one then it will be a fun and peaceful experience for you as you will feel calm by cleaning the place of resting of your beloved. This will give you a sense of relief. You would also be able to earn some money after you have learned how to clean headstone as you would be able to take a job if you are currently unemployed? It would be profitable, no? So the question arises, how to do the cleaning of a headstone? There are many monuments, which are in a dire need of cleaning.

The foremost consideration should be given to the material that was used in the headstone. The tombstones represent that someone close to your heart is buried here. Many people think that as they are called ‘headstone; the prime material used is stone, but that is not true as they are made with the help of other metals too, but commonly, the stone is the foremost usage. It is important to keep yourself updated of this information as it will help you in the cleaning chore. The affordable markers could also be used to make it much easier for you.

As to ascertain if the headstone is made up of stone or metal, you have to look into few things. The look of the headstone will tell you the entire story. Its colour and texture will also contribute a lot in enlightening you. The date on the tombstone will also let you know about the kind of stone used in its making because some stones were quite popular in a certain period, and it will help you in knowing what was used at the time of the burial. If you don’t get anything concrete with these judgements, you can simply ask the caretaker of the cemetery to have the deep insight in the making of the various kinds of headstones. Ask about the opinion, and you might hit the bull’s eye. Don’t forget it is important to know about the material as it will be an important step in the cleaning process as the different materials require different kind of cleaning.

The next thing that should be paid attention is what you are actually cleaning. Is the tombstone dirty due to prolonged years or the dirt accumulation is because of water? You should also give a thought if the headstone is really old, and you have to really work hard in order to remove all the mosses and the stains from it. You can also have a look if the gleam of the headstone is fading and is in a requirement of new polish and scrubbing. By keeping all these things in mind, you will be able to acknowledge all the things that are needed to make the headstone squeaky clean.

Make sure you don’t damage the stone; if it is already in a bad state then you have to be extra careful.

Just follow the simple steps listed above and this will be a cake walk for you.

Symbol Carvings on Headstones

Headstones are used as memorial symbols for the people who have rested-in-peace. They are used as identification marks installed at the place of cemetery to serve as a remembrance for the person who has expired. They also serve to denote the place where friends and relatives can mourn openly, and feel close to the person who is no more in the world. Headstones bear the deceased’s name, the years of birth and death (in numerical), an inscription and an emblem or symbol. Inscriptions are usually personalized to honor the deceased person’s life or may quote a religious text. The emblem symbols for headstones usually represents hope, faith, wisdom, glory, purity, love, life, victory, etc.

Headstones and grave monuments come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes. The common types of options are upright, slant, and flush. Upright stones provide the most room for inscriptions in the form of text and stand straight up. Slant stones have a slanted edge where the inscription is carved. Flush markers are grave markers that can be laid flat on the ground of the cemetery. Customization of any type of shapes, sizes and styles can be done as per the requirement.

Headstones can be personalized in many different ways. Religious, fraternal symbols, flowers, portraits, autographs and many other designs can be made as per the requirement. Special emblems indicated on tombstones and headstones have several themes. Some of the most commonly used symbols are Angel of grief (resembling sorrow); Cherub (divine wisdom); Birds (the soul); Cross, anchor and Bible (trails, victory and reward); Dolphin (salvation, bearer of souls to heaven); Column (noble life); Conch shell (wisdom); Book (faith, wisdom); Crown (reward and glory); Garland (victory over death); Dove (purity, love and holy spirit); Heart (devotion); Ivy (faithfulness, memory and undying friendship); Horseshoe (protection against evil); Lily (purity and resurrection); Hourglass (time and its swift flight); Lamb (innocence); Lion (strength, resurrection); Lamp (immortality); Palms (martyrdom); Mermaid (dualism of Christ); Oak (strength); Star of David (the God); Peacock (eternal life); Triangle (truth, equality and trinity); Shell (birth and resurrection); Tree trunk (the beauty of life); Crossed swords (life lost in battle); Pillow (eternal sleep); Broken sword (life cut short) and Weeping willow (mourning and grief).

Granite is the most commonly used stone material for making memorials and monuments and comes in various colors. It is a hard stone and carving can be done manually and by machines. Sandblasting technique is used for carving text letters and designs through precut stencils. Marble or limestone is meant to be the best for carving and skilled sculptors use tools like toothed hammers, axes, mallets and adzes for hitting, carving, pitching and wedge tools are used for making rough shapes of out block size stones and chisels, points and claw chisels are used for chiseling the letters, figures and symbols. Sandstone is also used in making headstones and waterproofing is done so as to enhance the surface resistance against water. Slate is used for letter carving and has textured surface which can be highlighted by paint. Bronze is called the eternal metal and is used for making grave markers.

Guidelines for Those Buying a Tombstone

In your whole life, have you ever paid any attention to a tombstone? I am sure some of you have done it and while others have moved forward with their schedule. People who have looked at them, they would have noticed that there are different type of tombstones out there. You will find many kinds of tombstones if you go out to purchase one. While some of them are quite ordinary, but there are some that are totally amazing. If you need some guidance regarding the purchase of tombstones then this article has it all.

If you are interesting in buying a tombstone than there are several things to be considered as they are quite expensive, and if you have zeroed down on a company then it is better to go in person and check the items available. This way you would have a better idea of things that you are going to buy.

One of the prime things that should be given heed by you is the type of stone used in the making of a tombstone. In most of the cases, Granite stone is used as it is preferred by a number of people, but you can also go for other stones according to your tastes and wishes. There are many types of colours also there for you to pick, and again it all depends on your preference. Just read on the article, and you will get to know about the myriad of varieties present in the market for you.

Next thing is what all should be included in the tombstone. Some people like it all. For example, both the picture and the names, while others just want the brief description. The foremost deciding factor of your choice is the charges of per word that the company will charge from you.

The next thing that you will like to have on the tombstone is the shape and size of this thing. You will find a number of designs, some are topsy turvy, and some are simple to look at, while others are heart shaped. It all depends on what kind you would like to buy. The samples are pretty appealing to look at. It is advisable to have a look at all the options available as this way you will have a pretty good idea of what good is stored in for you.

Buying a tombstone is a pretty sentimental thing and while selecting one, you should remember all the cherished memories you had with that person. This will help you in choosing the one that you could relate to. Careful consideration is must while shopping for them as this will be the last reminder of the person whom you loved, and will be going to rest forever. That is why it is advisable to check all the details and imagine the time shared with the person as this will help you in opting the tombstone for him. Ancient headstones and monuments are the inspiration behind the constriction of tombstones.

Military Memorial Headstones

As a final tribute to the years served in the United States military, the government provides deceased service men and women a military memorial headstones. It is a simple, yet very effective, way to honor the military accomplishments made in life even after death. It is a final and lasting tribute fit for those who served any time in the military.

This lasting tribute is provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the VA. Upon the serviceman or servicewomans death, surviving family members may apply for the military memorial headstone by submitting an application to the VA. This service is provided free of charge to the applicant. This government provided marker or headstone is available for unmarked graves of any eligible Veteran. The grave may be located in any cemetery in the world and the date of death is irrelevant in this program.

The VA will also provide a headstone or marker for eligible veterans that passed away on or after the date of November 1, 1990, even if the grave already has a marker provided by a private source. If the veterans grave is privately marked already, the applicant may submit an application for one of three options. Headstones, markers and the new medallion (available by April 30, 2010) are the available selections.

Upright headstones are available in both granite and marble. If the applicant chooses the flat marker, the options include marble, granite and bronze. When making the selection, the chosen option must be in line with the previously existing markers or headstones at the cemetery where the veteran is to be buried.

Veterans that have chosen to be cremated also have an option provided by the VA. Niche markers are an available option. These markers are used to mark the columbaria that hold the cremated remains of the deceased veteran.

The process is slightly different for veterans that have opted to be buried or memorialized in a state Veterans cemetery, national cemetery or military base/post cemetery. When this is the case, cemetery officials will order the headstone or marker for the deceased veteran. The inscription will be decided upon by the veterans next of kin or an authorized party.

It should be noted that the spouses and dependents of deceased veterans will not be eligible to receive a military headstone or marker furnished by the government unless they are buried alongside the deceased veteran in a state Veterans cemetery, national cemetery or military base/post cemetery. This helps to keep a uniformed look in the military cemeteries across the nation. If the spouse is buried outside of the listed cemeteries, the headstone or marker expense becomes a private matter.

It is also important to noted that while the headstone or marker is provided free of charge by the government, the arrangements for having it placed at a private cemetery are not. These charges are a private expense and are handled by the applicant.

Headstone Memorial for a Loved One

Memorial headstones are one of the most popular and traditional ways to memorialize a loved one that has passed away. It is a way of remembrance that also shows the deceased proper respect even after they have gone on. It is a lasting memorial that will keep a loved ones name alive and well long after the burial.

Making the final arrangements for someone who has passed on can be a very trying time. There is a lot to consider and take in during a very short period of time. Once the major arrangements are finalized, thoughts often turn to how the deceased will be memorialized at their place of burial. Headstones are the number one way to remember and honor the deceased.

Memorial headstones come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. It is up to the ones left behind to honor the deceased in a proper and fitting manner by choosing the most appropriate headstone available, whether it is bronze or granite.

Unfortunately, it is not always as easy as just simply picking out the prettiest one. Some cemeteries have strict regulations that must be adhered to. It is up to the deceaseds loved ones to follow the rules and buy accordingly.

Before purchasing a memorial headstone, the buyer must research the cemetery where it is to be placed. The intended cemetery will be able to put to rest any concerns that you may have regarding headstone selection and cemetery guidelines. They will be able to inform the buyer what is and is not allowed. This will let the buyer purchase the headstone with the utmost confidence.

There are several issues that the buyer should go over with the cemetery regarding headstones. The most obvious is regarding size. Does the cemetery place restrictions regarding the dimensions of the headstone? Is there a minimum or maximum size restriction?

The types of headstones that are allowed must also be established. The two most prominent headstone types are upright and flat memorials. Some cemeteries only allow one type, while others allow both. It is up to the cemetery as to the type of look it wishes to project.

Does the cemetery place any color restrictions on the memorial headstones? This restriction is relevant to both bronze and granite headstones. What about vases? Some headstones have integrated vases that hold flowers and arrangements. Before buying a headstone that has a vase, the buyer should make sure this type of memorial is allowed.

The procedures for delivery and installation should also be verified before the purchase of the memorial. Does the cemetery impose any extra fees for this service?

These restrictions should not hamper the search for the perfect memorial. In fact, these restrictions should only be viewed as guidelines to make the search for the headstone easier. A headstone should be a purchased wisely and with love. The buyer should never feel like he or she settled. This is lasting tribute to one that was loved in life and should be purchased as such.