Inscription refers to the words carved on the vertical stone. This kind of writing is specially made for carving tablets. Although some articles are engraved on the tablet, they are not written for the purpose of setting up a tablet, so they cannot be called inscriptions. Inscription is a kind of writing genre, inscription and order. When setting a topic, it depends on what forms are included, either directly taking a tablet as the topic, or taking the inscription as the topic, or taking the parallel order of the inscription as the topic. There is no fixed format, and some don't write inscriptions and other words, just write the title of the article.
Tombstone is a kind of inscription. This kind of inscription praises the dead and people, and does not involve strange things such as becoming a god. Writing such an article is often flattering. In the history of China literature, there are two masters who wrote tombstones, one is Cai Yong in the Han Dynasty, and the other is Han Yu in the Tang Dynasty. Cai Yong once said to Lu Zigan and Ma Ribei: "I think there are many inscriptions in the world, which are shameful, and Guo Youdao is worthy of color!" Because only the "Guotai Monument" is dedicated to people, and all other inscriptions are dedicated to people, it can be seen that most of his tombstones are dedicated to people. Han Yu wrote Epitaph of Liu Zihou, implicitly criticizing Liu Zongyuan's participation in the Wang Reform School. Although this criticism is entirely out of Han Yu's conservative personal prejudice, it is unfair. However, as an inscription, he used both praise and disparagement, breaking the traditional practice of only talking about people's good and not talking about people's shortcomings, but it is worth promoting. In short, it is more important not to be inaccurate, regardless of praise or criticism, and it is better to be fair and comfortable.
Tombstones and epitaphs of the ancients were all customized. Most monuments are rectangular with decapitated turtles on them. Tombstone uses seal script to write the tombstone of an official and figure, which is called "seal script". Epitaphs are small, mostly square, carved with stones and stamped with the epitaphs of officials and someone on them, which are called "book covers". With the "seal" and "book cover", there is no need to engrave the title before the inscription and chronology.
The title of the epitaph is said to be in parallel order, which is the first order, the second monument and the inscription behind it; If the epitaph is in parallel order, the first order, the second record and the last inscription; Those who are called epitaphs or tombstones are ambitious or have monuments without inscriptions; Those who call the tomb inscription have an inscription but no ambition; There are also people who have everything, although they are only famous or have monuments.
The system of epitaph generally includes name, place of origin, family background, experience, articles and works, time of death, then burial in a certain place in a certain year and month, and finally inscription. The contents of the epitaph also include name, lineage, native place, deeds, years of life, date of death, outline of descendants, burial time, burial place, and finally the inscription. Inscriptions are general compliments, mostly in verse, and three, four, five, seven words or Sao style can be used. Tombstones and epitaphs contain roughly the same content, but they are both concise and gorgeous.
[Edit this paragraph] Example of inscription
The inscription, taking Qingdao as an example, can be written by Mr. Ye Yan. Mingji
Wipe your tears and write, brush your tears and write inscriptions, comfort your pain with stones, and remember my kindness!
In the autumn of May 4th, September 24th, my mother was the sixth ancestor of Zhuanglang.
Born at the wrong time, wild vegetables are scarce, and five years old is helpless.
In adulthood, poverty and famine, hungry people leave their homes, and weak women leave their homes.
I moved to Bin County and met my father. Since then, I have been hot and cold.
My humble abode is not rich, my country is not prosperous, I honor my in-laws and live frugally.
Work hungry, mend, and love your sister as your own.
1979 years later, at the beginning, he cultivated land, started a business in the barren land, and became famous in the districts and counties.
Good latitude and longitude, hard work, March 8 Red Flag, awarded pacesetter many times.
It never rains but it pours. The loving mother is ill, strong and disease-resistant, and has been ill in bed for three years.
On my deathbed, I still think about the distance, because my son is unfilial and my mother is concerned.
There is no way to return to heaven, farewell to five, sound, separation of man and nature.
Complain about the sky, don't wait for hoary heads, complain about the land, and cry in autumn!
Fifty years' legacy, a hundred years' legacy, diligence and self-cultivation, filial piety to parents.
Give a thousand favors, and things will change. Remember, Yusi does not forget!