What is the Purpose of a Mausoleum?

If you've ever been to a cemetery or burial site, you might have seen a building on the property away from the main facility. This building is most likely a mausoleum or tomb that has been built to hold the deceased. When an individual starts looking at funeral homes in Plymouth, MI, one option to consider is having their remains housed inside these buildings after a loved one has passed away. If this is something you are considering, here is more information to help you decide.

Historically Speaking

These buildings have been utilized for thousands of years to commemorate and honor individuals or family members and are strictly for the remains of the deceased. They can be found above ground and come in multiple different designs or shapes.

The first mausoleum dates to 350 BC, when a king named Mausolus passed away. His wife wanted him to honor his memory, so she built a temple around the stone platform that his body was laid upon. Since then, it has become common for families and communities to utilize these structures to express wealth or power. Although, in some cases, they are also used to preserve the memory of the family for generations.

There are multiple mausoleums around the world that house individuals such as emperors or influential people that have created a historical change. Whether it's Iran, China, or India, the mausoleums they hold are part of the wonders of the world and popular tourist attractions.

What are the Options

Three different mausoleums can be built and include a private option that can hold an entire family. The indoor is meant to be a shared area with multiple crypts that are entombed and allow individuals to enter the site. A garden mausoleum is outdoor and similar to the indoor option with a shared space for various tombs.

The internal design can vary depending on the kind of building that has been requested and can come in four different styles.

Family: The family option can come as large as requested and is traditionally meant to house family members. These are built so each person has a marker or stone indicating which tomb is theirs, and the crypts can be organized in various ways.

Side-by-Side: This option is generally made for two people and is typically chosen for couples. The individuals are placed next to each other, and the graves will have individually designed markers.

Companion: This option is also intended for two people but only uses the space of one crypt.

Single: this choice is intended for one person and can house an urn or a casket.