Why Do People Put Rocks on Gravestones?
History According to Rabbi Tom Louchheim, the custom of putting rocks on gravestones may have originated as a way to participate in building the gravestone (since in ancient times graves were usually marked with a cairn rather than a headstone, as we do today). Significance The usual explanation for this custom is that, unlike flowers, rocks are permanent, so they remain on the grave as a memento forever, and symbolize that you will never forget the deceased. Theories/Speculation Another theory is that this custom is not for the deceased’s benefit, but for the mourner’s; seeing all the rocks that other have placed upon the grave is a comfort to someone grieving for a lost loved one. Size The rocks are usually small, ranging from pebble-sized to golf-ball sized. Famous Ties An example of this custom can be seen at the end of the movie “Schindler’s List,” when the people Oskar Schindler saved visit his grave, and each places a stone upon it.
