Good question. What ARE headstone rubbings? Headstone rubbings are a unique way of preserving the past, and generally done during...
Good question. What ARE headstone rubbings?
Headstone rubbings are a unique way of preserving the past, and generally done during Samhain to decorate the ancestor shrine or altar. While doing a rubbing doesn’t usually cause damage to headstones, it does happen on occasion. Naturally, if a stone is worn or crumbling you’ll want to skip that one. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage that could be irreparable. The best results come from polished granite stones or solid slate markers.
What you'll need...
(Before you start, make sure it’s legal in your area.)
You’ll need lightweight paper (white butcher paper works great), a large crayon (preferably black) or rubbing wax, masking tape, and a soft-bristled paintbrush for clearing debris off the stone. It’s best to bring a cardboard tube or roll with you for storing your rubbings to transport home.
How to begin...
Once you’ve chosen your stone, lightly brush the dirt and grit off with your paintbrush. Use the masking tape to keep the paper in place over the area you wish to rub. Try to extend the paper past the top and sides of the stone to keep from getting crayon marks on the stone itself.
Begin by filling in the outer edges of the carved area so you’ll have a point to work towards. Once you’ve done that, move to the center and begin working outward, back towards your edges. Use the flattest surface of the crayon or wax and make light, even strokes. If it looks like your rubbing isn’t showing up well, you can always go back and add more definition later. Keep your strokes even to prevent disparities in the coloring.
After you're done...
You may want to step back and look at the rubbing from a distance. More than likely you’ll notice some areas that need more shading or detail. Go back and fix them, without putting too much pressure on the stone. When you’re satisfied with the result, carefully remove all the tape. Be sure to clean up stray bits of paper or other garbage. Roll your rubbing up and place it in your tube for safekeeping.
When you get it home, matte and frame your work and hang it up on your wall. If you have access to the gravestones of your ancestors, a wall of framed rubbings can become the perfect altar to your heritage.
Source: Thoughtco
Be magickal, y’all!
