If you’re planning a trip to a graveyard, you’ll need to know a few important things. These include the types of graves you can get, the rules you’ll need to obey, and the type of headstone you’ll need to purchase.
Multiple burials in the same grave
There are several reasons why you may need to bury more than one body in the same graveyard. Some of the reasons include health concerns, religious concerns, or simply the desire to have multiple family members buried in one plot. If you have questions about the best way to handle these issues, consult a lawyer.
The practice of burying multiple bodies in the same graveyard is known as mass burial. Some civilizations have used mass burial to deal with hundreds of bodies at once. It is sometimes the only way to dispose of overwhelming human remains.
In the United States, double depth burials are legal in Pennsylvania. Double burials are usually more affordable than single depth burials. However, you will need to check with the specific cemetery you are considering for any particular requirements.
Rules about the kind of headstone you can have
Most cemeteries have rules and regulations in place that govern everything from where you can bury your loved ones to what sort of headstone you can buy. Some cemeteries allow a wide array of designs while others are strictly vertical or rectangular. If you want to put a headstone on your plot, you’re going to need to know what you’re doing.
Most people have seen a headstone or two at one point or another but the best way to go about the process is to find a third party memorial provider who can recommend a cemetery and take care of the heavy lifting. Before you settle on a vendor, make sure you check out their credentials to see what they can offer you. They can also help you decide on a theme for your loved ones burial site.
Re-use of grave sites within cemeteries
Re-use of grave sites within cemeteries is an idea that’s been around for centuries. But, while some countries allow for the re-use of ground, others don’t. Some of these issues are cultural, but some are also economic.
In London, the reuse of graves has begun to be a problem. An estimated half of all burial grounds in England will run out of space in 20 years. This means that families are often buried far from home. It’s also a big concern for small rural councils, which are unable to purchase more burial land.
As more people move into cities, the demand for burial land rises. However, the cost of land is higher than ever, and re-using a grave site isn’t always feasible.
Historically, graves were sometimes reused quickly. But this practice didn’t seem to take into account the dignity of the deceased.
Re-use of older graves may cause distress
Re-use of older graves in graveyards is a controversial issue in the UK. Some people consider it desecration. Others say it is culturally unacceptable. However, experts say it’s important to find a way to address the grave space crisis.
There’s a shortage of burial land in Britain, especially in urban areas. And the cost of acquiring and maintaining this land is increasing. As a result, cemeteries are getting bigger and more expensive to run. That means fewer people can be buried. This is particularly true in London. Currently, eight boroughs have run out of burial space, and nine more are expected to do so by 2020.
Grave reuse in some cases can be a viable option, but there are still some pitfalls. It can upset family members. The deceased may be buried shallowly and there might be nothing left of them. Moreover, it can be difficult to find the owners of the burial rights.
Taking a notebook to the cemetery after losing a loved one
One of the first things that comes to mind when considering the subject of loss of life is taking a notebook to the grave. If you’re not lucky enough to have a pre-arranged funeral, the task can be more of a chore than a joy. However, it is a nice way to pay your respects and honor departed loved ones. You can also check off the obligatory bucket list item on the way home or post mortem. Of course, you’ll need to make the necessary reservations for the best seats. There are plenty of sites online to do the legwork for you. The good news is you won’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars. That said, do your due diligence and make the trip a memorable one.