Losing your loved one is, indeed, painful and emotional. Usually, numerous memories come up during the mourning process – to the extent you’d want to treasure and keep them forever. According to research, it’s common to think about them at least once every week and talk about them once per month. (1)
Cemetery plaques can be a great way to express your memories and feelings towards the deceased. They’re a perfect way of paying tribute to your loved one. In addition to celebrating the departed’s life, dignity and accomplishments, cemetery plaque wordings may help augment your healing process.
However, plaques have limited spaces, especially in a crematorium; hence, knowing suitable wordings is essential. This article lists the key things to include on a plaque.
- An opening phrase
Having an opening phrase tells the readers straight ahead that this is about death. Consider making it short and precise. Below are some common words used for this on monumentals:
- Forever in our hearts
- In loving memory
- Until we meet again
- Remembered with love
- Rest in peace
- In cherished memories of
- In honour of
- A life well-lived
- With love, we celebrate
- In God’s care
- Dedicated memories of
These phrases indicate that the deceased led a great life, is loved and will be remembered forever.
- Full names of the deceased
Following the opening phrase is the name of the deceased. You’d also want to add their title in recognition of the role they played on earth. For example, president, doctor, and others. As a best practice, write the name at the top of the plaque.
Also, it’s good to write all the full names instead of one or merely providing initials. For example, David Doe Maker is far better than David DM or Doe. But even so, you can omit the middle name if it’s too long and you want to save on space. If you wish, you can also add the nicknames of the departed.
- Date of birth and death
It’s good practice to state when the deceased was born into the world and when they breathed their last. You can follow the following conventional format:
- Sunrise: 26/06/1928
- Sunset: 19/01/2022
The dates are also important for cemetery and crematorium records. If you’re sceptical of giving out such fine details, you can consider writing the years only. For example, 1928-2022. This also applies if the date of birth is unclear or the deceased kept it private.
- Relations of the departed
The departed must have left behind dear ones. Consider including a brief list of the closest family members on the plaque. You can have words like:
- Beloved father of
- Loving husband of
- Darling sister of
- Devoted wife of
- Dear grandmother of
- Caring aunt of
- Darling brother of
- Loving uncle to
- Beloved grandfather to
- Adoring mother of
- Inspirational scripture verses
Scriptural verses are uplifting, and they encourage everyone who reads the plaque. They’ve been used for generations to honour the dead, and so you should try them too. Get your sacred text and search for consoling verses, especially those revolving around death, and have them artistically inscribed on the monumental grave plaque. Some of the common ones include:
- I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7
- Verily, from Allah we came and to him we return. (Qur’an)
- And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter. (Surah Ankabut)
- O soul that are at rest! Return to your Lord, well-pleased (with him), well-pleasing (Him), So enter among My servants, And enter into My garden. (Surah Al-Fajr)
- Those who die without being forgotten get longevity. (Tao Te Ching)
- Wise Quotes
Aside from scriptures, you can also write powerful words uttered by influential people or scholars on the plaque. This energises you, comforts you during your grieving process, creates optimism and hope in you and brings happiness back to your life. Here are some quotes you could try:
- There’s no sorrow on earth that heaven cannot heal
- Sweet are the memories that never fade
- Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.
- To live in the hearts of those we love isn’t to die
- The song is ended, but the melody lingers on
- Death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. (3)
Conclusion
Having the best cemetery plaque wordings is an excellent way of honouring your loved ones. Therefore, you must know what to include on the plaque. But these are just guidelines. There are no hard rules when it comes to celebrating your departed loved one. Feel free to express your true feelings. That’ll help you overcome grief.
References
- “The time course of grief reactions to spousal loss: Evidence from a national probability sample.”
- “Bible Quotes To Help You In Times Of Grief.”
- “Beautiful Inspirational Quotes on Death, life, reality and soul.”
