A graveyard is a final resting place for people. It is also used as a final storage place for collections of things that are no longer useful or useable.
Graveyard is a word that came about when church-affiliated burial grounds became full. Usually, this is because of the church having a strict set of rules that need to be adhered to with regards to headstones.
What is a Graveyard?
The words graveyard and cemetery are often used interchangeably. However, a graveyard is a specific type of cemetery.
The term graveyard originally refers to a burial ground adjoining a church. This grew out of a need to provide more space for the deceased as churchyards began to fill. In some cases the church was unable to accept all requests for burial, particularly from non-congregation members. New spaces for burial were required, as were places to dispose of the decomposing bodies to prevent them from contaminating the water supply and infecting the public with disease (known as miasma).
The modern word cemetery derives from the Greek word koimeterion, meaning “place of sleep.” Cemeteries have evolved into large landscaped burial grounds that are independent from religious institutions. These grounds typically offer multiple options for burial and allow people of all faiths to be buried there. They also do not have the same restrictions regarding size, location or headstones.
What is a Cemetery?
A cemetery is a place where people are buried. Unlike a churchyard, it is not associated with a particular religious organization and as such is open to both followers of that religion and non-followers alike. Historically, churches were responsible for all burials but as they began to run out of space new graveyards were established, usually on non-consecrated land.
Because of this, non-church-associated cemeteries tend to be larger than churchyards. They also don’t have the same stringent rules imposed upon them in terms of headstones which must be a certain size and adhere to church-approved inscriptions.
Like a graveyard, most modern cemeteries offer a range of different burial arrangements including traditional full-body burials, interment (or inurnment) of cremated remains and entombment in a mausoleum crypt or sarcophagus. They also have niches for the display of cremated remains. There is some debate as to whether a cemetery or churchyard is the appropriate term and some people distinguish them by saying that a churchyard is attached to a church and a cemetery is not.
Where is a Graveyard?
A graveyard is a burial ground. It may be located alongside a church or in its own separate area. The word is often used interchangeably with cemetery, though some people like to use it for a plot on private property that isn’t affiliated with a specific place of worship.
Originally, people kept their dead close to home or at work, and the first graveyards came into existence when they began to bury them in large groups. They were later replaced by cemeteries, which are more organized and typically have a religious affiliation.
The main difference is that a graveyard is usually associated with a church and may have stipulations about who can be buried there. It is also important to note that a graveyard can be on public or private property. You won’t get into trouble for mixing up the two words, but it is best to be as accurate as possible. If you want to make a solid impression on others, avoid the slang and choose your words carefully.
Why is a Graveyard Important?
A graveyard is important for the grieving process. It allows loved ones to visit the place where their relative lies and reflect on the life of that person. It also allows families to make arrangements in advance, ensuring that there is a grave available when they need it.
Historically, many graveyards were attached to churches. This made them accessible to those who were members of that church. Today, however, many churches do not have their own cemetery on-site.
Graveyards are also a safety measure, as the burial ground is regularly maintained by a trained team. This is not only to make sure that the graves are dug in the correct place and at the right depth, but to ensure that any unused graves are covered to prevent tripping and injury and to ensure that any memorials or monuments are securely in place. This also helps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases that may occur in areas close to graves.