Graveyard is the place where deceased people are laid to rest. It is also referred to as a churchyard, cemetery, or necropolis.
The term is used interchangeably, but it has distinct meanings that are rooted in history and religious practices. Understanding these differences can help to provide clarity when discussing burial practices.
What is a Graveyard?
A graveyard is a specific place where dead people are buried. It’s not the same as a cemetery, although many people use the two words interchangeably. The big difference between the two has to do with where the graveyard is located. A graveyard is usually attached to a church, so it’s located on the church grounds. This is why a church might have more regulations about who can be buried in its graveyard.
A cemetery, on the other hand, is not associated with any particular church and has much more freedom about who can be buried there. The difference is also reflected in the size of the burial ground. A cemetery is generally larger than a graveyard.
There is a third kind of burial ground known as a mausoleum. Mausoleums are above-ground spaces where bodies are entombed in compartments called crypts. Mausoleums are often used for religious reasons or when space is at a premium.
What is the Difference Between a Graveyard and a Cemetery?
Although it is common to use the words graveyard and cemetery interchangeably, the terms did not always denote the same locations. The distinction between the two is based on geography, size, religious affiliation, and headstone requirements.
Graveyards were originally buried grounds that adjoined churches, while cemeteries are essentially unattached to a church. Depending on the faith, some cemeteries are exclusively for members of that religion while others can be used by individuals of any religion.
Whether you are discussing burial grounds with a friend or family member, understanding the differences between graveyard and cemetery can help ensure that your conversations are clear and accurate. It also helps people to understand what is and is not possible when it comes to locating loved ones’ graves or purchasing new burial sites. The more precise wording in this context can be especially important because it can impact the ability to contact living relatives who may not appreciate having their loved ones’ graves re-used.
How Do I Find a Grave in a Graveyard?
Cemeteries are often large with acres of land, so it can be hard to locate the grave of a loved one or ancestor. The best place to start is with the cemetery website or calling the office. The staff will be able to provide you with a map of the cemetery that can help you find the grave quickly.
You can also try searching the Find a Grave database. This is a volunteer-run site that has photos of many graves. You can search by a person’s name, death date or location to find the grave.
Another option is to use an app that can help you locate a grave in a cemetery. These apps use GPS to pinpoint the exact location of a headstone in a cemetery. For example, Sentry Mapping uses innovative technologies to update cemetery maps so people can find their loved ones’ graves easily. Some of these apps use QR codes to give you the location information without having to search for a headstone.
How Do I Find a Grave in a Cemetery?
There are a few different techniques that you can use to locate a grave in a cemetery. One option is to use a website like Find A Grave or BillionGraves, which offer databases of burial records that can help you find a specific individual’s grave site. These sites often include photos of headstones and GPS coordinates to pinpoint the exact location of a gravesite.
Another option is to look for an obituary in the newspaper. Many papers keep digital archives of their old issues, which can be helpful if you’re trying to find a grave that hasn’t been marked yet or if it’s buried very far back in time.
Finally, you can also visit the cemetery itself and ask for assistance from their staff. Most modern cemeteries have websites that make it easy to find the grave of a family member or loved one. Some even have maps on their websites that can save you a lot of walking while you search for the right gravesite.