The first tombstones were used by bushmen and other primitive tribes in Africa. They believed that there were evil spirits living in the bodies of dead people. By placing heavy stones on the graves they hoped to prevent these spirits from rising.
The ancient Greeks used gravestones and they were usually ornamented with sculptures. The Hebrews marked the graves of the dead with stone pillars, and the Egyptians marked the places where dead were buried with tombs and pyramids. As Christianity spread, the marking of graves became common.
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Fact File: Primitive man placed stones in other markings or graves not only to keep the evil spirits from rising, but to mark the spot so he could avoid it. Decorating graves with flowers is a custom that goes back to ancient times. |
Picture Credit : Google