A cenotaph is a memorial marker for the dead, with the remains buried elsewhere. They are built to honor notable individuals or groups, and can be found in public areas or private homes. They may also serve as important shrines or monuments.
A cenotaph is a structure erected to honor the dead. The distinguishing feature of a cenotaph is that the remains of the person or persons it commemorates are buried elsewhere, making a cenotaph a memorial marker, rather than a grave marker. Some of the more famous cenotaphs honor groups of the dead and are often prominently displayed in public areas in major cities; many regional capitals, for example, have a memorial to their war dead.
The term cenotaph comes from a Greek phrase meaning “empty tomb”. The Greeks wrote of numerous cenotaphs that apparently existed in antiquity, although few survive to this day, and the tradition of making cenotaphs has clearly survived in many regions of the world. Some cenotaphs become important shrines or monuments, with pilgrims visiting the site to commemorate the person being honoured.
There are several reasons for building a cenotaph. Originally, cenotaphs were created when someone’s body was taken to a new location, a common practice in antiquity. Typically, people were buried close to where they died and their family members might choose to relocate them later, leaving behind a literally empty grave. In the case of notable individuals, these empty tombs became cenotaphs to honor the person who was once buried on the site.
Cenotaphs have also been established to honor the dead when their remains have not been recovered, as in the case of people lost at sea, buried under rubble, or incinerated, as in the case of the atomic bomb victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A cenotaph may also be created simply to honor a notable deceased; for example, the hometowns of famous writers, musicians, and other artists often have cenotaphs paying homage to these individuals.
A group cenotaph usually honors the collective dead associated with a war or natural disaster, although they may also commemorate people connected by how they died or deeds, such as stillborn babies, victims of drunk drivers, or organ donors. Group cenotaphs are often the sites of memorial services and events to honor the dead, and may be decorated with wreaths and other offerings from visitors.
In addition to being in a public place or cemetery, a cenotaph can also be placed in a private home. Some families prefer to honor their dead at home for a variety of reasons and may install a cenotaph in an area of the garden dedicated to contemplation.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
