I was reading recently that church authorities in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, have hit upon a unique scheme to earn a little extra cash. They’re selling second-hand gravestones.
Apparently the local church council came up with the scheme in order to make a little bit of money and to free up space in their cemeteries.
Church officials have brushed off protests, saying that the idea solves an environmental problem and the money earned will contribute to the upkeep of the cemeteries.
Only headstones which were erected more than 25 years ago and are no longer tended by relatives of the dead will be sold.
It’s an interesting idea but I’m not sure that it’ll work. Imagine how difficult it’ll be trying to find a used headstone for someone who has recently passed away. You’d have to find one originally from someone with the exact same name who died over 25 years ago. And surely the dates are going to be a problem.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
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Rodney, don’t you think people were buying them for other purposes? Coffee table tops, door stops, paving bricks, novelty gifts, bench protectors or pillows? Imagine the demand for a pillow that would last 200 years!
Maybe they’ll turn them around and use the back?
I’m looking for a unique water feature for our back yard – where can I buy one?
I just commented, but I don’t think it worked… so here goes again!
I can’t see how they can make much money off the idea. Surely not many people would be interested in recycled gravestones.
Unless of course they want bench protectors as mentioned above!