Burial plots come in all shapes and sizes, and some may be harder to see than others. Walking between headstones is a welcomed activity, as long as discretion is used. Respectfully refrain from standing on top of a burial place.
Some are public and you can visit any time when they are open (usually dawn until dusk). However, some cemeteries are on private property and you might be trespassing if you show up without having talked to whoever is in charge. This is why it is important to do some research before you embark on your graving journey.
Many people consider it taboo to live near a graveyard. If prospective home buyers don't like the idea of living near a cemetery, then it can make the home selling process much more difficult. Living near a cemetery doesn't really affect your home's value, instead, it shrinks the market.
Not only do graveyards play on past memories of loss, they also invoke potentially potent themes of supernatural terror. It's not just horror movies that contribute to this frightening reputation. Cemetery preservation groups and historical societies sometimes get in on the action with haunted tours.
No running, yelling, or rolling around on the ground. This is not a place for childhood games. Don't let them play on any of the monuments. While it is good to get children used to paying respects at a cemetery, they often don't fully understand the meaning of everything in the cemetery.
Respect the Graves
Don't touch any monuments or headstones; this is not only disrespectful, but may cause damage to the memorials, especially older ones. Never remove anything from a gravestone, such as flowers, coins, or tributes that have been left by family.
- Walk over graves
To go along with the theme of respect for the dead, don't walk over or stand on top of graves or burial places. This is just rude, and you may irritate the ghosts.
It depends on the culture of that place and the rules of the burial ground you are visiting. If you are unsure whether taking photos is prohibited, might as well head directly to their office and ask. There's no harm in getting permission, you see.
Even pointing at a grave could bring bad luck. Given the proliferation of photos of graveyards, that means a lot of people have been willingly courting bad luck! According to one website, collecting epitaphs means the collector will lose their memory.
There aren't many rules when it comes to these visits apart from what the cemeteries list on their websites, but it is always a good idea to ask for permission to picnic at the cemetery office, which we did. The rest of it is just common sense, and can be summed up in two words.
It's an offence for any person to conduct the following ways in cemeteries: willingly create any disturbance or commit any nuisance, interfere with burial taking place, interfere with any memorial or memorabilia placed on a grave or play any game or sporting activity.
Cemeteries, both public and privately owned, often prohibit or require special permission before one can take photos on the premise. Rules prohibiting or limiting photography in cemeteries are usually in place as a sign of respect for those buried in the cemetery and their bereaved families.
It's a common driving superstition that whenever you pass a graveyard in your car, you should hold your breath. Why? Some people believe it's to avoid making the ghosts jealous (you know, because you're alive and can still breathe) while others do it to avoid breathing in any spirits.
It was tradition for Maori to wash their hands when leaving a cemetery. Water was used to remove the sacredness of the cemetery, allowing people to return to the everyday world, Mr Whaanga said.
On Color: As long as it is not too bright or too loud, any color is fine to wear. The safest colors would be solid and neutral tones. Avoid patterned or floral clothes to not make a distraction. On Accessories: Avoid wearing jewelry that makes noise.
According to the Conversation, sensing someone's presence even though they have died is totally normal. Oftentimes, this presence can be comforting. If that's something you've experienced, it's OK, and it's even a good thing.
However, after burial plots are used, there are some instances in which they can be reused, with new headstone and new remains placed atop the existing remains. In addition to retaining the rights to reclaim an unused plot, some cemeteries may choose to reclaim plots that have been used.
HELEN'S ANSWER: Most cemeteries are clearly marked about not bringing pets onto the grounds, and that request (or rule) should be honored. There are many exercise opportunities elsewhere where dogs are welcome.
Whistling in a cemetery is a way of summoning evil spirits (or, alternatively, lonely spirits). Some believe that cemeteries hold lingering souls. Whistling might lure those souls to you, because whistling is a common way to call out to someone.
Why are cemeteries so peaceful? You may find a cemetery peaceful because it can help put life into perspective. People have set cemeteries aside as hallowed ground. Most people are on good behavior while visiting.
Most Christians tend to bury their dead facing east. This is because they believe in the second coming of Christ and scripture teaches that he will come from the east. In this manner, they place their dead in a position so they can meet Christ face-to-face during his second coming.
Some of the ancient religions (based on the sun) would bury the dead facing east so that they could face the "new day" and the "rising sun." Once again, Christ is considered to be the "Light of the World," which explains the eastward facing burials.
5. Don't sit or lean on the headstones, grave markers, or other memorials. It's not very respectful. If you're planning on being there a long time, bring a little travel chair.