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Solar Lights for Graves: A Guide to Illuminating Cemetery with Eco-Friendly Lighting
I recently visited a few cemeteries while I was living in Croatia because I had heard there were some beautiful ones. The stark differences between the Eastern and Western cemeteries surprised me.
As someone who was raised in Eastern nations, we would keep our loved ones' cremated remains in a stone urn after they passed away. Put the urn in a designated area for storing such objects after that. We shall take the urn out for worship on every Tomb-sweeping Day, most likely at the start of April, and then return it. Not everyone in our city will have a plot of land for a cemetery.
However, I found that in Croatia, people will bury their dead in graves marked with tombstones or markers, which are often personalized with flowers, photos, or other decorations. I've seen a mausoleum that was decorated with a large football. He must have loved football a lot during his lifetime, according to appearances.
Additionally, each cemetery will feature multiple candles, regardless of how it is designed. I found out after asking that candles are lit to remember the ancestors and that doing so also entails wishing for warmth and the continuation of the ancestors in some way in our life.
What are Grave Lights?
The candle I just mentioned is a kind of grave light, they are often used to illuminate the grave of the deceased and to symbolize their presence. These candles are typically placed on top of the headstone or at the foot of it. They are also used in different ways depending on the culture but most commonly they are lit for a certain amount of time (usually 24 hours) and then extinguished after that period has elapsed.
Besides the traditional candles for graves, we have some modern options nowadays, such as LED candles, battery lights, and solar lights. These are all great options and can be used to light a grave in many different ways, depending on the person’s preferences.
They are all great options because they come with their own benefits and drawbacks, depending on what you’re looking for. You may want to choose one of these options if you are looking for something that will last longer than traditional candles do, or if you want to ensure that they don’t get blown out by the wind or rain.
1) Traditional Candles
Conventional candles are a well-liked option for grave lights because of their timeless and conventional appearance, which many people find appealing. To reflect the deceased's personality, they can also be readily personalized with various colors, smells, and designs. Traditional candles do have some disadvantages, though. The possibility of fire is one of the primary worries, as candles are easily knocked over or extinguished by the wind. Traditional candles can also be short-lived grave lights because they are not weatherproof and are susceptible to damage from wind and rain. Despite these issues, traditional candles are still frequently utilized and can give visitors to the cemetery a calm and cozy ambiance.
2) LED Battery Lights for Graves
A secure and low-maintenance choice for grave lights is LED battery lights. They can be tailored and are available in a range of colors and styles to match the deceased's personality. The LED light bulb is small and it can be installed into different shapes or styles of lights to give a unique and personal touch.
There is no fire or burn risk, that is because the LED light bulbs are not real candles or flame, and the LED lights itself generate nearly no heat, making them far safer than traditional candles. These are a practical choice for individuals who want to maintain the illumination of their loved one's cemetery and require little maintenance and durability.
LED candles, however, are not environmentally friendly because they require batteries, which, if not disposed of correctly, can harm the environment. Also, it's possible that the batteries may eventually need to be replaced, which will add to the cost. LED candles are a popular alternative for many people looking for a medium-term grave light option despite these disadvantages.
3) Solar Lights for Graves
Gravesite illumination in cemeteries can be done with solar lights, which are environmentally beneficial and low-maintenance.
The solar lights for graves are very durable, which reduces their overall cost over time.
Can You Put Solar Lights on a Grave?
Yes, just like using solar lights in your garden or backyard, you can absolutely use solar lights on a grave, as long as there will be sunlight during the daytime. Howevery, solar lights may not function well in shady places or during periods of low sunlight, though, as they are dependent on sunlight. Despite this drawback, solar lights are still a fantastic option for cemeteries because they are a long-lasting, environmentally friendly lighting option. Luckily, the lights only consume a few watts of power, so they do not require a lot of sunlight to function. As long as it is not cloudy or rainy days for the whole week, they should perform well. What should be noticed is that most of the solar lights are controlled by light sensors, they will be on and off automatically according to the environmental brightness. They will be perfect for those cemeteries who want to save energy and keep the lighting on all night, which will not cause any harm to people or environment. That also means they are not as smart as the other solar lights, so they will be on when it is dark and off when it is bright. If you are looking for a more accurate lighting system, these solar lights are not the best option.
Solar lights can be placed on top of the grave marker or in a nearby tree. The solar panel converts sunlight into electricity that powers an LED light inside the fixture.
Ultimately, installing solar lighting is a long-term investment that can help the environment and those who visit graves in cemeteries.
Different Types of Solar Lights for Graves
Here we introduce three types of solar lights for graves.
1) Solar Angel Light
Gravesite lighting with solar angels is a lovely and decorative choice. These lights, which frequently have an angel figure, give out a soft, pleasant glow that fosters a quiet mood. They are excellent for paying tribute to a loved one's memory and frequently fashioned of strong materials that can survive adverse weather. Solar angel lights normally cost between $20 and $50, and they range in size from 10 to 12 inches.
It is crucial to install solar angel lights in a spot with sufficient sunlight and to keep them away from vulnerable regions where they can be damaged or vandalized. These pointers will help you make sure that your solar angel lights keep creating a tranquil and cozy atmosphere for many years to come.
2) Solar Candle
At cemetery sites, solar candles are a popular choice because they produce a cozy and comfortable ambience without burning anything. These lights are built of sturdy, weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements and replicate the flickering flame of a genuine candle. They are an economical and sensible option for individuals who want to pay tribute to their loved ones because they are long-lasting and low-maintenance. Solar candles normally range in price from $5 to $20 and range in size from 4 to 6 inches. To guarantee that solar candles receive enough energy to run, it is crucial to position them in an area with direct sunshine. To guarantee optimal functioning, it is also advised to replace the battery frequently.
3) Solar Stake Lights
If the solar angel lights or the solar candles are too common for your loved ones, they like something special. Then, solar stake lights are the option you can go for, as there are so many styles and shapes of the solar stake lights.
Normally, the solar stake lights are with adjustable brightness settings and a ground-mounted stake that firmly anchors the light into the ground.
The lights are typically 12-18 inches in height and range from $10 to $30. It's important to ensure the stake is firmly anchored in the ground to prevent the light from tipping over in windy conditions.
How to Choose Solar Lights for Graves?
Although you can use almost all kinds of solar lights for graves, there are two important things that you need to pay attention to.
1) Waterproof and Weather Resistance
It's critical to get a solar light that is waterproof and weather resistant because the majority of the graves are outside. You can pick a solar lamp that is highly resistant to water splashing and has an IPX4 or higher waterproof rating.
The higher the number at the end, the better the light's capacity to be waterproof. If the location is humid, it is best to use a light with an IPX6 certification.
2) Weight of the Light
There is not much shade and most of the graves are open, which could cause a relatively strong wind in this area. To endure the wind, the light should be built with sturdy materials. A light with an anchor built into the base can help boost stability and keep it from being carried away by the wind.
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