A cemetery is the final resting place of people. It is owned by either a public or private institution and may be religious or secular. Cemeteries are funded in many ways including through on-going charges and perpetual care funds.
When you visit a cemetery, take time to look around. The people buried nearby could be relatives.
Definition
A cemetery is a place where the dead are buried. It may be owned by a church, municipality, fraternal organization, association or individual. Its policies, practices and rules determine the mix of burial options and memorial services it offers.
Some cemeteries are not affiliated with a particular church and cater to a broader range of religions. They may also offer niches for the interment of cremated remains or scattered remains in designated areas, such as a scattering garden. The boundaries of a cemetery are clearly marked and distinct from adjoining land. This makes it difficult for a cemetery to re-use an older gravesite without strong local and family objections. Even when a cemetery has the right to re-use an old grave, it may not be willing to do so due to budget constraints.
History
As populations grew many churches were no longer able to hold enough burial spaces, so cemeteries became popular. They were separate locations for the dead and often had rules regarding what could be done there.
Many cultures also use gravestones to memorialize the deceased, resulting in a landscape that resembles a city of the dead (necropolis). In modern times, people are turning away from traditional cemetery burial and choosing cremation as an alternative.
Mourners often leave flowers or other objects at the site of a loved one’s grave. Some newer designs of columbarium walls take this into consideration and include clips beside each plaque designed to hold a single flower or small posy. Similarly, some headstones have small hooks attached for this purpose. Cemetery authorities typically maintain burial registers that provide information about the deceased, including the location of the grave.
Location
A cemetery is a dedicated space for the burial of dead people. It is usually located outside town centers and has more rules than a graveyard or family plot at home. It’s also typically better organized. It’s a more modern concept, but one that has grown in popularity since the early 19th century due to rapid population growth and church cemeteries filling up.
Finding a cemetery record may require searching several different types of records including death certificates, religious records, obituaries, and estate or family files. Fulton History, a collection of digitized historical newspapers in New York, and Chronicling America, the digital newspaper archive from the Library of Congress, are good places to start.
The website Find A Grave has transcribed memorial inscriptions for millions of people around the world and includes photographs of each gravestone. Billion Graves is a similar site that includes photos and GPS coordinates.
Burial practices
Traditional burials can involve a variety of practices. Depending on culture, the deceased may be embalmed or mummified; buried in a casket or urn; or dressed in ceremonial garb. Many cultures believe that the burial ritual helps to ensure a peaceful afterlife.
Historically, graves were sometimes opened after a period of years, with bones being removed for cleaning, storage, or reburial in other locations. This practice, called jiangu (Jian Gu) in Taiwan and Boc Mo (Bu Mu) in Vietnam, is still used today to honor the dead.
Modern burial trends often focus on environmental concerns, avoiding chemicals like formaldehyde and using biodegradable caskets to minimize landfill space. These green burials are gaining popularity. Other options include cremation and natural burial. These alternatives minimize the impact of cadaver disposal on the environment and can be much less expensive than conventional funerals.
Maintenance
Cemeteries must balance the desire for aesthetic beauty with respect and remembrance. They must carefully select plants, structures, and decorative elements that reflect the solemnity of these spaces while also being attractive.
In order to maintain a cemetery’s landscape, proper watering and pruning are critical. Regular mowing is also important. However, these tasks must be performed with care to avoid damaging a grave or memorial.
Additionally, some types of trees are ideal for cemetery landscaping because they symbolize remembrance and longevity. Oaks, for instance, are known for their strength and endurance. They also offer shade and help maintain a healthy ecosystem. Other types of trees, such as cedars, are aesthetically pleasing and symbolize eternal life. Their fragrance can create a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.