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Taphophile Terminology

This page is where you'll locate terms and definitions relevant to our work.  It's a business glossary of sorts.  It's where you'll learn why the terms graveyard, cemetery, and burial ground have distinct meanings.

Bench Headstone

As the term indicates, this headstone is a bench inscribed with the deceased individual's information.

Biographical Details

Information about the life of the deceased, such as occupation, family connections, and major life events.

Burial Ground

A burial ground is a piece of land designated for the burial of the dead. The term encompasses a wide range of burial sites, from formal cemeteries and churchyards (graveyards) to more informal or ancient sites such as burial mounds, catacombs, and other types of necropolises. Burial grounds can be secular or sacred, and they may be maintained by various entities including religious institutions, municipal governments, private organizations, or tribal communities.

Burial grounds serve as important cultural, historical, and spiritual sites, reflecting the burial practices, rituals, and beliefs of a community or civilization. They can vary significantly in terms of size, layout, and the presence of markers or monuments. The care and preservation of burial grounds are often seen as a respect for the deceased and their families, as well as a means of preserving historical records and cultural heritage.

Cemetery

A cemetery is a dedicated plot of land used for the interment of the dead, typically not associated with a church or religious building. Cemeteries can be public or private and are found in nearly every culture and society around the world. They serve as a place for families and friends to mourn, remember, and pay respect to their loved ones.

Cemeteries may contain grave markers, tombstones, or monuments that provide information about the deceased, such as their name, date of birth, and date of death. Some cemeteries also feature mausoleums, columbaria (for cremated remains), and memorial gardens. They often reflect cultural attitudes towards death and the afterlife, with various sections dedicated to different religious or ethnic groups, and sometimes specific areas for military personnel.

Cemetery Management

Information about the organization or individuals responsible for the maintenance and management of the cemetery.

Coimetrophile

A coimetrophile is an individual who has a deep appreciation and fascination with cemeteries and burial grounds. This term is similar to "taphophile," but it is less commonly used. Coimetrophiles find beauty, tranquility, and historical significance in cemeteries, often spending time exploring them to admire the artistry of gravestones, monuments, and the peaceful, reflective nature of these spaces. Their interest can encompass aspects such as the architectural design of mausoleums and crypts, the symbolism and inscriptions on tombstones, the landscaping of the cemetery grounds, and the study of historical figures buried there.

Like taphophiles, coimetrophiles may engage in activities related to the study and preservation of burial sites, including photography, and the documentation of cemetery plots for genealogical or historical research. This fascination with cemeteries reflects a broader interest in themes of mortality, memory, and the ways in which societies honor their dead.

Condition

The current state of the gravestone and grave site, including any damage or wear.

Coordinates

Geographic coordinates for the cemetery or specific grave sites aiding in location and mapping.

Flat Headstone

A flat grave marker that lays on the ground rather than standing. Common for veterans.

Footstone

Marks the foot of a grave. Typically contains less information than a headstone. May indicate initials and year, initials only, etc.

Funerary Art

Description of any artistic elements present in the grave site or on the gravestone, such as sculptures or carvings.

Granite

Very durable, this igneous rock is made from lava which cooled to form this stone. It may come in various colors, including banded crystal varieties.

Gravestone Material

The type of material used for the gravestone, such as granite, marble, limestone, shist, slate, etc.

Graveyard

Traditionally, a graveyard refers to a burial ground located within the confines of a churchyard. The term is often used interchangeably with "cemetery," though historically, graveyards were specifically associated with church lands where the deceased were buried. Graveyards are significant not only as final resting places but also as historical and cultural sites, offering insights into local customs, genealogy, and community history. They include a variety of grave markers, monuments, and memorials, each telling a story of the people buried there and the times in which they lived.

Historical Significance

Information on the historical importance of the individual buried, or the grave site in general.

Inscription

The text engraved on the gravestone, including epitaphs, names, dates, and sometimes symbols.

Last Recorded Visit

The date when the grave or cemetery was last visited or documented.

Limestone

Grey in color, these stones were once highly desirable along with marble. They become very dark with time and lettering can become unreadable with weathering.

Marble

White in color, these stones were once highly desirable along with limestone. They become nearly black with time and exposure and lettering can become unreadable with weathering.

Photography MetaData

Details about any photographs taken of the gravestone or cemetery, including the date taken and the photographer.

Restoration Efforts

Information on any attempts to restore or maintain the gravestone or burial site.

Sandstone/Brownstone/Shist

Formed from sand, these stones are common to Connecticut and are extremely prone to de-lamination.

Section/Plot Number

The specific location within a cemetery where a grave can be found.

Slant Headstone or Monument

Wider at the base than at the top, these headstones have a flat back and slanted front. They may represent one individual or more than one and may or may not have a base.

Slate

Common in New England in the early Colonial period, these stones are grey-purple and typically stand the test of time. Carving tends to be shallow due to the nature of the stone. Once damage occurs, they are prone to de-lamination from freeze-thaw cycles.

Symbology

Description of symbols found on the gravestone and their meanings, such as a dove for peace or an anchor for hope.

Tablet Stone

A tablet stone, in the context of cemeteries and grave markers, refers to a flat or slightly slanted slab of stone that is set vertically into the ground or onto a base, serving as a headstone or memorial marker for a grave. This type of gravestone is characterized by its tablet-like shape, providing a large, flat surface for inscriptions and sometimes carvings or other decorative elements. The inscriptions typically include the deceased's name, dates of birth and death, and may also feature epitaphs, quotes, or religious texts. Tablet stones can be made from a variety of materials, including granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone, each offering different aesthetic and durability characteristics.

The tablet stone's relatively simple but dignified appearance makes it a popular choice for commemorating the deceased in many cultures and historical periods. Its flat surface allows for detailed engraving or etching, making it possible to include more personalized and elaborate tributes to the individual's life and legacy. Tablet stones are found in both old and new cemeteries and can vary greatly in size, thickness, and design, reflecting the personal tastes and cultural backgrounds of those they commemorate.

Taphophile

An individual with a deep fascination for cemeteries, graves, burial rituals, and the study of death. A taphophile may engage in activities such as visiting cemeteries, researching the lives of those buried there, photographing gravestones, and studying funerary art and symbolism. Their interest can be historical, genealogical, artistic, or cultural.

Upright Headstone

Made from a variety of stone substances such as granite or marble, these markers consist of a base and tablet (or die). May be found in a variety of sizes but come in standard options.

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