Cemeteries are often expansive landscapes. It’s best to bring a map of the grounds and wear comfortable shoes. A compass can also be helpful, especially if the cemetery is surrounded by natural site features.
When searching grave sites, it is important to note inscriptions and cross-reference them with compiled records of burials. This can help identify family relationships and uncover new information about your relatives.
History
When people hear the word cemetery they usually think of spooky or sad places. However, cemeteries have a rich history that is worth exploring.
Historically, graveyards were areas of land adjacent to a place of worship where the dead were interred. As the churchyards filled up, cemetery became the more general term to refer to a burial ground that is separate from a church or other religious institution.
Initially, the graves were marked with large marble obelisks which incorporated the surname of the deceased or their family name with dates. There would be smaller stones around the larger monuments which indicated other members of the family who were buried there. As time went by, families began to choose simpler tombstones and markers which were more affordable than the large marble obelisks.
Location
The location of a cemetery is one of the most important factors to consider. It can impact the cost of services and maintenance. It can also affect how easy or difficult it is to find a grave.
Cemeteries have a variety of locations, depending on the religion and culture. They can be located on the outskirts of towns and cities, near rivers or lakes, or in rural areas.
Many cemeteries have maps to help family members locate their loved ones’ graves. These maps may include a list of individual graves or family plots. They may also include a map of the entire cemetery or a grid with sections and lot numbers. Depending on the cemetery, there may be additional information about the grave site, such as its elevation and drainage.
Burials
In addition to being an area of remembrance, a cemetery serves several practical functions. It must have sufficient slope to avoid flooding, be easily traversable by the disabled and elderly, and meet sanitary requirements. The soil must also be sufficiently permeable to allow for rapid drainage of rain and snow.
Some cultures practice burial using containers that slow decomposition, such as shrouds or coffins; the inclusion of sacred objects or grave goods is common; and a headstone can be viewed as an investment in immortality. The resulting monuments often form a necropolis, a city of the dead paralleling the community of the living.
Cemetery authorities may attempt to limit the quantity and nature of objects placed on graves, but some mourning families ignore such restrictions. Some even create shrines that include toys and wind chimes.
Monuments
There are a variety of memorial styles that commemorate a life. These include traditional upright monuments, slant headstones and flat markers that lie flush with the ground and benches which combine marker and place to sit and reflect.
A monument is generally larger than a headstone and could be a sculptural form such as an obelisk or a statue. Some monuments also include features such as angels or saints that are placed at a grave site.
When recording a monument it is important to note any plants growing up or around the structure as these can create problems by causing movement within the stone which can lead to cracking and opening of joints. Our guidance on recording and surveying monuments explains this in more detail.
Records
Whether you’re building a family tree or just curious about your past, cemetery records can be an invaluable resource. They provide a wide range of information, including birth and death dates, military service details, and more.
Digitizing cemetery records allows people from all over the world to access them remotely. This makes genealogy easier and helps individuals reconnect with their heritage.
Moreover, digitized records minimize the risk of loss or tampering. They also allow for regular data backups, ensuring that valuable information is preserved. Additionally, converting to digital records supports the global movement towards environmental sustainability by reducing paper consumption. This can help conserve forests and lower carbon emissions.