Lithuania: QR codes on tombstones offer digital way to remember the dead

A novel trend is gaining traction in Lithuanian cemeteries, introducing QR codes onto tombstones. These codes offer a digital gateway to the lives of the departed, allowing visitors to access memorial pages via their smartphones. The initiative, promoted by companies like 'Cemety,' aims to provide a more comprehensive and personal way to remember individuals buried there.

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We always suggest uploading interesting stories, but mostly photos, memories, words that the person wants to say.

Upon scanning a QR code, users are directed to a memorial page that displays key information about the deceased. Relatives can upload photos, share personal stories, and even post video messages, creating a rich digital archive. Karolina Nečiūnė, marketing manager at 'Cemety,' explained that while people are encouraged to share interesting life stories, the platform often features photographs, memories, and messages that loved ones wish they could convey to the departed. She noted that this process can serve as a form of grieving and remembrance.

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This is not just a memory, for some it is a way of grieving and that helps. Therefore, words are shared, what the person would like to say to the deceased.

The idea reportedly originated from personal experiences of walking through cemeteries and feeling a desire to know more about the individuals buried there, especially younger people or children. The QR codes are often placed on the graves of notable individuals, such as Tito Masiulis in Kaunas, whose grave features a QR code with shared life moments. While Lithuanians are traditionally conservative regarding cemetery customs, Nečiūnė observes a growing acceptance of digitalization, including cemetery digitization projects.

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The idea arose while walking through cemeteries, when you pass many graves, and stop at some, especially if you see that a child or a younger person is buried there. Then the question arises – what happened? What did that person do in life?

Nečiūnė acknowledged that some people initially react conservatively to the idea of digitalizing cemeteries or placing QR codes on graves, viewing it as an intrusion on personal property. However, she stated that feedback is increasingly positive, with people appreciating the preservation of memories. The trend aligns with a broader societal shift towards digitalization, making these modern technologies an unavoidable aspect of contemporary life. The QR code markers themselves are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, with options for integration into monuments, ensuring they complement the gravestone rather than detract from it.

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Everything is moving towards digitalization, we cannot escape modern technologies.