A cemetery is a more modern idea, but people have been burying the dead for thousands of years. Earlier, they kept burial grounds close to their homes or workplaces.
These early graveyards are sometimes difficult to research, but compiled cemetery indexes can be useful. Also consider researching a green or natural cemetery that allows for bodies to return to the earth faster.
Burial Grounds
The burial grounds at a cemetery are where the bodies of deceased family members are interred. These areas are often arranged in Burial Sections, which are visually separate from each other and broken into by woods and landscaped areas. A cemetery may also be divided into cremation burial sections, which are a smaller area used for full casket or cremated remains interment.
The layout of the burial sections should generally conform to existing terrain. Grades should be limited to a minimum of two percent and a maximum of 15 percent in order to achieve positive drainage. The final grading must create one predominant uniform slope within each burial section.
All regulated cemeteries are required to collect a charge, known as service charges, for graves and plots, as well as a fee per interment. These funds are then placed in a perpetual care fund or a trust that covers the cost of maintaining the cemetery in perpetuity.
Green or Natural Burial
Natural or green burial is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional funeral options and the interment process itself. It involves burying the body in a biodegradable casket or shroud that allows it to decompose naturally.
This option forgoes chemical embalming, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, and instead utilizes materials such as wood or wicker caskets or shrouds made of fabric. In addition, most green burial sites limit personal plantings, wreaths and chimes to protect the pristine landscape.
Additionally, they do not allow grave liners or vaults as they impede natural decomposition and introduce non-biodegradable material into the earth. Some green burial sites even offer to plant a new tree on the site of your loved one’s grave as a way to return life to the land in honor of your departed. A natural or green burial is ideal for people who have consciously chosen to support the environment in their daily lives. This option is also popular amongst the religious community.
Aesthetics
Cemetery art is a form of artistic beauty that reflects the creativity and personality of the deceased. From intricate engravings to beautiful sculptures, tombstone designs offer a glimpse into the cultural values and traditions of a particular era.
Symbolism is a common element in cemetery art, from religious symbols like crosses and angels to motifs that represent eternal life and rebirth. These designs add a deeper layer of meaning to the art, inviting reflection and contemplation.
In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of the cemetery, these works of art are also a source of inspiration for contemporary artists. For example, a project called Graveyard Aesthetics brings together three international artists to explore the human impulse to honor the dead through art inspired by mausoleums and headstones in Green-Wood. By re-examining the notion of what constitutes beauty, these artists hope to raise awareness about cemetery aesthetics and encourage new perspectives on the importance of remembering the departed.
Researching Cemeteries
If you’re researching your family trees and have names on a research list that have been sourced to a cemetery, be sure to visit the burial site. This could open up a new set of clues about your ancestor.
When visiting a cemetery, pay attention to the plot definitions. The fencing and gate type, for example, could reveal the era in which a cemetery was constructed and the economic status of its residents.
In addition, the shape and design of a tombstone can reveal clues about a person’s personality. You can also look for water spigots, which may indicate when a cemetery modernized its infrastructure.
In terms of re-use, natural or green burial sites provide an opportunity to conserve land and return it to its original state sooner than traditional graveyards. This allows the space to be used for other purposes earlier in a cemetery’s tenure. However, cultural and ethical concerns have led some communities to reject this alternative.