The tradition of applying epitaphs to monuments and its origins

All people are mortal. However hard it may be, it should be recognized that when older people are buried younger, this is a normal course of events. It is much worse when things are different.

Writing epitaphs on a monument to parents, you can rely on your own literary talent or choose text from catalogs, they meet very successful options. Like any genre, these sad inscriptions have their own laws. They are made for centuries, so think carefully about them.

The custom of applying epitaphs to monuments was formed in ancient Greece, although inscriptions on tombstones were sometimes carved before. The desire to perpetuate the memory of loved ones arose in people since they began to think about the meaning of life and the meaning of death.

The very word "epitaph" is formed by two Greek roots, "epi" corresponds to our prefix "above", and "tafos" means a grave. So, something grave. Of course, it was horrible to write under such circumstances inappropriately. The text should be short, expressive, contain information about the person whose mortal body rests under the gravestone.

In Russia, epitaphs began to be applied to monuments in the 18th century. Until this time, burial was bypassed by the designation of the deceased's name and simple ornament, serving as a decoration. The grave inscriptions were given to the graves of people of outstanding standing, with a high position, power or special talents. In order for the texts to evoke corresponding emotions among the visitors of the cemeteries, poets, sometimes famous, including G. Derzhavin, became their authors. The memory of Admiral Chichagov was even honored by the Empress Catherine II, having personally composed a poetic epitaph, expressing the benefits brought to them by the Fatherland.

Epitaphs on monuments became literary works, akin to epigrams, in something similar to short verses. The fact that the playful tone of the latter did not really fit in with the sad cause of the former, the authors did not bother. In the texts of tombstones of the 18th and 19th centuries humorous motifs are not uncommon. Especially this attitude towards his own death was characteristic of Russian officers, who differed in their bravado in all aspects of life, from amorous adventures to cards and wine, not to mention military feats. "He lived sinfully, died funny", "I was a hussar, now I'm lying in a damp ground. I caught a cold when I drank some beer. Do not drink it at summer sometimes, And drink vodka, you will be alive "and similar epitaphs were often applied to monuments.

Serious and reasonable people often wrote, during their lifetime and in good health, the texts that bequeathed to beat over their own ashes. Not always such authors differed with a skillful syllable, therefore the epitaphs of the merchants who became rich in the nineteenth century sometimes cause an involuntary smile with the desire to express in their conceited thoughts and list all the titles found in earthly life.

And today, unfortunately, good taste sometimes changes those who compose epitaphs for the departed native people. But these are the words meant to pour out the depth of sadness and the unbearable loss. What does the phrase "sleep well, dear husband, candidate of technical sciences" mean? I do not even want to think about this ... Is it worth while demonstrating stupidity then when it would be inappropriate for the mind to shine?

Laconic and very impressive is the inscription "Suvorov lies here" on the grave of the glorious Generalissimo. To this day, no one needs to explain who he was. Modesty and dignity befit every tombstone, whether it be an epitaph on a grandmother's monument, an outstanding military commander or the most ordinary person who has lived a simple and honest life.