Cemetery is a place that reminds us of the inevitability of death, encouraging conversations within families about life and legacy. It also reflects cultural heritage, fostering a deeper family identity and connection.
It’s a special experience to visit these spaces set aside years ago for final resting places of loved ones.
Graves
A grave is a location in the ground where a body is interred. It may be marked by a headstone or other markers. A grave is often located in a cemetery, although it can also be found in private property.
The type of grave you choose should reflect your family’s values and beliefs. You should also consider your family’s budget and personal preferences.
Graves are available in several sizes and styles. Family plots are reserved or purchased in advance for members of a family and can be located in a specific part of the cemetery. Double options are also available, which allow two caskets to be buried side-by-side or stacked on top of each other. These options can be more affordable than individual plots.
Headstones
Headstones serve a vital role in memorializing a lost loved one. They provide a space for reflection, honor the deceased, and help jumpstart the grieving process. Additionally, they can provide historical records and connect generations.
Oftentimes, headstones display the person’s name, dates of birth and death, and special messages or quotes that reflect their personality or legacy. The inscriptions are chosen by the loved ones or the deceased themselves in the case of preplanning.
Upright headstones are typically the most recognizable type of grave marker. They are typically made from granite and consist of a base and a die or tablet that contains the information for the deceased individual. The larger die may sit in-between two smaller wings, referred to as companion headstones. This is an excellent choice for families who want to celebrate more than one loved one.
Monuments
Cemeteries are like historical archives, providing a glimpse into different eras and cultures, and the lives of those who came before. Walking among the gravestones reminds visitors of their ancestors and fosters a sense of connection to history.
Monuments are larger, more elaborate structures erected to honor an individual or family and may include statues or obelisks. They can be constructed of granite, marble or bronze and typically cost more than headstones or footstones.
Monument designs range from traditional uprights to simple markers, slant memorials or bevel memorials that keep a low profile and blend well with the landscape. There are also wing monuments, with a larger die in-between two smaller wings, which offer a more modern approach that maintains honor while being sleek and subtle.
Memorials
Memorials provide a place to remember the dead, and they offer many benefits. They can inspire healing and a sense of peace, and they can encourage us to ponder our own lives. They also serve as cultural tourism sites, which bring in people from the local area and beyond to visit.
Some cemeteries have memorial specialists on staff to assist with designing a personal monument for an individual. This service may include consultations with family members and friends to ensure that all expectations are met.
A cemetery’s rules and regulations will dictate what types of memorials are permitted within its grounds or a particular section. These restrictions may be based on history, geographical limitations imposed by topography or even religious beliefs. These rules can seem arbitrary and subjective.
Landscape
Landscapes in a cemetery are designed to be calming and serene. They often feature green lawns and shrubbery, which symbolize life and renewal. Other landscape features include ponds and water fountains, which create a peaceful environment. Some cemeteries also have mausoleums and columbaria (structures for cremated remains).
Roadways in a cemetery are typically paved to allow for respectful movement of hearses during funeral procesions. They may also contain paths that lead to different areas of the grounds. Overuse of these surfaces can cause soil compaction, which retards vegetative growth and may result in rutting, erosion, and biological growth on stones. Periodic aeration can help prevent this issue.
The plantings at a cemetery provide an opportunity to honor loved ones with horticultural beauty and meaning. Flowers, ornamental trees, and other plants are used to evoke an emotional connection to the deceased and to the living.