Funeral Arts National Board Practice Exam

What do you call a monument that is erected in memory of the dead but does not serve as their resting place?

1. Tombstone

2. Cenotaph

3. Grave marker

4. Memorial plate

The correct answer is: Cenotaph

A cenotaph is a monument specifically designed to honor and remember someone who has died, typically erected in a location that serves as a symbolic site rather than a physical burial site. This can often be seen in situations where the body of the deceased is not buried in the same location as the monument, such as in cases where individuals are lost at sea or have been cremated. The primary purpose of a cenotaph is to provide a space for remembrance and reflection, allowing loved ones and the community to pay their respects. In contrast, a tombstone and a grave marker are directly associated with a burial site, serving as markers for where an individual is interred. A memorial plate, likewise, typically identifies a specific burial site or serves as a tribute that is placed in conjunction with the remains of the deceased. Thus, the term cenotaph distinctly identifies a monument that commemorates the deceased while not being a site of physical burial.