Cemeteries have long been a space for mourning the dead. Historically, churchyards were the primary location for burials, but as churches ran out of space separate graveyards were created.
Mourning families often decorate their loved ones’ graves with flowers and other items. While cemetery authorities try to control these shrines, they can be difficult to maintain.
Graves
A cemetery is a burial ground for people who have died. It can be used for both men and women. People can be buried in a grave or in a tomb. People who have high social status, nobility or the military are buried in their own crypts or tombs.
The cemetery grounds are usually landscaped with trees and plants. Ornamental species are planted to enhance the overall appearance of the graveyard. In woodland cemeteries and memorial woods native tree species are typically the main planting.
Some cemetery authorities consider re-use of older grave sites that have been unoccupied for many years. However, such a decision can be difficult as the holders of these grave plots may still have living relatives with objections to the re-use of their plots.
Tombstones
Historically, tombstones were used as markers to mark graves. They were shaped and carved from stone, often with inscriptions that included the person’s name, date of death, and an epitaph. Today, there are many different types of tombstones, including flat slabs of granite that cover a whole grave and are sometimes referred to as ledger stones.
There are many differences between the terms headstone, tombstone and gravestone, but it is important to know what the distinctions are in order to properly use these words. For example, the term graveyard indicates that there is a specific plot of land dedicated to burials. Typically, this is located beside a church or other religious building. A graveyard is not the same as a cemetery, which is a larger area that has both consecrated and non-consecrated space for burials.
Monuments
The simplest monuments are marker stones placed at the head or foot of the grave. These usually have the name and dates engraved on them. They may also contain low-relief motifs such as a cross and lilies that symbolise death and mourning.
Monuments are taller than traditional headstones and can include ornate stone statues or laser-etched scenes of personal portraits, outdoor landscapes, or favorite hobbies. They can also be in the form of raised obelisks or columns.
Historically, churchyards were used for burials, but as populations grew rapidly, churches ran out of space and independent sites called cemeteries came into being. Today, the words are used interchangeably. If linguistic precision is important, however, cemetery generally refers to larger urban cemeteries and graveyard to the burial ground on or near a small country church.
Headstones
A headstone is the most common form of memorial for a grave. It sits erect and includes information such as the person’s name, dates of birth and death and an epitaph or inscription. They are less elaborate than monuments and can vary in size. For military members there may also be a sign or symbol of their military outfit and division.
A headstone can be made of natural stone or granite. A headstone that is carved out of boulders is typically cheaper because it does not require any mining, cutting or polishing. However, they take much longer to engrave and install. They also require a flat base, which is not always available from cemeteries. They are often referred to as “slant” headstones.
Maintenance
A graveyard should be a place of solace and remembrance. A well-maintained graveyard can serve this purpose by balancing aesthetic additions with respect for the dead. These additions can include flowers, statues, and decorative items. It is important to choose these elements carefully to avoid overwhelming the space.
It is also important to keep the graveyard clean. This includes removing vines and other vegetation that are obscuring the headstone. It is also important to remove any mosses, mildews, or algae. Additionally, it is important to avoid using commercial stone cleaners or sealants. These chemicals can cause damage to the gravestones.
If the graveyard is full, the organization that owns it may purchase additional land to expand the cemetery. This is necessary to ensure that there are sufficient burial sites for the community.