A graveyard is a place where people are buried. The term “graveyard” originated from the Old French word cimetiere, which means “graveyard”.
There are several types of cemeteries and graveyards. Some are church-owned, while others are not affiliated with a specific church.
Church-Owned Cemeteries
Cemeteries are places designed for burying the dead. They perform a number of important functions, including promoting community identity, providing a place of rest for people who have died, and serving as memorials to departed loved ones.
They may also be a place of healing for families who have lost loved ones. A cemetery can be owned and managed by a government or a private company, for-profit or not-for-profit.
A church-owned cemetery is a traditional type of cemetery. Often, they are adjacent to a church and used to be very popular.
However, regulations on where human bodies can be buried are much stricter than they used to be. These rules are meant to prevent body snatchers from accessing people’s remains. So, if you are a Catholic and don’t belong to a parish with a churchyard where you would like to be buried, you may need to consider other options. This is particularly true if you have children and want to be able to honor their legacy.
Cemeteries Unaffiliated with Churches
Cemeteries are a sacred place where people can be laid to rest. They have existed throughout human history and vary greatly in style and design, reflecting a wide range of religions and cultural traditions.
In Europe, cemetery land was traditionally controlled by the church. As the church began to expand, graveyards became overcrowded and posed a health risk.
Today, however, a large percentage of burial grounds are unaffiliated with churches. This allows family members and friends of the deceased to choose their own burial site.
As a result, cemeteries are often found in suburban and rural areas. These locations are peaceful and serene, allowing families to spend time with their loved ones in the presence of nature.
Headstone Requirements
As an end-of-life tribute, a headstone is a traditional way to honour the memory of a loved one. These memorials often include inscriptions, photos or other details, and can be carved from granite or marble.
The most common material used to make grave-markers is granite. It is usually available in a range of natural colours, including gold, blue or grey.
Headstones may also feature a bas-relief carving, particularly religious images or symbols. This type of design has been popular for centuries, and can still be seen on many ancient burial markers.
Headstones may need repairs or restoration from time to time, and a mason can carry out these jobs. This includes removing any overgrowth on the stone and making sure it is properly cleaned.
Customization
A graveyard is a special place, and should be designed to reflect the city’s culture. This can include a specific theme, landscaping, berms, and signage.
A cemetery master plan is an important step in the design process. It will help you prioritize projects based on short-term and long-term goals.
It’s also important to consider material selection when preparing a master plan for a cemetery. The best materials to use will be able to stand up to the elements and provide a distinctive appearance.
Graveyards can be decorated with headstones, urns, lanterns, flower beds and prayer stations. Each piece of decor adds to the quality of a graveyard.