When it comes to planning for a burial, choosing the right cemetery is one of the most important decisions. It can determine the type of burial you choose, whether or not it has a mausoleum, where it overlooks a city or is nestled in privacy, and so much more.
If you want to locate a cemetery, you must first narrow down your search area. This can be done by talking with local residents and searching for old maps.
They are a place of serenity
The serenity and peace that a cemetery provides can make a huge difference for those grieving. It is a place where one can visit their loved ones, reminisce about them and even communicate with them in their final resting place.
Historically, cemeteries have been a natural space where people could escape the hurly-burly of cities and spend time in nature. The etymology of the word “cemetery” stems from the Greek koimeterion, which means “a sleeping place.” This etymological association is important because it led to the development of large, spacious, natural cemeteries that are still used today.
They are also a good source of information about a community’s history and culture, especially when you consider the many different types of grave markers and their inscriptions and designs. For example, a headstone in the form of a sunken bowl, which may have been used as a marker for a burial site, can be a useful tool when trying to trace the migration routes and cultural histories of a particular group or family.
They are a place of healing
Visiting the grave of your loved one in a cemetery can be a beautiful and sacred experience. It can help you feel connected to your loved one and relieve some of the stress and pain that comes with grief.
The etymology of the word cemetery is rooted in Greek koimeterion, which means “a sleeping place.” It was initially used as a term for church burial grounds because people did not have to be a member of a particular congregation to be buried there.
Cemeteries also have a number of social-level functions that are both personal and community-based. These include disposing of bodies, displaying and constructing identities, and expressing basic cultural beliefs about death and life. These functions are reflected in the inscriptions on grave markers, as well as in the way that they are maintained and organized. Cemeteries are also often places where communities gather for funeral rites and memorial services. This can be a healing and therapeutic experience for the entire family.
They are a place of memorialization
A cemetery is a place to remember your loved one and keep them close to you. You may choose to honor your loved one by leaving a stone or other memorial to mark their spot in the ground, and this can be very meaningful to you.
There are many ways to memorialize a deceased loved one, from placing a monument to creating a garden in their honor. When you are choosing a memorial to honor your lost loved one, make sure it is something that will stand the test of time and serve as a place for family members to gather in memory of your loved one.
In many cultures, a graveyard is a place of memory and reflection. For example, in Poland, the country of origin of many buried soldiers, people often leave small timber remembrance crosses with a red poppy attached to them or a wooden Star of David. War graves are also sometimes marked by burning grave candles, especially during All Souls Day.
They are a place of research
A cemetery is a fascinating place to research and learn more about your ancestors. There are often burial registers that provide details about the people buried there. These are important resources for genealogists and historians who want to learn more about the families of their ancestors.
There are also many recording projects that take place in cemeteries and churchyards, enabling people to record information about burial spaces. These can be recorded on websites like the Burial Space Research Database and in books, journals and newspapers.
While there are some studies that consider cemeteries as part of a green infrastructure network, the majority of planning policies for them do not reflect this (McClymont, 2016). There is therefore a lack of understanding about how these spaces might be used in broader urban green infrastructure networks.