Apart from being a popular crossword answer, the meaning behind ‘Tumulus’ is that it is a mound of earth and stone raised to originally house a grave or graves. A tumulus can also be known as a barrow or a burial mound, and can be found throughout history and across most of the world.
The rest of this article is contributed by Sarah from
www.mid-englandbarrow.co.uk
Before the availability of the modern round barrow, there were two types of options for what to do with cremation ashes. At one end of the spectrum was the traditional churchyard or crematorium, and right at the other was blasting into space or having them tattooed into your skin. For everyone else, the modern Barrow offers a unique alternative. The Barrow is handcrafted from locally sourced stone, individual pieces shaped to fit each and every spot. The three chambers contain niches, nestled into the stone, where urns are placed.
The Barrow is fairly unusual in that it is one of the few places where ashes can be 'visited', as they remain within a niche, in an urn.
This means that for those who wish to, not only can the ashes be visited, the niche cover can be designed so that the urn can be touched, or even removed by families from their secure niche, so that the life lost can really be included in significant occasions. I know of one such family who visit the barrow regularly with a picnic, and Granny joins them. This may not be everyone’s choice, but the Barrow may be the solution for families who are looking for a way to enable them to feel closer to the person they have lost.
I think this is particularly significant when children are involved, whether a child was the deceased, or a child wanting to spend time or feel close to someone they have lost. Bereavement is a troubling experience for anyone, but for a child of any age, it can be particularly traumatic.
The
Mid-England Barrow isn’t a sad or gloomy place, it’s incredibly surreal, that moment when a tingle goes down your spine, and any sound or movement seems to disappear. As you enter, the aura gives a cool, calming, tranquil feeling, and you can’t help but lower your tone, and begin reflecting upon the space you are in and the reason for your visit. It’s not spooky or scary, but invigorating and rewarding, and you leave really feeling connected with the life lost.
A recent visitor to the Barrow said he didn’t particularly think he would visit his Aunt in the Barrow, but he needed to know where she was. Until his visit to the Barrow, her ashes had remained for some time with a Funeral Director, because ‘nowhere felt right.’
What’s more, pet ashes can be stored alongside their human companion, right where they used to be!
Further information can be found at
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