Month: May 2023

A mortuary is a place where the dead are stored until they can be buried or cremated. They usually offer the same services as a funeral home, but they have a more clinical environment and focus on mortuary sciences.

They are also more likely to offer cremation services, which involve reducing the body to ashes that can be buried or stored in a columbarium.

Embalming

Embalming is the process of preserving a body to delay the natural breakdown of cells that occurs after death. This prevents deterioration and allows family members to spend time with their loved ones before they are buried or cremated. It is a common practice and has been around in some form for thousands of years.

During embalming, the funeral director will first wash the body and then start the procedure of replacing internal fluids with a mixture of chemicals that preserve it. This process is called cavity embalming and involves making a small incision to drain the abdomen and thoracic cavities. A needle called a trocar is then used to aspirate the organs, removing blood and other bodily fluids.

After completing cavity embalming, the funeral director will then prepare the body cosmetically for visitation and funeral services. They will add facial make-up to create a more lifelike appearance and may apply light cosmetic massage cream. They will also rehydrate the skin and make any cosmetic corrections to features that have dehydrated due to lack of blood circulation.

Burial

Mortuaries are used to store human bodies that are awaiting burial, cremation or other methods of disposal. Typically, they are kept refrigerated to slow down the natural decomposition process. This can make the process of identification and examination easier.

In the case of a disaster that overwhelms the capacity of a local morgue, public facilities such as ice rinks and refrigerator trucks can be designated to act as temporary morgues until permanent facilities can be established. In this way, the bodies of the victims can be disposed of as needed without disrupting a local community’s customary practices.

In many cultures, burial is seen as a respectful way to honor the dead. The practice can bring closure for a loved one’s family and friends. Some cultures also believe that burying a body is necessary to prevent pollution or the spread of diseases. This is especially important for bodies that will be buried in soil that may contain toxic substances.

Cremation

Cremation was a popular choice for people who wanted to reduce their environmental footprint during the green movement of the 1960’s. As the movement evolved and shifted into the new millennium, new motivations became driving factors for choosing cremation.

Prior to cremation the body is cleaned, dressed and inspected for any metal objects such as pins, screws, mechanical devices (like pacemakers) and prosthetic limbs that need to be removed before cremation in order to prevent reactions during the process. After this the body is placed into a container that is then moved to the cremation chamber (retort).

Once in the retort the body is incinerated at high temperatures until it has been reduced to bones and calcified fragments, commonly referred to as ashes. Once cooled, the ashes are transferred to a temporary container or an urn provided by the family. It takes between one and three hours for the cremation to be completed. This allows time for family and friends to travel to the funeral.

Funerals

A funeral is a final ceremony that helps mourners say their last farewells. It provides an opportunity to share condolences, receive support and celebrate a life well lived. A funeral is not for the deceased but for the living, and it serves as an important social ritual in many cultures.

A mortuary is a building or room where dead bodies are kept before they are buried, cremated or identified. They are usually refrigerated to slow down decomposition and may be embalmed if the body is going to a public viewing or funeral service.

Funeral homes are full-service businesses that prepare a body for burial or cremation as well as providing services such as visitation, wake and religious services. A funeral director is the person who meets with you to discuss your preferences, and leads you through the process. Public Health Law 4201 allows you to designate an agent to make arrangements on your behalf, but this does not obligate you to pay for those services.

While it might seem like the difference between cemetery and graveyard is semantic, language is a lot more fluid than we think.

Those of high social status were typically interred in a crypt within the church or its graveyard.

Over time, churches began to run out of space and large cemeteries unaffiliated with churches came into existence. This is when the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery became more apparent.

Definition

Graveyard describes burial grounds affiliated with a church. They are usually located on the church’s property and tend to be smaller than a cemetery because of limited space.

During the Middle Ages, people of high social status were often interred in crypts inside their place of worship. Less wealthy congregants were buried in the area around the church, which eventually became known as a graveyard.

The word cemetery describes a more modern burial ground that is not affiliated with any particular religion. It is derived from the Germanic word graban, which means to dig. Despite the fact that the words are used interchangeably today, linguistic precision is best served by using graveyard for church-affiliated burial grounds and cemetery for those that are unaffiliated with any religious institution.

Origin

The word graveyard has several origins, some of which have been discarded. The term is used to describe a burial ground that adjoins a church, although it has been used in place of other names throughout history.

Traditionally, those who were rich or noble were buried close to the church (the ‘churchyard’). As these sites became full, new burial grounds were established on land that was not consecrated. These are now called ‘cemeteries’.

Due to sanitary concerns, certain groups were forbidden from being buried in a graveyard (like criminals and the poor). This was also true for Christians until recently when they accepted cremation and ashes burial as an alternative. These days, there is very little distinction between a cemetery and a graveyard. This is partly due to the fact that many people use both terms interchangeably.

Place of Burial

From around the 7th century in Europe burial was under church control and could only be carried out on consecrated ground. Wealthy or otherwise powerful Christians were interred in crypts inside churches, while less wealthy congregants were buried outside in graveyards.

Burial can involve many rituals and is generally seen as a sign of respect for the dead. In some cultures, it may also symbolize rebirth or continuity with the past.

Burial can include containers such as shrouds, coffins, or grave liners that slow decomposition and prevent contamination by bacteria. Other options include embalming and mummification, and some cultures may dress the corpse in fancy or ceremonial garb. Decorations such as flowers, urns with ashes, and statues can be added to a graveyard to increase its rating.

Symbolism

Symbols are often associated with graveyards, both as motifs and carvings. These designs may represent the deceased’s beliefs, or may refer to their life and career. They are also a way of showing respect for the dead.

An anchor symbolises hope, the attribute of Saint Nicholas (patron saint of seamen), and the concept of steadfastness. The dove indicates purity and innocence; the butterfly represents metamorphosis or change. Ivy is a symbol of immortality, due to its hardiness and tendency to grow back. It is also a common horticultural symbol of remembrance.

Some symbols are common, such as the skull and crossbones and the hourglass. Others are less well known. The compass and carpenter’s square, for example, indicate the person was a Freemason. They may also have been a Masonic initiate.

Etymology

The terms graveyard and cemetery are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. In general, a graveyard is a burial ground that is affiliated with a church. The church typically controls who is buried in the graveyard and only members of that church can be buried there.

In medieval times, wealthy or important Christians were buried in crypts inside their place of worship. Less wealthy congregants were buried in the graveyard outside of the church.

When doctors wanted to study human anatomy, they would often hire grave robbers to steal skeletons from recently buried bodies and keep them in their cupboards at home. This is the origin of the idiom, “Every doctor has a skeleton in his cupboard.” Let your loved ones know your end-of-life wishes ahead of time with Cake’s free, easy-to-use planning tools.

Cemeteries are sensitive spaces where bidding a loved one goodbye is very personal. However, they also play a crucial role in cities’ urban real estate and sustainability.

Martha Lyon, a landscape architect, says cash-strapped municipalities don’t tend to invest in cemetery landscaping. But upfront improvements, like converting asphalt roads to permeable surfaces, reduce maintenance costs.

Master Plan

A Cemetery Master Plan is a comprehensive plan that provides a roadmap for long term planning and enables the Cemetery to meet the needs of its clients. It includes the analysis and design of the overall cemetery site, a list of short and long term needs and a detailed implementation plan for a variety of projects.

Proper grading and drainage are critical for Cemetery grounds as they should direct water away from gravesites and buildings and into appropriate areas. These drainage systems must be carefully designed by a professional to ensure that they are functional and do not cause any flooding or seepage problems.

Good Cemetery Design adds value and increases revenues. For example, those burial plots near scenic and beautiful spaces and features command premium prices over a standard lawn burial. Providing options like cremation gardens and tree planting also help to promote the idea of green burial and sustainable futures. Other cemetery amenities such as outdoor lighting, monument and plaque signage that follows protocol and hardscapes that are in proportion with the site layout are important.

Accessibility

Bidding a final goodbye is a highly personal gesture and the cemetery must accommodate a variety of family, religious and cultural traditions. This can be a challenging task and requires a broad knowledge of how to design and manage this delicate space.

A cemetery must also be accessible to its visitors. Whether they are elderly people, families with young children or people who are grieving, they need to be able to find their way around the site without difficulty. The Cemetery Design must include clear and simple signage so that visitors can easily navigate the grounds.

In addition to signage, the Cemetery should provide adequate parking for those who visit the graves. This will ensure that visitors do not have to walk long distances and that the cemetery remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. It is also important to consider the use of green technologies in order to make the cemetery more sustainable.

Signage

Signage is an important aspect of cemetery design. It helps people find their way around the cemetery and avoid getting lost. It also reminds people to show respect to their loved ones. Cemetery signs are also a great way to promote community outreach and encourage visitors to come back regularly.

Many cemeteries have rules and regulations regarding the type, size, and construction of memorials. These restrictions are generally cemetery wide, but can also apply to specific burial sites. These rules and regulations are designed to ensure that memorials are safe and maintained, so that the cemetery can continue to operate effectively.

Stephen Chiavaroli is a GIS Specialist and Cemetery Planner with years of experience providing comprehensive mapping and planning solutions. He has helped numerous clients unlock additional revenue by improving their cemetery inventory analysis and development strategies. He has also presented at several professional conferences. He has an extensive background in Cemetery Mapping & Planning and is committed to promoting best practices.

Plantings

Plantings in a cemetery help visitors connect with the deceased. They are also a way for families to honor their loved ones. The plantings can include trees, shrubs or flowers.

Most modern cemeteries have enacted rules regarding what can be planted on a grave. These rules usually help to streamline maintenance and prevent situations that are deemed unsightly or detrimental to the overall landscape.

A common choice is to plant a flower garden at a loved one’s grave. It is important to choose plants that are low maintenance and will not be affected by a long period of drought. Some good choices are geraniums, astilbe, chrysanthemums, marigolds and zinnias. These are easy to grow and provide many colors. They are often deer resistant as well.

Other good choices are hollyhocks and lilyturfs. They add a nice color in the fall and are a great contrast to the green of the rest of the plantings. Heather, which is hardy and blooms without interruption, is another good choice.

A cemetery is a serene place to visit loved ones, reminisce and pay their respects. It also serves as a historical repository of information about people who lived nearby.

A cemetery app makes it easier for family historians to locate graves of their ancestors. Previously, it would have been necessary to bring along a map, GPS device and laptop to find the right graves.

The History of Cemeteries

A cemetery is land that has been specifically set aside for the burial or entombment of human remains. It is a place where people go to pay their respects to the dead and often also serve as a memorial for those who have died. The layout and design of cemeteries reflect local geography, social attitudes, religion, aesthetic and sanitary precautions.

From the 7th century CE, church-controlled graveyards became common. The church would only allow members of the congregation to be buried on its ground, leading to overcrowding and poor conditions.

In the 1800s, curated gardens with paths and gazeboes began to replace these overcrowded areas of tombstones. Nowadays, many families who have loved ones buried in graveyards like to create shrines on their children’s and spouses’ graves, decorating them with flowers, wind chimes, toys and other objects. Although cemetery authorities usually attempt to limit the number and type of objects placed on a grave, these rules are often ignored by mourning family members.

Modern Day Cemeteries

In the United States there are over 144,000 cemeteries, which are both time capsules and a testament to America’s attitudes toward death. In his new book, journalist Greg Melville examines these graveyards from Colonial Jamestown to Philadelphia’s Laurel Hill to see what they reveal about religion, race, identity, and imagination.

During the 1800s, urban cemetery management had to become more sophisticated because of limited land available for burials and overcrowding in churchyards. This led to the development of “rural cemeteries,” which were more spacious than city burial grounds and removed the dead from public view.

Some modern-day trends in cemetery design have also focused on removing the dead from public view. For example, Seattle headstone manufacturer Quiring Monuments has incorporated technology into their grave markers by adding QR codes that link to a personal webpage set up by the family of the deceased, which can include photos, messages, and more. This helps mourners connect with the deceased and share memories.

Types of Cemeteries

Cemeteries can be classified into 4 major categories. The type of cemetery you choose will determine your options and cost.

Municipal, or public, cemeteries are owned by cities, towns, and counties and offer a range of services at a lower cost than private cemeteries. They are typically smaller and do not offer as many burial options as private cemeteries.

Private cemeteries are often owned by a religious order, fraternal organization, association, or individual. They generally have more burial options and services than public cemeteries, but they also tend to be more expensive.

Family (or private) cemeteries are where a group of individuals will purchase plots and inter their loved ones together. These are often located on the periphery of town or city centers and have more space than municipal cemeteries. They also usually have more beautiful monuments and mausoleums.

The Meaning of the Word “Cemetery”

The word cemetery comes from the Greek work koimeterion meaning “sleeping place.” It also carries the connotation of being a resting place for the dead.

Until around the 7th century, churches had complete control over burial processes. As a result, burials took place in the graveyards that were attached to their churches and were only available for members of that particular church or religion. Cemeteries are not associated with a specific faith and therefore can be larger than graveyards.

Often, people will visit a cemetery to pay their respects to their loved ones who have passed on. This is a very important part of the grieving process. It is not uncommon for visitors to leave flowers, food, or drinks at a grave site to show their respects and admiration. In some cases, war graves will be marked by small timber remembrance crosses or wreaths. Occasionally, candles will be lit on the grave site as a mark of remembrance.

The park is a recreational outdoor gem frequented by hundreds of Houstonians and visitors daily. It is also one of the largest city parks in America.

The Memorial Park Master Plan addresses contemporary demands on this major urban park while safeguarding its qualities as a major urban wilderness that Houstonians value. It consolidates similar and compatible programs for a more logical and understandable flow of park visitors.

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War, which took place between 1954 and 1975, was the most divisive war in American history. This was America’s first television war, and images of dead soldiers, prisoners held in North Vietnam and peaceful antiwar protests made headlines.

During President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration (1953-1961), financial aid was provided to pay for South Vietnamese military forces, and American advisors were sent to help them train. At that time, there was considerable concern about the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

Today, visitors to The Wall encounter more than 58,000 names etched into black granite. Those who were Missing in Action have a symbol added to their name that represents their fate; those whose remains were recovered are marked with an “+” sign. VVMF also works with the National Park Service to conduct ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, to maintain an archive of those who died in the Vietnam War, and to continue to add names as new information becomes available.

Submariners Monument

The submariner’s ability to carry out silent, deep-sea operations has earned them a place in history. Many submariners were lost in the course of their missions, but those who survived have a long tradition of memorializing those that never came home. Whether in stately monolith, heroic statuary, or graven tablet, submariners have been honored in a variety of ways.

The design for this memorial was based on the inside walls of a submarine. Its architecture resembles the submarine’s bulkheads, and it even has the characteristic limber holes.

The submarine memorial also features an evocative watertight door. It is etched with the names of 52 submarines that were lost during World War II. In addition, visitors can pay their respects to submariners by laying wreaths on the circular base of the monument. A major restoration campaign took place in 2015 and 2016 to stabilize the structure. This involved a team of conservators from various historic restoration and coating firms.

Gold Star Monument

For families who have lost a loved one while serving in the armed forces, a new monument honors their loss and stands as a reminder that freedom is not free. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is the first of its kind in Louisiana, and was unveiled during a dedication ceremony at White Haven Memorial Park on Saturday. The event included remarks by Gov. John Bel Edwards, a performance by the 156th United States Army Band from Bossier City, tribute wreath placements by various veteran service organizations and the unveiling of the memorial.

The stunning black granite monument has two sides, and the engraved words: “Gold Star Families Memorial Monument – A tribute to Mothers, Fathers, Family Members and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for Our Freedom.” The other side tells a story through four granite panels of Homeland, Family, Patriot and Sacrifice.

For Stamford resident Frank DeMasi, the monument brought back memories of his brother. He was just 4 when he saw his brother, a soldier killed at Pearl Harbor, and he says his loss has never left him.

Peace Statue

The first thing visitors see as they enter the memorial park is a quotation from Martin Luther King Jr. placed along a wooden-slat wall: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” This framing introduces EJI’s overall social activist and reparative justice mission.

The memorial park continues through a journey that stretches from slavery to lynching and racial terror, with text, narratives, and monuments for the victims of these tragedies. Visitors are confronted with the difficult texts that identify awful justifications for lynching such as interracial relations, speaking out against lynching, or not showing deference to whites.

The second monument, a statue of “Peace,” looms over the memorial park. While WGCW and Korea Verband installed and framed the statue within a particular paradigm, once it was on German soil it started to acquire a new meaning of its own. The statue became a symbol for the anti-nationalist women of the Korean diaspora and inaugurated a discussion about cross-origin identification, belonging, and politics in postmigrant Germany.

Planning a funeral can be stressful. It is also a complex process. There are many decisions to make, including whether to have a burial or cremation. Some people even choose to donate their body.

The Board regulates funeral establishments, directors and embalmers. Consumers can file complaints about these businesses. The Board also investigates and educates consumers about funeral directing practices.

Licensed by the State of California

The state of California licenses funeral homes, crematoriums and directors. It also investigates complaints from consumers about their services. The Bureau regulates all aspects of the business, including casket sales, obituaries and memorial services, transferring remains to a different funeral establishment and storing cemetery property. Its regulations are available online.

College mortuary science programs usually last from 2 to 4 years. They are accreditated by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Many of them are located at universities and community colleges. Some offer bachelor’s degrees.

The law requires a funeral establishment to give you an itemized statement of your choices, including charges for outside vendor services arranged by the funeral director. It must also include an estimate of all unallocated overhead costs, such as taxes, insurance and advertising.

The Bureau does not have jurisdiction over cemeteries operated by religious organizations, cities, counties, or cemetery districts, or by the military or Native American tribal organizations. For information on a cemetery not licensed by the Bureau, contact the governing organization.

Licensed by the State of Nevada

As a funeral provider, you are responsible for complying with the Funeral Rule, which requires you to provide consumers with a General Price List (GPL), Casket Price List, and Outer Burial Container Price List. You are also required to give them a written Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected, which includes an itemized breakdown of the prices for the goods and services they select.

You must offer the GPL to anyone who inquires about funeral goods and services, including those making pre-need arrangements. However, you do not have to send the GPL to people who make telephone or mail inquiries.

A cemetery regulated by the Bureau may collect a non-declinable fee to establish an endowment care fund. This fund, which is supervised by the State, allows the cemetery to use the interest earned to pay for the maintenance of the cemetery facilities and grounds. This fee must be included in the basic services fee or listed as an additional service on the GPL.

Licensed by the State of Texas

The Texas Funeral Service Commission regulates the funeral industry by issuing licenses for embalmers and funeral directors; inspecting funeral establishments; and reviewing complaints. The Commission also holds disciplinary hearings. The EAD finding aid includes minutes, correspondence, policy manuals, and press releases. The records were appraised as archival by State Archives staff in 1997.

Working in the death care industry presents unique challenges and a consumer base that is often in the throes of grief. It requires special qualifications, including compassion and strong organizational skills. Fortunately, there are many programs available to prepare students for this career.

These programs range from an Associate of Applied Science, which is an undergraduate academic degree (covering both Embalming and Funeral Directing) to the Funeral Director’s Program, which is a certificate program. Some of these programs also offer distance education. These courses allow students to complete coursework online, at their own pace. However, they must still attend the classroom component of their courses.

Licensed by the State of New York

The Funeral Rule applies to all businesses that sell or offer to sell funeral goods and services. This includes cemeteries, crematories, funeral directors, and firms that perform ancillary funeral directing services, such as preparing and posting notices, sheltering remains, and transporting the body. In addition, the rule applies to pre-need arrangements. It also applies to a consumer who changes the casket or service selection specified in a pre-need contract.

The FTC has published these guidelines to help funeral providers comply with the Funeral Rule. They explain the requirements of the Rule, and provide sample price lists and a Sample Itemized Statement. The guidelines are not binding on the Commission.

If you offer funeral packages, your prices must include a non-declinable basic services fee. You cannot charge other fees that are not part of the package. These include charges for public transportation, clergy honoraria, flowers, musicians or singers, obituary notices, and gratuities. You must also disclose the cost of embalming.

People often confuse mortuaries and funeral homes. They are similar in some ways, but they have different business models. Mortuaries are typically larger than funeral homes and provide more services.

They focus on mortuary sciences and preparation of the body for burial or cremation. They also offer grief counseling and other important tasks like death registration and obituary writing.

A morgue or mortuary is a place used for the storage of human corpses awaiting identification.

Most adults have seen depictions of morgues in movies and TV, but these are usually not accurate portrayals. Morgues are typically located within or adjacent to hospitals and medical centers, but they can also be found in retirement homes and hospice care facilities.

Morgues are designed to preserve and protect bodies until they can be identified. They are typically refrigerated to slow down decomposition.

The terms morgue and mortuary are often used interchangeably, but context plays a role in which term is appropriate. For example, in a medical context, a morgue is a place where autopsies are performed. In contrast, a funeral home is not considered to be a morgue because it does not perform autopsies.

In an emergency, any refrigerated space spacious enough to accommodate a body can act as a temporary morgue. However, most local governments have special facilities, such as ice rinks, that are designed to serve as emergency morgues in the event of a disaster.

A waiting mortuary is a mortuary building designed specifically for the purpose of confirming that deceased persons are truly deceased.

Before today’s methods of verifying death, people often feared that they might be buried alive. This led to the invention of waiting mortuaries, which were often ornate halls staffed with attendants who watched for signs of life and allowed corpses to decompose partially before burial. These were especially popular in 19th century Germany.

The body begins to decompose around four minutes after the heart stops. This is the first indication that the person is truly dead. Observations of the corpse a few hours later may also be helpful, as stiffening (rigor mortis) indicates that the person has been dead for some time.

In the past, some morgues became macabre spectacles, with crowds lining up to see the unidentified bodies. Even after this era of voyeuristic obsession, many people are still very uncomfortable when asked to identify a loved one’s body. Some flinch, gasp, or pass out. Others simply refuse to look. For these reasons, morgue staff carefully control the conditions in their viewing rooms to minimize shock and distress for visitors.

A funeral home is a mortuary.

A funeral home is a business that provides services for the dead and their families. It is usually a large and profitable industry that employs a wide range of people, including morticians, pathologists, and embalmers. A funeral home may also offer a variety of other services, such as memorialization and burial.

The main difference between a mortuary and a funeral home is that a funeral home has the ability to hold viewings and services while a mortuary cannot. This is because a funeral home has larger areas where services can be held and public viewings can occur.

A funeral home is also more adept at planning a service and providing memorialization products, such as caskets and urns. They may also be able to arrange for a cremation facility if the family wishes. They also help to write and publish obituaries in newspapers. By law, funeral homes must provide a general price list that clearly states their prices for all regularly offered services and merchandise.

An embalming facility is a mortuary.

A mortuary is a place that prepares dead bodies for burial or cremation. It is often located in a hospital or medical facility. Mortuaries may also be privately owned. The mortuary industry provides many jobs. It is a large and profitable business. Mortuaries are sometimes used as training centers for funeral directors and embalmers.

Embalming is a process that involves the use of chemicals. It includes glycerol, which softens tissues and prevents them from drying out; alcohol, to facilitate penetration; 2.5 percent phenol, an antifungal agent; eosin, which improves color; and sodium acetate, an anticoagulant. The process takes several hours to complete.

Unlike a morgue, a mortuary can offer direct services such as a quick viewing for immediate family members and on-site cremation. This can be beneficial to families because it is less expensive than a full-service funeral home. In addition, mortuaries may offer limited onsite memorialization services. These differences make it important for consumers to understand the difference between a mortuary and a morgue.

Many people use the words graveyard and cemetery interchangeably, but they have very different meanings. The difference between the two lies in history, culture, and geography.

Historically, most burials were done in churchyards adjacent to churches. When these became overcrowded, new cemetery grounds unaffiliated with churches came into being.

Definition

A graveyard is a place where the dead are buried. It is usually located near a church, and it may also be used as a final resting place for members of a particular faith. A graveyard may also be used to store obsolete or derelict objects, such as old cars and machinery.

The terms graveyard and cemetery are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a difference in meaning between the two. Graveyard is traditionally associated with a specific church, while cemetery refers to a burial ground that is unaffiliated with a specific religion.

Historically, people who were wealthy or had an important position in society were buried in their churches or in crypts beneath them. As the population grew, however, space became limited, and new burial grounds, called cemeteries, were established. Unlike graveyards, which are often unkempt, cemeteries are typically more organized and well-maintained.

Origin

During the Middle Ages, wealthy or influential Christians were generally interred inside a church after death, often in crypts beneath the floor. Less wealthy congregants were buried outside the church in what was then called the graveyard. This process was not based on any religious belief, but on practical concerns about sanitation and the ability to keep the dead from spreading disease.

As populations grew and the old graveyards became overcrowded, new burial sites, called cemeteries, were established away from the churches. Today, the terms graveyard and cemetery are used interchangeably, although linguistic precision would suggest using graveyard for the resting place on church grounds and cemetery for those that are not attached to a specific religion.

The phrase graveyard shift is an idiom, meaning that you work late at night. A similar idiom is the graveyard spiral, which refers to the way that coin funnels draw money into them. This is a slow, almost imperceptible spiral, but as the coin approaches the bottom of the funnel it starts to pick up speed.

Symbolism

When you visit a graveyard, beyond the name, birth and death dates and crosses, you can find clues about your ancestor by observing symbols carved on their headstones. From draped urns to the Ouroboros, snake eating its own tail, these carvings tell a story about the deceased person.

A compass or carpenter’s square carved on a gravestone indicates the deceased was a member of the Freemasons. A male and female foo dog indicating that the deceased was married, also symbolizes the guardianship of family life.

Birds, especially eagles, suggest a military or American patriotic background and often represent freedom or eternal rest. A dove suggests peace and the Holy Spirit. The ivy, due to its clinging nature, symbolizes immortality. Urns and obelisks represent the veil between earth and heaven and are often draped. Oak leaves signify strength and longevity. The sprig of mistletoe, which is thought to cause people to fall in love, symbolizes the gift of eternal youth.

Meaning

The graveyard is a place where dead people are buried. It is also a term used to describe a card’s discard pile in the card game Magic: The Gathering. It is sometimes used interchangeably with cemetery, though it technically refers only to the burial site that is affiliated with a church.

During the Middle Ages, Christians who were wealthy or had important jobs were buried in crypts inside a church. Less well-off congregants were buried in the yard adjoining the church, called a churchyard. Over time, the distinction between a churchyard and a graveyard blurred.

Graveyard spirals are accidents that occur when an airplane is flying at night or in IMC and the pilot thinks their wings are level, but they are actually banked left or right. The result is a rapid downward descent that often leads to disaster. The classic example is the John F. Kennedy Jr. accident, also known as the pilot selfie accident.

Cemeteries provide a special place to remember a loved one. But they require thoughtful planning and design to be both beautiful and accessible.

Unique upright monuments with sculpted shapes or stunning etchings can add beauty to a cemetery. Cremation and estate gardens need well designed hardscapes, pleasant textures, natural patterns and water features to enhance their aesthetic.

Master Plan

The cemetery is an iconic part of the urban fabric that carries with it many social, historic, and environmental responsibilities. It is a prime example of limited urban real estate that must be effectively managed to serve its citizens’ needs while paying respect to the past.

Scenic vistas within the cemetery are punctuated by various landscape structures, gravestones and significant monuments. These elements create visual terminuses – family mausoleum at one end, funeral chapel at the other, and cremation gardens with pavilions and water features in between.

Natural or constructed ponds reduce weed growth, improve soil quality and serve as a habitat for beneficial wildlife. The hardscapes of pathways, curbs and bituminous pavement are deteriorating due to age, exposure and vehicular traffic. A new parking system with dedicated spaces and signage would help remedy the negative effects of vehicles on the cemetery landscape.

Landscape and Architecture

With community or volunteer groups taking over a cemetery, The LA Group works to help develop a strategy for financial support as well as development of the physical site. Funding opportunities, grant writing, volunteer development and public education workshops are just some of the avenues that a municipality may want to explore.

Designing a landscape that reflects the personality of a cemetery is crucial to its success. A cemetery has a responsibility to the community and the future generations that will utilize it, but if it doesn’t create an identity of its own, it will become just another landscape.

Designing the cemetery landscape feasibly can save money in maintenance costs. For example, converting asphalt roads to permeable ones saves on expensive paving bills, and planting native grasses reduces the amount of chemicals required for mowing. In addition, good design adds value to the site. Burial plots in close proximity to beautiful or interesting features and spaces command premium prices.

Signage

Signage is a crucial aspect of cemetery design. It should identify the site, direct visitors and keep people out of private property areas. It is important to consider your visitor demographic when designing your signage.

Directional road signs, particularly those directing drivers to Jewish heritage sites in western Ukraine, require a specific design approach. There is a limited amount of information space on signs that are practical in size and legible in an outdoor setting, whether printed or etched. This means that the project leader and sign designer must prioritize what should be included. Additional information in digital formats without size constraints may be included on web pages linked to physical signs at burial sites via QR codes and mobile phone applications.

Identification signs for individual Jewish cemeteries and mass graves can be incorporated into the memorial marker or placed at a cemetery entrance or boundary fence, or they can be installed at the site itself. Ideally, they should match the style and characteristics of directional road signs used to direct people there.

Grading and Drainage

The burial ground must be accessible for all visitors. A cemetery should have walkways and wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the property. It should be well-lit for safety and security. It should be easy to navigate by car or on foot and there should be ample parking.

Burial sites should be arranged in areas of low-risk ground water pollution. Graves should generally conform to existing terrain and final grades should range from two percent (the minimum for positive drainage) to a maximum of 15 percent with one predominant slope. Burial sections should be clearly defined with section markers.

Re-using graves is an issue that many cemeteries face as the number of burials increase. This is because contacting family members that purchased a plot many years ago can be difficult and costly. Alternatives such as vertical burial or sharing coffins have been implemented in some countries to avoid this problem. Harboring the lands to prevent water runoff and retrofitting impervious surfaces with green infrastructure are also possible solutions.

A cemetery is a place for burial. It may also contain memorials for the deceased.

Traditionally, families and friends were responsible for the construction and maintenance of headstones and monuments. Over time, this can result in a chaotic collection of monuments and gravestones that are often unsafe or unsightly.

The website Deceased Online enables you to search for burial records from around the world. It works with local councils to digitise their records so more is added all the time.

The History of Cemeteries

Cemeteries are the final resting places for those who have passed away. They provide a place for family members to visit their loved ones and pay respects. In addition, they serve as historical, memorial, spiritual and aesthetic greenspaces within the urban environment. They can be public or private; religious or secular; for-profit or not-for-profit.

In the nineteenth century, rapid population growth caused church graveyards to become dangerously overcrowded. Furthermore, decomposing bodies were creating a sanitary hazard by contaminating water supplies with decaying miasma. As a result, the Rural Cemetery Movement was established to create new burial grounds.

These landscaped cemeteries incorporated innovations in burial ground design inspired by romantic perceptions of nature, art and national identity. The resulting spaces were more pleasant, serene and aesthetically pleasing than the dreary, gloomy burial grounds that had come before them. Many of the graves in these cemeteries also have intriguing backstories. As a result, they are time capsules of America’s history and are worth exploring.

How to Find a Cemetery

Cemeteries fall into many categories. Understanding these will help you locate your ancestor’s gravesite. Local genealogical societies often compile cemetery indexes. Some are online. You can also try searching the websites of local churches or the county courthouse where your ancestor lived.

The most well-known free cemetery search engine is Find A Grave. It has 115 million memorials created by volunteers. Billion Graves is another free website that has a wide collection of tombstone photos.

If you can’t find a cemetery online, try calling or emailing the management of the cemetery where your ancestor is buried. Explain what you are trying to do and they should be able to help you track down your ancestor’s gravesite. Be sure to ask them if the family has ever donated to the cemetery and for a map of the grounds. You can also ask the sexton about the cemetery’s history and if any records have been lost over the years.

What to Bring

In addition to flowers, which are always welcome at a cemetery, there are other items that can be left to commemorate loved ones. These include toys and other items that a person enjoyed in life, especially small ones that children like such as tiny cars or animals, or figurines if the person was someone who collected them.

Food is also a common thing that people bring to a loved one’s gravesite, particularly around holidays, but you should check with the cemetery first to make sure they don’t mind this. Leaving food there can attract ants and other pests, and it can also create litter and waste.

You should avoid bringing things that are made of glass, such as lanterns and other objects that can topple over and injure mourners who are visiting the site. You should also avoid leaving anything that may be a fire hazard, such as candles or other burning items. It’s also best not to leave drinks, as they can spill and cause accidents.

What to Do

Cemeteries are sacred spaces, and it is important to respect the dead who rest there. Many people who visit a cemetery are grieving, and they want to be left alone. If you see a funeral going on, be considerate and wait until it is over before visiting the gravesite.

Avoid walking over a grave, sitting on it, or touching any decorations that are placed there. It is disrespectful to the deceased and their family members.

It is also a good idea to clean up after yourself when you are done with your visit. Remove any trash, wrappers, cans or loose decorations from the area. This is especially important if you are visiting an old cemetery, where animals may live. You can also help keep the grounds looking nice by gently removing weeds, pulling up leaves or other plant matter, and mowing any grass that is growing over the marker. This helps maintain the appearance of the site and makes it easier for groundskeepers to mow around markers.