The differences between a graveyard and a cemetery can be confusing to many people. It’s important to understand the difference between the two so that you can choose the best location for your loved one’s final resting place.
The first big difference is where the graveyard is located. Graveyards are often in or beside churches while cemeteries are generally not.
Definition
When someone close to you passes away, the experience opens up a whole new world of discussion and decision making, with vocabulary that might feel foreign. A funeral home can help you navigate this process, including your burial options. One of these options is whether your loved one will be buried in a graveyard or cemetery.
Graveyards, which are sometimes also called a burial ground or churchyard, are run by the local church and often located on its grounds. Cemeteries, which were developed when church graveyards began to run out of space, are not associated with any specific church and can be much more expansive.
A large difference between a graveyard and a cemetery is that the latter are typically designed to be multi-faith. This can be a big deal when it comes to re-using old graves. Many people consider the re-use of their family’s grave as a form of desecration. Cemetery authorities might try to placate this issue by publicly announcing plans to re-use an older grave and offering families a chance to pay for the re-burial of their ancestors in a different location.
History
While cemetery may seem like a modern invention, it’s actually a lot older. People began burying their dead in mass in the 17th century because of the increase in infectious diseases that were spreading quickly. Before this, families typically kept their loved ones at home or close to their place of work. These early graveyards, also known as burial grounds or coemeteriums were often situated outside of cities when cities had walls encircling them. They were also more organized than their predecessors.
Unlike their ancestors, they were usually maintained by local governments. Eventually, landscaped cemeteries like Pere Lachaise in Paris came into existence that were separate from churchyards. This was a result of changing attitudes about the need to keep dead bodies in view, as well as practical considerations that grew out of growing populations. A graveyard can also be the site of a family tomb or mausoleum. Depending on the culture, a cemetery can be seen as an enjoyable community space that brings together the living and the dead.
Symbolism
The symbols and images found on tombstones tell a story. They can represent virtues exemplified by the person who died, values and beliefs or even group memberships. Some are obvious, such as the Christian cross or a laurel wreath. Others may be less clear. For example, a dove flying into Heaven is an important symbol in Christianity, but it can also mean peace or the passage of the soul.
Likewise, a rosebud with a broken stem signifies a life cut short. However, a fully bloomed rose indicates a full life. You will also see a flower representing a person’s family. A wreath of flowers on a man’s monument can indicate he was a Mason or other fraternal organization member.
You will also find a variety of plants and trees on a grave. Some of these can have special meanings, such as ferns that symbolize humility. The weeping willow is another common symbol of grief. Other flowers include tulips which symbolize happiness and innocence, and the Easter lily that represents virginity and purity.
Location
When people talk about a graveyard, they usually mean a location where the dead are laid to rest. This is true regardless of whether the person was cremated or buried.
In the early 19th century rapid population growth caused many churchyards to reach capacity and non-church related cemeteries were established. This resulted in re-use of graves which caused distress to relatives and potential health hazards from the inhalation of gases generated by human putrefaction.
Some families choose natural burials which allow for a more rapid return to nature. However, this often requires the removal of headstones and monuments. There is also the issue that some families have bought burial rights and may intend to exercise those rights as and when family members die. This can cause controversy as the re-use of old grave sites may be considered desecration. This is why graveyards are usually separate from church grounds.