Finding ways to celebrate a loved one’s memory becomes vital for many after they pass away, as losing a loved one is always a tough event. While flower arrangements and other tributes are typical, there is a specific meaning associated with laying pennies on gravestones, especially for veterans and service members and their families.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
Though its exact roots are unknown, some have speculated that the custom of laying coins on gravestones originated during the Roman Empire. However, according to Snopes, there is insufficient evidence to back up this assertion. However, one thing is certain: people who have a strong bond with military people are aware of the sacrifices they make and are looking for a significant way to remember their lost colleagues.
It became increasingly difficult for people to express their emotions honestly during the Vietnam War. It became customary to place a coin on a soldier’s tomb to signify that someone had paid them a visit without running the danger of awkward talks regarding the political sides of the conflict. The gesture was a straightforward but effective way for people to express respect and unity.
Symbolic Honor Representations
Every penny placed on a gravestone has a special meaning associated with it. Here are few instances:
A penny is a sign that someone has paid their respects and visited the tomb.
Deeper emotional significance can be derived from a nickel, which represents a bond between the individual who left it and the dead soldier from boot camp.
A dime signifies cooperation, even if it was just briefly before splitting up.
The most important coin, the quarter, acts as a monument by informing the bereaved family that the person who left the coin was there during their time of grief.
These coins remind us of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and act as tangible representations of respect and tribute, bridging the gap between the past and present.
Past Gravestones
Not all military traditions involve coins, such as placing money on gravestones. Military troops are big fans of challenge coins, which have no monetary worth but are extremely significant. These coins, which stand for oneness, are frequently traded as trophies of friendship and honor.
Throughout history, coins have also had a variety of roles in cultural practices. They have been regarded as representations of good fortune, giving, and even riches. While this isn’t always the case, some people in the past were buried with their riches. For instance, it’s been reported that two dollars and fifty cents were buried with Abraham Lincoln’s eyes covered.
The deeper significance of laying pennies on gravestones is to commemorate and recognize the extraordinary efforts made by those who are serving in the military and their families, even though there may not be a clear relationship between money and this practice. It serves as a reminder to ourselves that their sacrifices are priceless.
NINE OBJECTS WHICH REDDITORS COULDN’T UNDERSTAND THEIR PURPOSE, AND SHARED TO LEARN
Understanding everything isn’t always simple. Sometimes, we find things we don’t get. But the internet has helpful and smart people who can quickly explain mysteries. And here are 15 surprising discoveries with fascinating secrets to uncover.
1. ’’We got this as a wedding gift many years ago. But the gift giver refuses to tell us what it is!’’
Answer: Careful! It serves as a device to let you slice cheese without handling the block. It’s a cheese holder.
2. ’’What’s this plastic dolphin with slits?’’
Answer: I believe it’s a dive toy, like those dive sticks which you throw in the pool and dive down to get them.
3. ’’It’s half wood, half marble, two semi-circle dips and a mini spoon. What is it?’’
Answer: It’s a salt & pepper “pinch pot”.
4. ’’I bought a big pack of groceries from a local supermarket; they threw in this item for free.’’
Answer: It’s an orange peeler.
5. ’’What is this thing I found in my grandfather’s closet?’’
Answer: It’s to pick up sugar cubes.
6. ’’What’s this? It has a hole just big enough for a fingertip, and two nubs looking like it clips to something.’’
Answer: It’s a keyboard key remover. It’s to help install custom keys but if it didn’t come with any custom keys, they probably gave it to you to help you remove all the keys to make cleaning easier.
7. ’’What’s this electric tool? When plugged in and turned on it vibrates very intensely.’’
Answer: It’s a Swedish massager. The hand goes through the springs, and it vibrates the hand as you massage someone.
8. ’’It’s 3 inches long, appears to be nylon body with red rubbery glued-in ends. It’s light, hollow, makes no noise when shaken.’’
Answer: It’s a kururin, a Japanese fidget toy.
9. ’’Two plastic hook shaped tools with double forks on the end. What are these and what are they used for?’’
Answer: It’s a tick removal tool. It’s called a “tick twister”.
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