Year: 2023

Losing a loved one is an emotional experience, and planning their funeral can compound that stress. Choosing a funeral home that you trust is essential, but be aware of some scams.

Licensed funeral establishments must provide you with a General Price List and an itemized statement. They also must give you a casket price list and information about funeral services.

They arrange for funerals and burials

A funeral director is a professional who arranges for the funeral of a deceased person. This can include a casket burial or cremation service. He or she also takes care of washing and dressing the body. He or she may help arrange additional transportation if the funeral is taking place elsewhere. He or she also handles legal paperwork.

Some funeral providers offer outer burial container selections on a package basis. In this case, you can include the prices for these items on your General Price List or Outer Burial Container Price List, or prepare separate price lists. If you choose to do so, you must provide these price lists to anyone who inquires about them.

Some funeral directors have entered into agreements with government agencies to provide funeral arrangements for indigent persons or other persons entitled to a government benefit. You must follow the Rule when providing these arrangements, and must give a GPL and itemized prices to the qualifying persons who request them.

They help you plan a funeral

Choosing your funeral and burial services is one of the most difficult decisions you can make. The process is emotionally stressful for loved ones who are already grieving, and the choices are endless. From choosing whether you want a service or cremation to making large financial decisions, it can be overwhelming. To ease the burden, you can get final expense insurance, which pays for your funeral costs and allows loved ones to pay with their own funds.

The arrangement conference with a funeral director can take place at the funeral home, your home or over the telephone. When you meet with the funeral director, you should be provided with a General Price List and be shown caskets or alternative containers available. The funeral home is also required to give you an Itemized Statement that includes legal language indicating your agreement to pay for the merchandise and services selected. Be sure to read it carefully. Then, purchase your items.

They help you choose a cemetery

The death of a loved one is a stressful time for many people, and it can be difficult to make decisions. Funeral bureaus help people understand their options and choose a cemetery that is best for them. They can also help them avoid hidden costs.

The Funeral Rule requires funeral providers to offer a General Price List (GPL) to anyone who asks for it. This includes those who call or write for information about pre-need arrangements, as well as those who are arranging at-need services. The GPL must contain accurate prices for all goods and services the funeral home offers.

The Funeral and Cremation Consumer Advocate promotes advance planning for funeral needs, consumers’ right to choose a meaningful, dignified, and affordable funeral, and licensee compliance through proactive education and consistent interpretation of state law. It oversees licensing for funeral establishments and funeral directors; embalmers and apprentice embalmers; and cemetery brokers, salespersons, and managers. It also regulates and investigates complaints against these individuals.

They help you choose a cremation

The death of a loved one can be traumatic. The right funeral home can help you make arrangements that are meaningful and respectful for your family. They can also guide you through the different options for funeral services and cremations, and they may even provide financial support.

Licensed funeral establishments must provide consumers with a General Price List (GPL) and Casket Price List, which must contain accurate prices for the goods and services they offer. The GPL must include one price for each of the following four items: forwarding of remains, receiving remains, direct cremation, and immediate burial.

The Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors licenses funeral practitioners, funeral establishments, and crematoriums, registers intern embalmers, and investigates complaints against these entities. It is a member of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, which addresses licensure qualification, examination, and state-to-state reciprocity issues. The Board also publishes periodic newsletters. The Board is responsible for upholding high ethical and professional standards in the practice of funeral service and the disposition of bodies.

The mortuary is the place where a dead person is kept until it can be properly buried or cremated. It is also the place where an autopsy is performed.

For people who want to work with the deceased, a mortuary science degree is essential. A mortuary science program includes hands-on training and an apprenticeship to prepare you to become an embalmer.

Morgue vs. Mortuary

Mortuaries and morgues are two different types of facilities that work with human remains. The difference is in their core functions: Mortuaries specialize in preparing the bodies for funeral rites and cremation, while morgues concentrate on storage and examination of corpses for forensic or medical purposes.

A morgue is a facility where autopsies are performed, usually as part of a criminal investigation. The term is also used for a room where a body may be stored until it can be identified or an autopsy conducted.

In an emergency, any refrigerated space that can fit a dead body could serve as a temporary morgue. In fact, many governments’ disaster preparedness plans include instructions on how to use ice rinks and other public spaces as morgues if need be.

Morgues and mortuaries do not have to be separate, but they do need to adhere to strict regulations for safety and sanitary conditions. It’s important to know the distinction between these 2 facilities when discussing death and funeral arrangements, as it can prevent misunderstandings and confusion.

Careers

There are many careers available for people who have a passion for mortuary work. These include funeral directors, embalmers and allied professionals like family service counselors, monument engravers and pre-need sales specialists. These professionals combine compassion and business skills to serve clients at a critical time in their lives.

Another popular career in death care is a mortuary transport technician. These professionals drive to the site of a person’s death to retrieve the body. They then bring the corpse to a morgue, where medical examiners perform an autopsy. After the exam, they transport the body to the funeral home or cemetery.

Colleges specializing in mortuary science offer bachelor’s degree programs. These programs typically have state-of-the-art embalming labs, merchandise selection, arrangement conference rooms and more to provide hands-on training for students in the field. Some mortuary science graduates also complete apprenticeships in funeral homes under the supervision of licensed funeral directors to gain experience. This helps them become fully prepared for their future careers.

Training

Mortuary technicians need to have a high school diploma or GED certificate, as well as the strength and dexterity to handle large and unidentifiable body parts. Those interested in this profession should attend a mortuary science program and complete an apprenticeship or internship at a funeral home to learn more about the job.

A mortuary science degree teaches students how to prepare bodies for burial or cremation, as well as the legal and business aspects of arranging funerals. Students also take courses in restorative art, anatomy, chemistry and embalming techniques.

Licensed workers in the cemetery, crematory, funeral and memorial industry often say they choose their careers because of a desire to help people cope with loss. They find comfort in consoling grieving families, and they believe it’s their duty to honor the deceased in the way their loved ones would want them remembered. The work can be emotionally challenging, and it demands a great deal of compassion.

Safety

Mortuary staffers and visitors should follow proper occupational health an safety procedures. This includes evaluating risks to health and safety, implementing measures to minimise them and providing appropriate training.

Often a funeral home will arrange for a body to be transferred from a hospital or morgue. It will also make arrangements for burial, cremation or a memorial service. It will work with families, religious ministers and cemeteries to set up viewings and receptions.

In a funeral home, workers should use caution around the body and wear recommended personal protective equipment. The deceased person was usually sick before they died and could have infectious diseases. Occasionally medical equipment or materials remain on the body, such as ports used to administer chemotherapy or trace amounts of radiation left over from radiotherapy. The dead person may also have sharps, such as scalpels, scissors or lancets, which could pierce the skin and pose a hazard. The mortuary must have a sharps container for this material and must be in close contact with medical waste contractors to arrange regular collection.

The word graveyard is often associated with Halloween decorations. But there is more to it than just tombstones and ghosts.

For many years, people were buried on the grounds of churches in graveyards. As populations increased, the capacity of church graveyards was exceeded.

As a result, independent sites that are not attached to a church began to appear and were called cemeteries. The term cemetery is newer than graveyard, which dates back to the 1600s.

Origins

The word ‘graveyard’ has been used by many cultures as the final resting place for those who have passed away. Historically this would have been the section of land adjacent to a church where only those who were wealthier than average or of significant importance were interred in their own crypts. Other congregants would have been buried in a graveyard and the tombstones bearing their name, date of death and other details may still remain there.

The term ‘cemetery’ is more recent and was probably introduced to distinguish it from a graveyard when the latter began to be considered out of date, although some people use the two terms interchangeably. The key difference between them is that a graveyard is on the grounds of a religious house of worship and a cemetery does not have to be located on church property. Cemeteries are also generally larger and more organised. This is partly because the burial process has evolved so that most people are now cremated rather than buried in a grave.

Functions

The function of a cemetery is multifarious, ranging from disposing of bodies to commemoration and social gatherings. Sociologically, people stratify in death as they do in life, exhibiting different social statuses by the size of grave markers and the types of memorials that are constructed.

A churchyard is a consecrated graveyard attached to a church building. Graveyards that are not churchyards may be referred to as unconsecrated graveyards or burial grounds. Other similar terms include necropolis, koimeterion, and columbarium.

Players who die in the Graveyard are remembered by the game, and their roles are displayed in the Graveyard for other players to see. The players’ Last Will and Death Note are also displayed. This is why the Graveyard is an important place to lynch evildoers. In addition, the Graveyard is a good place to find corpses to improve a player’s grave decoration skills.

Design

There are millions of people who need to work night shifts, known as graveyard shifts. They are usually factory employees or law enforcement officers, but there are many other types of workers that must work the graveyard shift. Working the graveyard shift has some downsides, but it also has some awesome benefits.

There have been several innovative projects to repurpose cemeteries. Some examples include using them as green spaces, turning them into tourist attractions, and transforming them into parks. The survey results show that people are generally open to these kinds of ideas. However, they require better communication and transparency from the government.

Besides preventing pollution, the use of alternative burial methods will help reduce the burden on limited land resources. For example, urn burial and tree burial are a more sustainable way to bury bodies. These practices can also save money and time for family members who have to travel long distances to visit the graveyards.

Maintenance

The maintenance of a graveyard can be difficult. Even in a cemetery with dedicated staff, it can be challenging to maintain the appearance of the grave sites and keep the grounds weed free and tree pruned. It is important that a graveyard be regularly inspected to ensure that headstones are in good condition, that the flowers are fresh and tended, that the grass is cut appropriately, and that weeds are not allowed to grow too tall.

In addition, if the graveyard is in a community with high rates of crime, it can be more challenging to make sure that the cemetery is adequately patrolled at night. Furthermore, the maintenance staff may not be able to attend each and every grave site on a regular basis. They are likely to prioritize the care of the grounds, roads and cemetery buildings over individual graves. Over pruning or improper mowing techniques can also damage the integrity of the headstones and tombs.

Modern cemetery design includes a wide range of amenities. It connects with families and communities, invites reflection, and provides options for every personality.

Developing a master plan for a cemetery is a critical first step in improving its landscape and amenities. Providing good signage is also important to help people navigate the grounds.

Master Plan

A cemetery needs a master plan to guide new development and manage existing space. The LA Group’s master plan can include not only analysis and design of physical improvements and expansions, but can also assess and recommend opportunities for generating funding for the project through outreach to the community for participation and fundraising ideas.

A master plan can help a municipality save money on maintenance costs in the long run. For example, upfront improvements like transitioning asphalt graveyard roads to permeable ones reduce chemical runoff that damages stones and requires costly repair. And planting native grasses instead of decorative turf helps lower mowing expenses.

The LA Group is familiar with the sensitive issues surrounding a historic cemetery and will help to bring the community together for discussions that honor the past while looking to the future. These discussions can help generate a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the cemetery. This can lead to renewed interest in the cemetery from living families and an increased commitment to care for the historic site.

Design for Accessibility

The layout of a Cemetery should include clear pathways so that visitors can easily navigate the grounds. This will help reduce confusion and prevent accidental trips into gravesites. The Cemetery should also have proper grading and drainage to prevent water from pooling on the property. This will help to keep the Cemetery safe and clean for all visitors.

Many cities are struggling with space for burial and this cemetery design is one way to solve the problem. This’skyscraper cemetery’ has slots for multiple bodies and can be filled as people die.

This cemetery is different from the usual gloomy and somber graveyards because it has bright spaces and relaxing benches. This makes it a place that even children would want to visit. It also has a meditation grove and beautiful gardens that provide a sense of peace for the mourners. Modern cemetery design should follow the spiritual trend as well as the form and function in order to be meaningful.

Design for Beauty

In today’s world, cemetery design has moved beyond a tranquil place to lay a grave. It must celebrate life, family, history and individuality – all integrated within a shared community. This unique perspective requires a different kind of know-how.

Cemeteries are home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, exemplifying a wide range of cultural approaches to death. Some like the Merry Cemetery in Romania take a lighthearted approach, while others such as Pere Lachaise in Paris evoke a sense of peace with a mixture of modern and ancient monuments and styles.

The rural cemetery movement of the 19th century exemplified beauty with lush grounds, careful park-like landscaping and carefully crafted gateway elements. These features helped to set the cemetery apart from the gridded cityscape and create a special place of beauty and solace for visitors. The Blogett Gateway and Betcher Chapel are two examples from this period of time. Other decorative features include fountains, gazebos, carillon towers, prayer gardens and flag plazas.

Design for Sustainability

Cemeteries are part of the landscape, a vital piece of our natural environment. They are also a place of burial, a culturally sensitive space for remembrance.

As such, a cemetery has the potential to deliver ecosystem services and form a significant component of green infrastructure networks. This potential needs to be reflected in planning policy for cemeteries.

An important challenge is to ensure that the delivery of cultural ecosystem services does not compromise the primary function of a cemetery: the hygienic and culturally appropriate disposal of human bodies. This may require a more nuanced understanding of how different faith and cultural groups experience the rituals and practices around death.

Providing sustainable cemetery options that are a cost effective alternative to traditional burials can help with this. For example, the green burial option combines an environmentally responsible approach with the space efficient concept of maximum burial to save on land costs and maintenance expenses. Similarly, the use of shrouds instead of caskets can reduce the amount of burial material that is needed for each burial.

A cemetery is a place to honor and pay tribute to departed loved ones. It is also a place of peace and comfort for those who visit the grounds.

Some towns restrict access to graveyards because of the potential for damage to the markers. Moreover, rough handling and abrasive brushing can also damage the stones.

Modern day cemeteries

With their opulent manicured lawns, concrete burial vaults and silo-sized tanks of weed killer, modern cemeteries are often seen as wasteful environmental abominations. But they have a lot to offer, including an opportunity to rethink the way we think about death.

A growing number of people are choosing cremation rather than burial. While the ashes can be kept at home in an urn or scattered in a meaningful place, this option doesn’t allow for a permanent memorial.

Dwindling land options are causing many cities to reconsider the use of traditional graveyards. One solution is to build multi-story graveyards that can accommodate thousands of stacked crypts. But this requires a cultural adjustment. To a society accustomed to permanence, it will be difficult to accept a cemetery that recycles plots for the living.

Monuments and memorials

Monuments and memorials can take a variety of forms. They can be stone structures, murals, the name of a street or place or a website that enables people to remember someone who has passed away. They can also be virtual and evoke an emotional response in people around the world.

Traditionally, war memorials emphasize the heroics of fallen soldiers by subsuming their deaths under a larger national cause. Counter-memorials, on the other hand, focus on victims and loss, thereby challenging prevailing historical narratives.

These differences in commemorative trends reveal broader social patterns of mourning. Moreover, they point to the need for educators to teach students about these sites and their meanings. The learning process can be facilitated by understanding the visual elements and inherent meanings of monuments and memorials.

Raised vaults or tombs

A burial vault is a structure built to protect caskets and urns after interment. It is also designed to support the ground around the grave and prevent it from subsiding. Vault prices vary depending on features and customization options. Some are even able to hold photographs, which is important for family members that want their loved ones to be remembered in a special way.

During recent storms, coffins in above-ground vaults have floated to the surface. While this is not a common occurrence, it should be noted. In the past, vaults were often buried at double depth. This involves burying the first container to about nine feet below the ground and then placing the second at the standard six-foot-deep grave site. Another term for a burial vault is a crypt.

Burial practices

Cemeteries offer a range of burial options to meet the needs of their community. They may offer traditional in-ground burial plots, mausoleum buildings that provide above ground entombment, or both. The type of burial options available reflects religion, culture, and tradition.

Burial mounds were often erected to express the wealth and power of the commissioners who commissioned them, such as those at Jelling in Denmark or Gamla Uppsala in Sweden. The size of the burial mound tells us how much money and labour went into its construction.

In some Catholic nations, grave candles are placed at a tomb to commemorate the dead. War graves are often marked with a timber remembrance cross and red poppy wreath. The practice of burying objects like keys and books beside the body has disappeared, as have food offerings.

Locations

Some jurisdictions may have local historic area zoning ordinances that protect cemeteries and burial sites. This is an important part of the effort to preserve our cultural landscapes.

Family (or private) cemeteries were a common practice during the settlement of America. Often, families would look for a small plot of land, usually in wooded areas or farm fields, to bury their dead.

By the early 19th century, church graveyards had filled up and independent sites called cemeteries became more popular as designated final resting places. These independent sites were not necessarily co-located with a house of worship and tended to be designed to look like attractive parks.

In 1924, the land that would become Memorial Park was a forest. It was then leased by the War Department for use as a training base for World War I soldiers.

Various civic leaders and philanthropists came together to form the Citizens Committee. They raised $52,000 in two years and commissioned sculptor Charles Adrian Pillars.

It is a place of remembrance

A memorial park offers family and friends a place to honor the memory of their loved ones. It provides a space for mourning and reflection, and can help them cope with difficult events like birthdays and anniversaries. A permanent tribute can also provide a link to the past for generations to come.

Memorial parks use flat, engraved markers to mark graves. This allows for a more natural environment that makes the grounds feel less like a cemetery and more like an outdoor park. The design is further enhanced by grassy areas, trees that offer shade, and a variety of memorial monuments and mausoleums.

In addition to traditional casket burials, the cemetery inters cremation urns year-round in ground and above ground columbariums. All internments are memorialized with a government marker that includes the name, branch of service, war period, birth date and death date. Family members may choose to add a special inscription or term of endearment.

It is a place of peace

Memorial parks are a new type of cemetery introduced about 75 years ago. They use dignified engraved markers lying flat on landscaped plots, and they often include water features and statuary. They also include a variety of trees and flowering gardens. This allows them to be more like parks and less like traditional cemeteries.

The Peace Park in Hiroshima is dedicated to comfort the souls of those who died from the atomic bombing and pray for eternal world peace. The Park is also home to the Peace Museum, a meditation forest, and the Peace Bell.

The Peace Bell is a symbol of the hope for a nuclear-free world and was created by a local master bell-caster in 1964. The inscription reads “Peace is the way. Peace is the goal.” The bell is rung at all events and on special occasions. The park is also a special place for Gold Star families, which are those who have lost a loved one in military service.

It is a place of recreation

A memorial park is a type of cemetery that uses flat bronze markers instead of vertical monuments to mark burial plots. The grounds are maintained in an open, beautiful natural setting to create a place that is less about mourning and more about life celebration. They also feature a variety of trees and gardens, as well as fountains or statuary to create an environment that is more appealing than traditional cemeteries.

Leeds Memorial Park has a one and a half mile walking track and a playground for children of all ages. It is also home to baseball, softball and soccer fields, the Leeds Veterans Memorial and pavilions available for rental. The city maintains the park and hires employees to keep it looking its best.

This park is popular for passive recreational activities, including concerts and July 4 events. It is also a destination for families with young children. The city has recently added 4 pickleball courts to the park, giving players 5 dedicated courts to play on.

It is a place of education

The National Mall and Memorial Parks offer many educational opportunities for students of all ages. These resources can help educators teach about American history, science, art, and culture. The NAMA Notebook is a place for educators to share curriculum ideas and best practices.

The Memorial Park consists of several landscape features, including an entrance walkway, tall trees, and a memorial plaza. It is designed to evoke a sense of dignity and honor for the victims, emergency personnel, and countless lives altered by the accident.

Helen and Adolph Kemper donated the Park in memory of their son and other local soldiers who died during World War II. In a dedication speech, School Board Trustee Theodore Riegel emphasized that the Park would become “an atmosphere of beauty as worthy as the men who gave their lives to save it.” To achieve this goal the Park is maintained by the Kemper Memorial Park Preservation Fund, which was established in 1947.

Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and making funeral arrangements can add to the stress. This guide will help you find the right funeral home for your needs.

The office of the Bureau oversees licensees in the practice of funeral directing, embalming and funeral establishments; inspection of funeral homes; investigations of consumer complaints; and examinations of preneed funeral contracts and trust funds.

Licensed Funeral Director

A licensed funeral director is a person who arranges funerals and other memorial services, assists grieving families, and transports the bodies to their final resting place. The funeral director must have a high level of compassion and a sturdy constitution – handling the dead is not for everyone. The person must also have the right education and job skillset to work in this industry.

The licensing requirements vary by state, but all include mortuary science classes such as pathology, embalming chemistry and restorative art. Some programs also have on-the-job training in which you apprentice under an experienced funeral director and embalmer. This can last one to three years. Some states have grade requirements, while others interview applicants before approving them for licenses.

After completing the FSAD program, you must take both the Arts and Sciences sections of the National Board Examination (NBE). The NBE is administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

Licensed Embalmer

Many people do not think of a career as an embalmer when considering their future, but this profession offers a unique opportunity to serve families during one of their most difficult times. Embalmers are responsible for preparing bodies for burial or cremation and must be licensed in their state. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require an associate’s degree and an apprenticeship under a licensed embalmer.

Mortuary science degree programs include a variety of technical courses such as anatomy, cadaver dissection, and embalming techniques. They also cover more general subjects like office management, law and ethics, and human resources.

Some states prohibit individuals with certain felony convictions from becoming embalmers, but these restrictions are handled on a case-by-case basis. Those with criminal records may still be eligible for licensing if they can demonstrate that their skills and knowledge are comparable to those of a licensed embalmer. Moreover, some states have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old.

Licensed Cemetery

Whether you are planning on burying your loved ones in a cemetery or scattering their remains, it is important to understand the licensing requirements. Most states have laws regulating cemeteries. Many of these laws require a license or permit to operate. Other requirements include building codes and zoning. You may also need business insurance, which will protect your company in the event of a loss.

In addition, the laws often regulate care funds. A private cemetery must file an annual report describing its investments and showing the assets and disbursements in its care fund. The reports must also be available for inspection.

If a private cemetery violates any of the state’s laws, it could be subject to fines and closure. For instance, it is illegal to charge for services that are not provided. The laws also prohibit cemeteries from taking any land by deed, devise or merger without the consent of the cemetery board. This includes municipal, private, national and family cemeteries.

Licensed Crematory

Cremation is a popular choice for many families. There are approximately 150 cremation facilities in New York state. Cremation involves using high heat to reduce the body to ashes, bones and metals. The ashes can then be buried or scattered. Some crematories also offer transport and delivery services for the remains. Crematory operators must be licensed in the funeral industry and obtain specific operational permits from DEC.

Funeral home owners and managers should review the Board’s rules and regulations regarding pricing disclosure, embalming room requirements, sanitation and cleanliness and safety issues. NFDA does not endorse or recommend any particular firms.

The Board’s executive director, administrative assistants and field representatives handle the license application and renewal process, investigate consumer complaints and inspect funeral establishments. The Board is a member of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, which addresses licensure qualifications, examination, state-to-state reciprocity and other issues that impact the boards’ mission. Its periodic newsletters facilitate the exchange of information among members.

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.