Memorialization And Grief
Many people have questions about the options available for memorialization. Below are funeral questions that are commonly asked about memorialization. In addition we have included the article "Good Grief"
What are my burial options?
Today there are several options available besides ground burial, such as interment in lawn crypts or entombment in mausoleums. Cremated remains may be placed in columbarium niches, urn spaces or may be scattered.
What is entombment?
Entombment is the internment of human remains in a tomb or mausoleum. Either a casket or a cremation urn can be placed in a crypt or niche, which is a sealed individual compartment within a mausoleum or columbarium.
Does mausoleum burial have any advantages?
Yes. Mausoleum burial is an affordable and practical alternative for people who have distaste for being buried underground. The casket is placed in a clean and dry crypt within the mausoleum, which protects the remains from water and the elements of the earth. Mausoleum entombment is comparable to interment in a lot with an upright monument. In addition, mausoleums provide cemeteries with a way to maximize their limited amount of space by being able to accommodate several entombments.
How do earthquakes affect mausoleums?
Most modern mausoleums are built according to local building specifications, which includes earthquakes. The structure of a mausoleum is made out of reinforced steel, concrete and other material such as granite.
What are the different types of crypts?
Crypts vary in size, however common crypt sizes are either single or double. A single crypt is designed for one entombment, whereas there are three different styles of double crypts: tandem, companion and westminister. Tandem crypts allow two entombments placed lengthwise in a crypt; companion crypts allow two entombments placed side by side; and westminister crypts allow one entombment to be below floor level with the second entombment placed above. Depending on the location and style of the crypt, prices vary with the upper level crypts being less expensive than those at eye-level. Lower level crypts are referred to as the Prayer-level and the different levels above in order are referred to as Heart-level, Eye-level and Upper-levels.
If I want to be cremated, what things should I consider before choosing to have my remains scattered?
You will want to discuss your wishes with your loved ones who will be responsible for the scattering. The act of pouring the mortal remains into the sea or onto the ground may be difficult for some people to accept.
The scattering of cremated remains in an undesignated or public place poses a potential difficulty for survivors because of the uncertainty and no guarantee that the area will be accessible in years to come. By choosing to have your remains interred or scattered at a cemetery, your loved ones are ensured that they will have a place to go to remember you.
If you do choose to have your cremated remains scattered somewhere that isn't a cemetery, you may want to consider having some type of a memorial in a cemetery for your loved ones to visit. The placement of a memorial in a cemetery also ensures that it will be well maintained and preserved.
What are my memorial options?
Monuments are the most commonly seen memorials and can come in many different shapes and sizes.
Slants/bevels/flush markers are usually smaller than monuments and come in either single or companion sizes.
Bronze memorials are usually flush to the ground and come in a variety of styles and sizes.
Community and private mausoleums are one of the oldest forms of burial known to man dating back to 353 BC. Queen Artmisia erected a large temple-like structure for the final resting-place of her late husband, King Mausolus. The word mausoleum is derived from his name. Today, King Mausolus' mausoleum is regarded as the fifth of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Community mausoleums provide above ground entombment for a number of people in one large building. Community mausoleums are more affordable than private mausoleums because you are sharing the cost with several others. Crypts are designed to hold casketed remains and vary in size. After the entombment of a casket, the crypt is sealed and a front is attached that may be made of granite or bronze.
Community Mausoleums also have niches available for the remains of those who choose to be cremated. After the entombment of an urn, a niche front is attached that may be made of granite or bronze.
Columbariums are often located in a mausoleum or chapel and are constructed of several small compartments or niches that are designed to hold urns of cremated remains.
Lawn Crypts are underground tombs constructed of reinforced concrete, steel and waterproof materials. Lawn crypts vary from double-depth burial space because lawn crypts are pre-set whereas double-depth burial lots are set at the time of death.
Why should I make arrangements in advance?
Death-something we do not have the power to control or change. However, the emotional stress that is tied to the loss of a loved one can be minimized by planning ahead and utilizing your options for pre-need memorialization. Pre-need memorialization offers you the opportunity to openly discuss your wishes with your loved ones. Together you can make an informed decision that will be meaningful to you and your family. You will benefit by knowing that your family and friends will not have to worry about the financial burden of making the arrangements at the difficult time of death. Advance planning is also beneficial because it allows you to purchase at today's prices. Your cemetery or funeral provider can help you with your pre-planning needs. Be sure to check contracts to see if the prices are guaranteed.
What is the importance of having a memorial?
Memorials are for the living. They provide a permanent place for those left behind to connect emotionally and spiritually with their loss. They provide an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to a person and make a statement about the impact the person has had on his or her family, community or even the world.
Why select a personalized memorial?
The selection of a personalized, permanent memorial allows those who have lost a loved one to express their feelings in an intimate and loving way. Memorialists can permanently record some of the most intricate and personal detail imaginable through modern techniques such as diamond etching, technolase, which uses the sandblasting technique to create an intricate and highly detailed carving of scenery or personal portraits and photoportraiture, which permits actual photographs of loved ones to be reproduced in the granite.
Why granite?
Granite is a popular choice for any stone memorial because of its beauty, durability, strength and carving characteristics. People want choice, meaningful colors, service and quality when selecting a memorial for a loved one.
Why Bronze?
Bronze has a distinctive beauty as a precious metal. Bronze is a medium used by artists to create masterpieces of sculpture and design. It is also a material that can be personalized in unique and beautiful ways. The combination of bronze and granite combines beauty and durability to create a memorial that will last.
Why CSG?
CSG has a strong design team to create memorials reflecting the unique personalities and desires of a family. Its fabrication facilities use state-of-the-art technology and its workforce consists of many second and third generation skilled craftsmen.
If you are interested in having Cold Spring Granite Company service your cemetery call 320-685-3621
