A graveyard is an area where people are buried. It is usually affiliated with a church and might contain many old tombstones.
However, some graveyards have been closed and their plots used for other purposes. Today, most people prefer to be buried in a cemetery, which is often non-church related.
Churchyard
The churchyard is where people are buried near a place of worship, such as a church or a chapel. It may not sound like the most pleasant or tranquil place to be, but it is actually a very important habitat and provides a rich heritage for history and archaeology. Churchyards also provide a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including trees, plants and insects.
Historically, people were often buried in churchyards rather than in cemeteries. Many churchyards have a long history of being the only burial ground in a parish, and they are often classed as sites of special scientific interest.
Churchyards contain important wildlife habitats, and they are excellent places for observing birdlife. They often contain a variety of wildflowers, and some have a mixture of short or medium-length grassland, meadow areas and areas with path mowing kept to a low height. Churchyards can also be home to lichens, a type of symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae.
Cemetery
As the population grew, church graveyards became full and independent sites called cemeteries were developed. Unlike churchyards, they are not affiliated with a particular place of worship and can be visited by people of all faiths.
A cemetery is also a place where cremains can be interred. The remains may be placed in a grave, above ground tomb, mausoleum, or columbarium. The cemetery landscape design often incorporates naturalistic features and grading that conforms to the site. A cemetery should have one predominant slope within each section to ensure positive drainage and to protect buried soils from erosion.
Many older cemetery designs feature weathered headstones and smaller, irregularly spaced plots. But modern cemetery design has incorporated more planned paths, sections for different types of burials and features like mausoleums and lawn cemeteries. It also embraces sustainable practices and multi-faith inclusion. Some cemetery grounds include a memorial wall where family members can place flowers. The stone wall may have niches that are engraved with the names of those buried or inscribed with a verse or prayer.
Burial Plot on Private Property
Burial plots on private property are subject to individual state laws, but typically include a legal right of interment and the ability to transfer that burial rights to another person. They also generally bypass the estate division process and can be passed down outside of formal probate proceedings.
Cemetery plots are usually arranged in organized sections to facilitate record-keeping and visitation for family members. Plots are priced based on location and premium plots may offer scenic views, proximity to pathways or other features.
Some families choose to pre-purchase a burial plot in advance, which can save on funeral costs and reduce stress for loved ones. A cemetery’s representative can help you understand the terms of your agreement and answer any questions. Some cemeteries also have specific rules regarding mementos on a grave or monuments within a plot, so you should review these before making a purchase.
Final Resting Place
Choosing the final resting place for yourself or your loved one is a very personal decision. It is important to consider religious and cultural traditions and choose a burial option that aligns with your beliefs and values.
In some cultures, a grave or other type of final resting place is marked with a durable marker that serves two purposes: to help keep the location of the body in memory and as a mark of respect for the dead person. The markers can be a headstone or another kind of monument, such as a bench, plaque, or art piece.
A cemetery is a place where many families prefer to be buried together, creating a sense of unity and connection. In addition, some people prefer the option of above-ground entombment in a mausoleum or even a lawn crypt. Regardless of your preferences, it is always a good idea to visit potential burial sites before making a final decision.