Mausoleums: A mausoleum is an edifice built to give home to the mortal remains of people who are buried in it. It is distinct from the ground burial option that is common in many societies today. The mausoleum as a sepulchral monument has been put into practice since antiquity and even nowadays. Families obtain a private and perpetual place of access to their loved one through a mausoleum which gives the deceased a respectable burial.
This article will reveal the facts about the origins of mausoleums, the advantages and disadvantages of having one, specifications for the different types of mausoleums, and different things to know when planning to build a mausoleum for your loved ones.
The History and Significance of Mausoleums
The use of mausoleums can be dated back to ancient societies across the world. The word ‘mausoleum’ comes from the structure built by Artemisia II of Caria, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Originally, such edifice were sculpted for kings and queens, dukes and earls, celebrities and prominent people, for the powerful, the famous, and the eternally memorable. Nowadays mausoleums are open to the public and are still used to pay respect to the deceased. Their architectural designs may be rather modest or expansive, large or small, depending on the social and religious status of the people whom they are designed to accommodate.
Types of Mausoleums: Public and Private Options
Private mausoleums are constructed for families and give even greater seclusion and privacy regarding other people visiting the cemetery. They can also be built according to the family’s wishes and generally have provisions for several generations. The two options are well free from any form of disturbance and provide a serene atmosphere for burial.
Benefits of Choosing a Mausoleum for Burial
Indeed, several advantages are associated with burial in a mausoleum over conventional ground burial. The first and perhaps the most important is a shield from weather and other natural conditions. Since mausoleums are built above the ground level, the bodies or ashes are shielded from the soil, water, and or even the harsh weather.
The structures also allow privacy and eliteness, especially with private family mausoleums. People are allowed to come and visit their loved ones in a safe and calm environment, which is helpful for those who are mourning. Moreover, mausoleums can also be regarded as rather expensive because they form long-term investment objects that are intended for external use by future generations.
Designing and Customizing a Mausoleum
Perhaps the most peculiar characteristic of mausoleums is that they can be built in any form. This project is flexible and families can determine its size, design, and the type of material to use while constructing it to honor their deceased kin. Some of the Mausoleums come with carved stones, glasses, or other related artifacts and emblems that reflect the family’s religion or culture.
You can also establish an interior where families can have a comfortable and rather silent zone with proper arrangements of sofas, paintings, photos, and proper or rather suitable lighting for the night visits. The use of individual design for the mausoleum means that families can create a place unique and special for remembering their loved ones.