Cemeteries are park-like settings reserved for the burial of people and their cremains. They silently record the past and reveal information about settlement patterns, societal status (from relative locations and markers), attitudes toward death and mourning practices.
Gravestone symbols, like clasped hands, can symbolize eternal devotion, farewell or a greeting to eternal life. They also reveal details about cultural values and funeral rituals.
Graves
Graves are the burial spaces in a cemetery. They may be unmarked or have a headstone or other memorial on top. Some have a kerb enclosure which defines a space within the grave.
Often, people are buried in tombs either by choice (as in the case of married couples) or because of space concerns or due to their status as nobility or other high social rank. Those buried in a tomb were typically part of a specific community and the names and dates of death are recorded on the tombstones. Tombs can also be prehistoric places of interment covered with an earthen mound or tumulus. Specific types of tombs are outlined in the Megaliths by type gallery.
Those buried in a grave are lowered into it by the funeral procession or with the help of family members and friends. They can be lowered in a basket or with ropes held by people on both sides of the grave.
Burials
In some cultures, burial is considered more respectful than leaving a body to decay on the ground. This is sometimes done in order to prevent robbery or desecration of the corpse. Some cultures also believe that a person’s body should return to nature as naturally as possible. For example, sky burials in Tibet encourage scavengers to eat the remains of the dead, while in Zoroastrianism human remains are returned to earth or fire.
Burials can take place in a traditional ground grave, above ground tomb (mausoleum), or columbarium. People who choose a ground burial often bury personal items, such as flowers, jewelry, notes or heirlooms, to keep with their loved one.
The terms cemetery and graveyard are sometimes used interchangeably, although the two were not always so synonymous. A cemetery may be large or small and can be religious, civic, or private in nature. Many specialized cemeteries exist, including ones for the poor, criminals, and suicides.
Monuments
Monuments can take a variety of forms, including headstones, foot markers and monumental walls. They can be sculptural, obelisk-like, or represent an entire family. They are typically engraved with the name of the deceased and can include quotes, pictures and other details that help memorialize your loved one.
There are a number of different types of memorials available, but they all serve the same purpose: to mark where someone is buried. Some are more common than others, but each offers the same opportunity to add heartfelt inscriptions and other personal details that celebrate your loved one.
Maintenance
Cemeteries are often responsible for general landscape maintenance, such as cutting grass in prominent locations and clearing shared areas. While these efforts are important, it’s also critical to keep in mind that personal touch can elevate the overall appearance of a plot. Weeding around headstones, trimming the grass along edges and incorporating native plants into landscaping can make a significant difference in how a grave site looks. Additionally, using non-toxic cleaning supplies to prevent damage to the stones can promote sustainable practices that will ensure a grave’s beauty for generations to come.
Additionally, a cemetery’s green spaces can provide an important sanctuary for local wildlife, particularly birds and insects. Incorporating indigenous tree species, such as oaks, which are a symbol of longevity and evergreen trees that represent eternal life, can help to maintain a balanced ecosystem while providing aesthetic appeal. Likewise, creating bird feeders and insect hotels can encourage biodiversity while reducing the need for chemical treatments.