[masraum]

I assume this is mostly cultural and/or familial. Some cultures seem to memorialize the dead more than others. And I think some families/individuals want/need a physical place for the dead, and I think some folks visit the dead more. I see it on TV and in the movies, people talking to loved ones or friends at grave sites, but my family has never done it. Maybe it's because we traveled (dad was in the military) and our family moved around over the years. Dad's family came from Ohio area and had little contact with the family that stayed. The other grandparents moved from FL to GA, and granny is now back in FL. And I think most of our family was cremated. So for us to visit would generally require a long trip or plane flight.

Here in Texas, something that I see a lot are roadside memorials from where folks have been, I assume, hit by cars. You see them on the Interstate, and other roads, including bicycles painted white in the city.

I can see how it might be comforting to have a physical place to go. I also don't ever "talk to" anyone that's passed. I think about them.

I don't have a problem with any of the practices. I'm just curious.