Cemeteries have been a part of culture and society since the beginning of human history. Today, they serve many purposes and provide a peaceful place to rest.
While visiting a cemetery, be mindful of the etiquettes and rules that are in place. By following these, you’ll make the visit much more meaningful and enjoyable.
Modern day cemeteries
Modern day cemeteries are not only places for burial, but also green spaces that can be a part of a city’s “Green Infrastructure”. They’re also a source of wildlife habitat and offer special spots for quiet reflection.
As urbanization began to spread in the 18th and 19th centuries, so did the need for new burial grounds outside of crowded cities. The old churchyards became inadequate and dangerous, and were often seen as a place where people were exposed to disease.
To solve these problems, new cemetery landscapes were designed like gardens that would provide the deceased with peace and beauty. The result was a new movement for rural cemeteries.
Historic cemeteries
Historic cemeteries are often a unique part of a town’s landscape. They were developed as a response to overcrowded churchyards and a desire for a more peaceful and dignified final resting place.
Cemetery developers commissioned leading architects and designers to design cemetery landscapes. They incorporated public parks as well as memorials, chapels, gates and walls.
As a result, these sites can reveal a lot about the history of the area, as well as different stone types and features. Weathered limestones can reveal embedded fossils, while sandstone and metamorphic rocks show the geological structure of a site.
Local ordinances that recognize and protect historic cemeteries can provide some protection for these resources. However, it’s important to contact your local planning office or local historic preservation commission to make sure that any work you do doesn’t negatively impact the site.
Burial options
Deciding on the type of burial you wish for your loved one is a very personal decision that will affect you and your family for generations to come. You need to consider the cost of a plot and other burial options that may be available in your area before making a final decision.
Traditional burial involves embalming and dressing, a funeral service or memorial, and transport to the cemetery where the casket is entombed in an outer concrete vault at a rented or purchased cemetery lot or crypt space. Mausoleums and other above-ground burial spaces are also available at some cemeteries.
Green burials are becoming increasingly popular as they allow for a more environmentally friendly disposition and can save families money in the long run by eliminating the need for a costly steel casket and outer burial container. They can also help lower a person’s “final” carbon footprint, but must be carefully considered by a funeral director in order to comply with local regulations and laws.
Locations
A cemetery is an area of land set aside for the burial of people who have died. It contains specific plot locations with clearly defined boundaries, and can also include a number of special burial areas such as columbaria or niches.
Burial grounds vary widely in size, location and design. They often reflect a culture’s religious traditions and practices, and are subject to specific laws regarding the preservation of history and the care of deceased individuals.
Unlike ordinary property, cemeteries are regulated on a state level and cannot be established without permission from the authorities. Usually, these regulations do not affect private interests in the ground, but can be imposed by state health officials or a municipality.