A graveyard is a space where bodies are laid to rest. It is usually attached to a church, but not always.
People buried in graveyards are generally members of the same church, or have expressed a desire to be buried there upon their passing. Cemeteries, on the other hand, are separate burial grounds that may or may not be affiliated with a specific church.
Symbolism
The word symbol means “something that stands for or suggests something else by relationship, association or convention.” The dictionary also defines a graveyard as a burial ground. While most of the symbols in a cemetery have religious connotations, some have more subtle meanings.
For example, a crossed sword and crown is a common symbol for Christian saints, reflecting Simeon’s prophetic statement at Christ’s birth: “A sword shall pierce through thine own soul.” The circle has a long history of mortuary symbolism. It is thought to suggest eternity and never-ending life, or it may represent the Holy Trinity. An obelisk suggests strength, while a broken one signifies the brevity of human life.
Flowers, vines and other plants often adorn a grave. Ivy symbolizes memory, immortality and friendship; lilies indicate virginity and resurrection. Roses indicate beauty and love. A thorny thistle or rosebud suggests death of youth. A butterfly represents resurrection. A butterfly with wing outstretched implies metamorphosis from earthly to spiritual life.
History
Graveyards can be a great place to pay your respects to your loved ones who have passed away. These sites can also reflect the societal beliefs and attitudes towards death, burial and remembrance. They can even tell you a lot about the cultural context and practical considerations at the time when they were established.
During the Middle Ages, wealthy or influential Christians were often interred inside their places of worship in crypts. However, less privileged congregants were buried in the churchyard’s section that eventually came to be known as the graveyard. This practice continued for a long time.
Today, it is more common to use the terms cemetery and graveyard interchangeably. Nevertheless, for linguistic precision, it is better to use the term graveyard for a resting space on church grounds and cemetery for a more modern, separate burial ground. Unless you are a linguist, you will probably find the differences between these two terms to be minor.
Location
Despite the fact that they’re both used to refer to places where the dead are laid to rest, the terms graveyard and cemetery are not the same. It’s important to differentiate the two because they differ in size and religious affiliation. Generally, a graveyard is attached to a church while a cemetery is not.
During the medieval period, wealthy people and those of high status were interred inside the church in individual crypts while less affluent congregants were buried outside in a section known as the graveyard. As the population grew, it became necessary for independent burial grounds to be established and so cemeteries came into being.
It’s essential that people visit their loved ones’ graves and take the time to pay their respects. Sadly, many locations struggle with incomplete or inaccurate cemetery records. Fortunately, GPS and GPR technology like that offered by Sentry Mapping can help these locations update their records to ensure accuracy.
Maintenance
In many cases, families assume that the cemetery will take care of all maintenance, but this is not always the case. In particular, if your loved one is buried in an undeveloped natural cemetery or a hybrid cemetery, regular upkeep is essential. For example, clearing trails of fallen limbs, mowing regularly, and removing vines and other plant growth will minimize the deterioration of funerary markers and stone masonry.
A graveyard is a place of solace and remembrance. Its primary function is to serve as a resting place for those who have passed on, and to provide the space for families to come together and remember their loved ones. However, it is important to balance this with the aesthetic value of the space.
While it is important to keep the cemetery clean, it is also essential to avoid cluttering the site with too many flowers or other decorations. The most important thing is to respect the gravesite and its history, while still honoring your loved one with a thoughtful tribute.