Unmarked Grave

The phrase unmarked grave has metaphorical meaning in the context of cultures that mark burial sites.

As a figure of speech, a common meaning of the term "unmarked grave" is consignment to oblivion, i.e., an ignominious end. A grave monument (or headstone) is a sign of respect and fondness, erected with the intention of commemorating and remembering a person. Historically, unmarked graves in an unintentional sense are usually done for financial reasons by families that are too poor to afford a headstone, though in more recent times this has been avoided partially because the standard of living in most countries have since improved and even in cases where the families still can't afford a headstone, one is usually donated from a family friend or other charitable organization. Professional wrestler Sylvester Ritter, better known as the Junkyard Dog, is a recent example of a notable grave without a headstone.

Even when a person's remains are lost, a cenotaph may be erected. This is what happened to comedian John Belushi. The gravestone at his grave in a Martha's Vineyard cemetery was removed and relocated, after operators of the cemetery found many signs of vandalism and rowdiness, where his body lies. A cenotaph gravestone was erected at a nearby empty grave, to detour disrespectful visitors, leaving his actual final resting place without a marker. Another John Belushi cenotaph gravestone was erected by his family, in a Chicago area cemetery at the Belushi family plot, where his parents are now buried. Similarly, when H.P. Lovecraft's headstone in Providence, Rhode Island was stolen, a replacement marker was erected in a different location.