Graveside Lanterns
Graveside lanterns placed at the graveside in cemeteries are a way of showing loved ones that their memory lives on.
The light can have a religious and secular meaning. It is referred to in Psalm 18:28, which says “You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light”. Alternatively, the light may just signify life, which like a candle burns and flickers before eventually dying out.
In most cases, lanterns are placed at graves where there is also a matching vase, allowing the two to balance the look of the memorial.
Here are just a small selection of our graveside lanterns.
Graveside lanterns come in various materials. Aluminum and bronze are the most common, but it is not unusual to see them made of stainless steel and even granite. The flame may be real and atop a long lasting wax candle, shielded from the elements by the sturdy material of the lantern. It may also be a solar powered lamp that is designed to look like a flame, combining modern technology with the calming effect of a traditional candle.
There are various colour options for graveside lanterns. They can come in the original colour of the metal they are made of, but common choices are red, white, grey and also transparent.
It may be that your budget does not allow for the purchase of a lantern, or there are size restrictions in respect of ornamentation where your loved one is buried. In these circumstances, an option may be an annual lamp. Most commonly made of fibreglass, these can cost less than £100 inclusive of VAT. They are smaller than the lanterns (3-6 inches height) and burn for about a year.
Whether you choose a lantern or lamp, both options need little or no maintenance and can be installed easily. If desired, they can also be affixed permanently to a memorial base using a clear adhesive.
At Alberti, Lupton & Co we have the largest selection of memorials in Greater Manchester on display at our premises. This includes a wide range of graveside lanterns, either on their own or as part of a set with a vase and pot. We also have a range of annual lamps. If you are thinking of adding a lantern or lamp to an existing memorial, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide assistance.