What’s the Difference Between a Mausoleum and a Memorial?

When considering how to commemorate the life of a loved one, a family may contemplate a mausoleum, a memorial, or another commemorative structure. The terms can get confusing, though, so what’s the difference between a mausoleum and a memorial?

A Mausoleum Houses the Remains of the Deceased
A mausoleum is a structure designed to hold the remains of the deceased, either in bodily form or as cremated remains. Mausoleums often house multiple family members, although it’s not required. Many think of a mausoleum as a memorial to lost family members – particularly if the mausoleum is elaborate, ornate, or artistic – but at the core a mausoleum is a structure that physically houses remains.

A Memorial May Not Contain Remains
A memorial for a beloved family member may or may not contain the remains of the individual. In a traditional sense, a memorial is typically a statue, headstone, or other artistic expression in remembrance of a loved one whose remains are not physically present. Memorials are also sometimes called monuments, but the distinction is typically based on the type of memorial structure.

Some of the more beautiful and elaborate mausoleums today are often viewed as memorial in nature, if not by the traditional definition. In this sense, a mausoleum may also be a memorial, but a memorial need not be a mausoleum or contain the remains of a loved one.

Ultimately, the choice of how to commemorate the life of a beloved family member is a very personal one. Whether the family chooses a mausoleum, a memorial, a memorial mausoleum or something else entirely – the important thing is the expression of love and the reminder of the deceased that comforts the family during their grief.

[Dachary Carey] Google+