A cemetery is a place that consists of land that is specifically designated as a burial ground. The term is used interchangeably with the words graveyard or gravesite. Originally, the word “cemetery” was applied to Roman catacombs. In recent times, the term has been applied to other areas, such as parks and public gardens.
Symbol of mourning
A cemetery symbolizes death and mourning. The symbols on tombstones vary from culture to culture. Some common symbols include animals, plants, and candles.
The urn, a container for human ashes, is a popular symbol of mourning. Urns are often decorated with wreaths, garland, or flowers. Besides being a symbol of mourning, an urn also symbolizes mortality.
Clasping hands are commonly found on gravestones. They are a representation of the relationship between the living and the departed. These symbols are found on both single graves and shared graves.
Another common cemetery symbol is the flying hourglass. This symbol was used on many gravestones during the 18th and 19th centuries. It represents the speed at which life passes, as well as the fact that time is limited.
Place of final ceremonies of death
The place of final ceremonies for your loved one is no doubt a rite of passage. You’ll want to be prepared for the task. Here are some essentials. First, you may want to call the medical school of your choice well in advance to get their nod of approval. Second, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper burial attire. Third, you’ll need to be aware of a few pitfalls. For instance, you should be aware of the fact that your loved one’s body will be disposed of in a manner distinctly different from the last time you buried a pet.
You may also want to know what to do with your ashes once the funeral is over. While you’re at it, you might as well look into donating your body to a worthy cause. If you’re not from the US, you’ll want to get the lowdown on the etiquette of the locale you’re in.
Maintenance of monuments and headstones
Keeping your cemetery monuments and headstones in top condition is not only important for aesthetics but also for safety. Monuments are very delicate and can be damaged by the elements. A few basic cleaning tips can help preserve the monument’s beauty.
The first step is to inspect the condition of the stone. Some monuments have cracks that could be a sign of damage. Depending on the nature of the stone, you may need to contact a professional for assistance.
Gravestones can be very susceptible to water damage. This is particularly true for sandstone and limestone. When water gets into the pores, it can lead to mold and other biological growth.
There are a number of ways to keep your cemetery’s monuments and headstones looking their best. One method is to regularly clean them. Doing this will not only make your headstones look new but will also allow for readable lettering.
Re-use of graves
Re-use of graves in a cemetery is a practice that has been around for centuries. It’s not a new idea, but it doesn’t seem to have caught on.
In fact, the United Kingdom stopped re-use of graves in a cemetery 150 years ago. There have been lots of examples of grave reuse in other countries as well.
The most common reason for grave reuse is a shortage of burial land. This is a serious problem in many cities, including London. However, it’s also an issue in smaller, rural councils.
The law in the UK allows reuse of graves in some cases. However, these cases are not always easy to locate. And re-use can be a very upsetting experience for family members.
If a cemetery is looking to re-use a grave, it has to first identify the owner and request permission. They must then contact the deceased’s family.
Legal rights to be buried
The law of burial places is not well understood in the United States. It has been neglected by many lawyers and legal scholars. In order to understand it, it is important to retrace the development of the common law.
Before the American Revolution, the law of burial places was almost entirely common law. However, in the twentieth century, some states began to enact statutory regimes to govern large cemeteries.
Common law has continued to influence statutory law on the matter. A formal framework has been developed, based on ancient principles, that recognizes four separate interests in burial places.
First, a person has the right to be interred in a particular cemetery. This privilege includes the right to follow the rules of the cemetery proprietor. There are a variety of ways to achieve this right. For example, religious organizations may establish their own rules and regulations regarding burial places.