A graveyard is a place where people are buried. There are different types of cemeteries, but they all serve the same purpose.
Some graveyards are only available to church members, while others are non-church-related. The difference is because church graveyards quickly ran out of space, so other non-church burial grounds were developed.
History
When people discuss a burial ground, they often use the words graveyard and cemetery interchangeably. However, if you are concerned about making a faux pas, you can differentiate between the two by looking at their definitions and characteristics.
A graveyard evokes images of churchyards in the English countryside and often contains older tombstones. It is also smaller and less well manicured than a cemetery.
As populations grew in Europe, graveyards became overcrowded. This led to the development of garden cemeteries that were run by private companies and government bodies. The gardens were more spacious and provided a place to relax, stroll or picnic. They were also used to commemorate the dead by visiting their graves on birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. However, public outcry against the re-use of old graves resulted in some cemeteries changing their policies and procedures. The re-use of these older graves is now rare and usually only occurs when family members cannot be found.
Design
A lot of people choose to decorate a grave with items that are personal and sentimental. These items can range from flowers to a urn that holds the person’s cremated remains. There is no wrong way to decorate a grave as long as it follows the rules of the cemetery or church graveyard.
Graveyards are often referred to as cemeteries, though many people use the terms interchangeably. The term graveyard tends to evoke images of old churchyards with older tombstones, while cemeteries are typically much larger and not tied to any specific church.
In the past, church graveyards were the sole burial grounds for members of that church, but as the population has grown, many churches have started to run out of space and have partnered with non-church related cemeteries. This is why you will often see both a church graveyard and a cemetery in the same town. Cemeteries are also generally more modern and well maintained.
Plots
A burial plot is a space within a cemetery in which a casket or urn containing cremated remains is placed. These spaces are marked with headstones and memorial plaques. They can accommodate a single individual or multiple individuals.
Burial space types include single spaces that hold a casket, companion plots for two people, and family plots for those who want to bury their loved ones together. Companion spaces can be side-by-side or in a single space where one casket is stacked on top of another (often called a double-depth plot).
When selecting a burial site, consider both your immediate needs and your long-term family plans. It’s also important to visit the cemetery and inspect the specific plot before making a purchase. This will help ensure the location meets your expectations in terms of ambiance and environment. It will also help you determine whether the site is a good fit for your budget.
Maintenance
In the days, weeks and years following the death of a loved one, it’s important to visit their gravesite often. Adding personal touches like flowers, mementos and other decorations can be a special way to remember them. Some cemeteries have strict regulations about the items that can be placed on a grave, however, so it’s important to research the rules before you go.
Keeping the cemetery properly maintained will ensure that it remains a place of respect and remembrance for those who are still buried there. Removing vines, mosses and mildew from markers and other stone features can help prevent further deterioration. Avoid spraying or painting markers or masonry with commercial stone cleaners or sealants, as these can actually cause them to deteriorate faster.
Grass cutting should be kept to a minimum, as too much grass can cover a gravestone and make it difficult to read the inscription. When necessary, grass cutting should be carried out with hand-held equipment to minimize the risk of damage.