The Difference Between a Graveyard and a Cemetery

While the terms graveyard and cemetery are often used interchangeably, linguistic precision is valued for those who want to be clear about the distinctions between the two. Specifically, graveyard refers to burial sites within church grounds, while cemetery is more likely to be an independent site that is not affiliated with any particular place of worship.

Origin

A graveyard is land devoted to the burial of humans and their cremated remains. It is a place where final ceremonies take place, often in accordance with religious tradition. It may also be referred to as a cemetery, though this is more often used in the context of any burial ground that is not attached to a church.

The single word that distinguishes a graveyard from a cemetery is the fact that it has been specifically designated for burial. A graveyard is not a random patch of ground that happens to be beside a church, and it has much more strict rules about what can and cannot be done there.

The origin of the term is unclear, but it is believed to be related to the Greek koimeterion, which means sleeping place. The modern meaning is a place where people sleep spiritually. This is distinct from a memorial park, which is a space where people are not buried but simply commemorated.

Function

As time went on, church graveyards began to run out of space. This led to non-church-associated cemeteries being established. These often had a lot more space to accommodate different faiths as well as modern family plots.

These types of graves are referred to as green or natural burial sites. Unlike traditional burials where the remains are embalmed, these sites allow for rapid decomposition and return of the body to the earth.

Depending on where the person was laid to rest, these sites may also be referred to as a graveyard or cemetery. Many people use the terms interchangeably but there are important differences between them. It’s important to understand those differences so that you know what type of location you are visiting when talking about your loved ones.

Design

A cemetery is a unique space that must be designed in a sensitive manner. Good design starts with analyzing the site and preparing a cemetery master plan. This plan provides a roadmap for the development of the cemetery and ensures that all components fit together.

It is also important to consider the aesthetics of a graveyard. Some people choose to decorate their loved one’s graves with flowers and other items. Some even choose to add decorations based on the season. Others choose to keep the decorations simple and unified with the headstone.

When choosing decorations, it is important to avoid anything that could be blown away or broken. This includes glass objects, such as jars and picture frames, as well as fencing. It is also important to avoid decorating the grave with anything that would be a hazard for other visitors to the cemetery. For example, if you want to hang a flag, it should be secured so that it does not blow onto other graves or hurt people.

Maintenance

Graveyards require careful maintenance to protect their important features. This includes the monuments, buildings, gates and enclosures, and the flora and fauna that contribute to their significance. In general, any work which involves disturbing the ground should be carried out with the supervision of an archaeologist or historian.

The care and maintenance of individual graves is generally the responsibility of families but can become a major maintenance issue. Graves that are regularly visited by visitors often begin to sink or lean – a process called ‘grave subsidence’. This is a natural occurrence that will resolve itself over time, but it can be unsightly.

The insertion of pathways in a graveyard should be carefully planned and designed to ensure that they do not interfere with or detract from the historic layout. In addition, any alterations to tilting monuments should only be undertaken with the advice of a stone mason. The removal of graffiti from gravestones should also be undertaken with specialist advice.

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