Difference between revisions of "Cemetery" - New World Encyclopedia
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A '''cemetery''' is a place in which [[death|dead]] [[corpse|bodies]] and [[cremation|cremated remains]] are [[burial|buried]]. The term cemetery (from greek ''κοιμητήριον'': sleeping place) implies that the land is specifically designated as a burying ground. Cemeteries in the Western world are the place where the final ceremonies of death are observed. These ceremonies or [[rite]]s differ according to [[cultural]] practice and [[religious]] belief. Cemeteries are distinguished from other burial grounds by their location; they are usually not adjoined to a church. A '''graveyard''', on the other hand, is located in a '''churchyard''' ([[Scots language]] or Northern [[English language]]: ''kirkyaird''), although a [[churchyard]] can also be any patch of land on church grounds. | A '''cemetery''' is a place in which [[death|dead]] [[corpse|bodies]] and [[cremation|cremated remains]] are [[burial|buried]]. The term cemetery (from greek ''κοιμητήριον'': sleeping place) implies that the land is specifically designated as a burying ground. Cemeteries in the Western world are the place where the final ceremonies of death are observed. These ceremonies or [[rite]]s differ according to [[cultural]] practice and [[religious]] belief. Cemeteries are distinguished from other burial grounds by their location; they are usually not adjoined to a church. A '''graveyard''', on the other hand, is located in a '''churchyard''' ([[Scots language]] or Northern [[English language]]: ''kirkyaird''), although a [[churchyard]] can also be any patch of land on church grounds. | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
| − | [[Image: | + | [[Image:Graves-at-Green-Wood.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Green-Wood Cemetery, [[Brooklyn]], [[New York]]]] |
From about the [[7th century]], [[European]] burial was under the control of the [[church]] and on [[consecrated]] church ground. Practices varied, but in continental Europe, bodies were usually buried in a [[mass grave]] until they had [[decompose]]d. The bones were then [[exhume]]d and stored in [[ossuaries]] either along the [[arcade (architecture)|arcade]]d bounding walls of the cemetery or within the church under floor slabs and behind walls. | From about the [[7th century]], [[European]] burial was under the control of the [[church]] and on [[consecrated]] church ground. Practices varied, but in continental Europe, bodies were usually buried in a [[mass grave]] until they had [[decompose]]d. The bones were then [[exhume]]d and stored in [[ossuaries]] either along the [[arcade (architecture)|arcade]]d bounding walls of the cemetery or within the church under floor slabs and behind walls. | ||
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Cemetery company and municipally owned cemeteries, independent from churches and their churchyards, date largely from the early [[19th century]], certainly in their landscaped or garden cemetery form, although the [[cemetery reform]] movement began c. 1740. | Cemetery company and municipally owned cemeteries, independent from churches and their churchyards, date largely from the early [[19th century]], certainly in their landscaped or garden cemetery form, although the [[cemetery reform]] movement began c. 1740. | ||
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The earliest of the spacious landscaped-style cemeteries is [[Père Lachaise]] in Paris. This embodied the idea of [[state]], rather than church, controlled burial; a concept that spread through Europe with the [[Napoleon]]ic invasions, and sometimes became adapted leading to the opening of cemeteries by private companies. The shift to municipal cemeteries or those established by private companies was usually accompanied by the establishing of spacious, landscaped, burial grounds outside of the city limits. | The earliest of the spacious landscaped-style cemeteries is [[Père Lachaise]] in Paris. This embodied the idea of [[state]], rather than church, controlled burial; a concept that spread through Europe with the [[Napoleon]]ic invasions, and sometimes became adapted leading to the opening of cemeteries by private companies. The shift to municipal cemeteries or those established by private companies was usually accompanied by the establishing of spacious, landscaped, burial grounds outside of the city limits. | ||
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The style of cemeteries varies greatly internationally. For example, in the USA and many European countries modern cemeteries usually have many [[Headstone|tombstones]] placed on open spaces. In Russia, tombstones are usually placed in small fenced family lots. (This was once common practice in American cemeteries as well, and such fenced family plots are still visible in some older American cemeteries.) | The style of cemeteries varies greatly internationally. For example, in the USA and many European countries modern cemeteries usually have many [[Headstone|tombstones]] placed on open spaces. In Russia, tombstones are usually placed in small fenced family lots. (This was once common practice in American cemeteries as well, and such fenced family plots are still visible in some older American cemeteries.) | ||
| − | Cemeteries in cities use valuable urban space, which could become a problem, especially in older cities. As historic cemeteries begin to reach their capacity for full burials, alternative memorialization, such as collective memorials for cremated individuals, is becoming more common. Different cultures have different attitudes to destruction of cemeteries and use of the land for construction. In some countries it is considered normal to destroy the graves, while in others the graves are traditionally respected for a century or more. In many cases, after a suitable period of time has elapsed the [[headstones]] are removed and the now former cemetery is converted to a recreational park or construction site. A more recent trend, particularly in South American cities, involves constructing high-rise buildings to house graves.<ref>[http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/nc/ne/?id=101659]</ref> A noteworthy fact about cemeteries and urban areas is that there are no public cemeteries within the city limits of [[San Francisco]], though there is a military cemetery.<ref>[http://www.nps.gov/archive/prsf/history/cemetery_history.htm History of San Francisco National Cemetery]</ref> | + | Cemeteries in cities use valuable urban space, which could become a problem, especially in older cities. As historic cemeteries begin to reach their capacity for full burials, alternative memorialization, such as collective memorials for cremated individuals, is becoming more common. Different cultures have different attitudes to destruction of cemeteries and use of the land for construction. In some countries it is considered normal to destroy the graves, while in others the graves are traditionally respected for a century or more. In many cases, after a suitable period of time has elapsed the [[headstones]] are removed and the now former cemetery is converted to a recreational park or construction site. A more recent trend, particularly in South American cities, involves constructing high-rise buildings to house graves.<ref>[http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/nc/ne/?id=101659]</ref> A noteworthy fact about cemeteries and urban areas is that there are no public cemeteries within the city limits of [[San Francisco]], though there is a military cemetery.<ref>[http://www.nps.gov/archive/prsf/history/cemetery_history.htm History of San Francisco National Cemetery]</ref> |
| − | == Family | + | == Family Cemeteries == |
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While uncommon today, family (or private) cemeteries were a matter of practicality during the settlement of America. If a municipal or religious cemetery had not been established, settlers would seek out a small plot of land, often in wooded areas bordering their fields, to begin a family plot. Sometimes, several families would arrange to bury their dead together. While some of these sites later grew into true cemeteries, many were forgotten after a family moved away or died out. Today, it is not unheard of to discover groupings of tombstones, ranging from a few to a dozen or more, on undeveloped land {{fact}}. Little effort is made to remove remains when developing, as they may be hundreds of years old; the tombstones are often simply removed {{fact}}.[[Image:100 1333.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Holland Cemetery: A rural cemetery in NE Oklahoma]] | While uncommon today, family (or private) cemeteries were a matter of practicality during the settlement of America. If a municipal or religious cemetery had not been established, settlers would seek out a small plot of land, often in wooded areas bordering their fields, to begin a family plot. Sometimes, several families would arrange to bury their dead together. While some of these sites later grew into true cemeteries, many were forgotten after a family moved away or died out. Today, it is not unheard of to discover groupings of tombstones, ranging from a few to a dozen or more, on undeveloped land {{fact}}. Little effort is made to remove remains when developing, as they may be hundreds of years old; the tombstones are often simply removed {{fact}}.[[Image:100 1333.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Holland Cemetery: A rural cemetery in NE Oklahoma]] | ||
More recent is the practice of families with large estates choosing to create private cemeteries in the form of burial sites, monuments, crypts, or [[mausoleums]] on their property; the mausoleum at [[Fallingwater]] is an example of this practice. Burial of a body at a site may protect the location from redevelopment, such estates often being placed in the care of a trust or foundation. Presently, state regulations have made it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to start private cemeteries; many require a plan to care for the site in perpetuity. Private cemeteries are nearly always forbidden on incorporated residential zones. | More recent is the practice of families with large estates choosing to create private cemeteries in the form of burial sites, monuments, crypts, or [[mausoleums]] on their property; the mausoleum at [[Fallingwater]] is an example of this practice. Burial of a body at a site may protect the location from redevelopment, such estates often being placed in the care of a trust or foundation. Presently, state regulations have made it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to start private cemeteries; many require a plan to care for the site in perpetuity. Private cemeteries are nearly always forbidden on incorporated residential zones. | ||
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Many places have been found where ancient people buried their dead. These places could be an organised [[necropolis]] or they could be simply areas with highly symbolic elements around (like the [[Tomb of Giants]] in [[Sardinia]]). The [[Egypt]]ian [[pyramid]]s were tombs. | Many places have been found where ancient people buried their dead. These places could be an organised [[necropolis]] or they could be simply areas with highly symbolic elements around (like the [[Tomb of Giants]] in [[Sardinia]]). The [[Egypt]]ian [[pyramid]]s were tombs. | ||
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The [[Cimetière des Chiens]] in [[Asnières-sur-Seine]] in [[Paris, France|Paris]], is an elaborate pet cemetery believed to be the first [[zoology|zoological]] necropolis in the world. [[Rin Tin Tin]], the famous dog from [[Hollywood]] films, is buried here. | The [[Cimetière des Chiens]] in [[Asnières-sur-Seine]] in [[Paris, France|Paris]], is an elaborate pet cemetery believed to be the first [[zoology|zoological]] necropolis in the world. [[Rin Tin Tin]], the famous dog from [[Hollywood]] films, is buried here. | ||
== Cemeteries and superstition == | == Cemeteries and superstition == | ||
| + | [[Image:KyotoGraveyard.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Japanese graveyard in [[Kyoto]]. The thin wooden tablets behind the graves show the [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] name the deceased receives after death.]] | ||
In many countries, cemeteries are objects of [[superstition]] and [[legend]]; they are sometimes used (usually at night-time) for [[black magic]] ceremonies or similar clandestine happenings. In [[Haiti]] the traditional belief regarding [[zombie]]s as practiced under [[Voudun]] religion is connected with burial rituals. It is believed that the zombified individual is buried alive in a coffin in a shallow grave after being given a dosage of [[tetrodotoxin]] from the [[puffer fish]] to slow his heart so he appears dead even to medical practitioners. After all the burial ceremonies are completed the zombie victim is then dug up and taken into servitude, usually as a punishment for some crime he committed. Some Haitians deny that these practices exist and that these kinds of voodoo practices are pure superstition. | In many countries, cemeteries are objects of [[superstition]] and [[legend]]; they are sometimes used (usually at night-time) for [[black magic]] ceremonies or similar clandestine happenings. In [[Haiti]] the traditional belief regarding [[zombie]]s as practiced under [[Voudun]] religion is connected with burial rituals. It is believed that the zombified individual is buried alive in a coffin in a shallow grave after being given a dosage of [[tetrodotoxin]] from the [[puffer fish]] to slow his heart so he appears dead even to medical practitioners. After all the burial ceremonies are completed the zombie victim is then dug up and taken into servitude, usually as a punishment for some crime he committed. Some Haitians deny that these practices exist and that these kinds of voodoo practices are pure superstition. | ||
| − | + | The British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia, [[BACSA]], was set up in 1976 to care for, and to record, European cemeteries wherever the East India Company set foot. It is estimated that some two million European men, women and children are buried in the Indian subcontinent alone. | |
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==References== | ==References== | ||
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*Salisbury, Mike. ''From My Death May Life Come Forth''. [http://www.earthartist.com Earthartist Woodland Cemetery in Canada] Retrieved 4 June 2007. | *Salisbury, Mike. ''From My Death May Life Come Forth''. [http://www.earthartist.com Earthartist Woodland Cemetery in Canada] Retrieved 4 June 2007. | ||
*Worpole, Ken. 2003. ''Last Landscapes.'' Reaktion Books, London. | *Worpole, Ken. 2003. ''Last Landscapes.'' Reaktion Books, London. | ||
| + | *Golden Gate National Recreation Area. [http://www.nps.gov/archive/prsf/history/cemetery_history.htm History of San Francisco National Cemetery]. Presidio of San Francisco. Retrieved 4 June 2007. | ||
| + | *Emporis Buildings. [http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/nc/ne/?id=101659 New Trend: Cemetery Skyscrapers]. Platform Emporis.com Retrieved 4 June 2007. | ||
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| + | ==Other References== | ||
| + | *Oxford University Press. [http://www.answers.com/topic/cemetery Cemetery]. Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Retrieved 4 June 2007. | ||
| + | *Encyclopedia of U.S. History. [http://www.answers.com/topic/cemetery Cemeteries]. U.S. History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 4 June 2007. | ||
| + | *Thomas Gale. [http://www.answers.com/topic/cemetery Cemeteries]. Thomas Gale Law Encyclopedia. Retrieved 4 June 2007. | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
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*[http://www.forestofmemories.org Forest of Memories.] Green Burial, North America. | *[http://www.forestofmemories.org Forest of Memories.] Green Burial, North America. | ||
*[http://www.findagrave.com Find-a-Grave.] Online Virtual Cemetery. | *[http://www.findagrave.com Find-a-Grave.] Online Virtual Cemetery. | ||
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*[http://cemeteries.wordpress.com/ Cemeteries and Cemetery Symbols] | *[http://cemeteries.wordpress.com/ Cemeteries and Cemetery Symbols] | ||
*[http://www.theliterarycemetery.co.uk/ Written in Stone.] Burial Locations of Literary Figures. | *[http://www.theliterarycemetery.co.uk/ Written in Stone.] Burial Locations of Literary Figures. | ||
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{{Credit1|Cemetery|94901518|}} | {{Credit1|Cemetery|94901518|}} | ||
Revision as of 03:23, 5 June 2007
A cemetery is a place in which dead bodies and cremated remains are buried. The term cemetery (from greek κοιμητήριον: sleeping place) implies that the land is specifically designated as a burying ground. Cemeteries in the Western world are the place where the final ceremonies of death are observed. These ceremonies or rites differ according to cultural practice and religious belief. Cemeteries are distinguished from other burial grounds by their location; they are usually not adjoined to a church. A graveyard, on the other hand, is located in a churchyard (Scots language or Northern English language: kirkyaird), although a churchyard can also be any patch of land on church grounds.
Overview
From about the 7th century, European burial was under the control of the church and on consecrated church ground. Practices varied, but in continental Europe, bodies were usually buried in a mass grave until they had decomposed. The bones were then exhumed and stored in ossuaries either along the arcaded bounding walls of the cemetery or within the church under floor slabs and behind walls.
Burying corpses in land enclosed within the city walls had a negative impact on health. As a consequence, some cemeteries were moved away from heavily populated areas. As an example, in the late 18th century, skeletons exhumed from major Paris cemeteries were moved into ossuaries in the Catacombs, and burials were prohibited in inner-city locations.
Cemetery company and municipally owned cemeteries, independent from churches and their churchyards, date largely from the early 19th century, certainly in their landscaped or garden cemetery form, although the cemetery reform movement began c. 1740.
The earliest of the spacious landscaped-style cemeteries is Père Lachaise in Paris. This embodied the idea of state, rather than church, controlled burial; a concept that spread through Europe with the Napoleonic invasions, and sometimes became adapted leading to the opening of cemeteries by private companies. The shift to municipal cemeteries or those established by private companies was usually accompanied by the establishing of spacious, landscaped, burial grounds outside of the city limits.
Cemeteries are usually a respected area, and often include churches or other religious buildings (chapels); and sometimes a crematorium for the cremation of the dead. The violation of the graves or buildings is usually considered a very serious crime and punishments are often severe.
The style of cemeteries varies greatly internationally. For example, in the USA and many European countries modern cemeteries usually have many tombstones placed on open spaces. In Russia, tombstones are usually placed in small fenced family lots. (This was once common practice in American cemeteries as well, and such fenced family plots are still visible in some older American cemeteries.)
Cemeteries in cities use valuable urban space, which could become a problem, especially in older cities. As historic cemeteries begin to reach their capacity for full burials, alternative memorialization, such as collective memorials for cremated individuals, is becoming more common. Different cultures have different attitudes to destruction of cemeteries and use of the land for construction. In some countries it is considered normal to destroy the graves, while in others the graves are traditionally respected for a century or more. In many cases, after a suitable period of time has elapsed the headstones are removed and the now former cemetery is converted to a recreational park or construction site. A more recent trend, particularly in South American cities, involves constructing high-rise buildings to house graves.[1] A noteworthy fact about cemeteries and urban areas is that there are no public cemeteries within the city limits of San Francisco, though there is a military cemetery.[2]
Family Cemeteries
While uncommon today, family (or private) cemeteries were a matter of practicality during the settlement of America. If a municipal or religious cemetery had not been established, settlers would seek out a small plot of land, often in wooded areas bordering their fields, to begin a family plot. Sometimes, several families would arrange to bury their dead together. While some of these sites later grew into true cemeteries, many were forgotten after a family moved away or died out. Today, it is not unheard of to discover groupings of tombstones, ranging from a few to a dozen or more, on undeveloped land [citation needed]. Little effort is made to remove remains when developing, as they may be hundreds of years old; the tombstones are often simply removed [citation needed].
More recent is the practice of families with large estates choosing to create private cemeteries in the form of burial sites, monuments, crypts, or mausoleums on their property; the mausoleum at Fallingwater is an example of this practice. Burial of a body at a site may protect the location from redevelopment, such estates often being placed in the care of a trust or foundation. Presently, state regulations have made it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to start private cemeteries; many require a plan to care for the site in perpetuity. Private cemeteries are nearly always forbidden on incorporated residential zones.
Many places have been found where ancient people buried their dead. These places could be an organised necropolis or they could be simply areas with highly symbolic elements around (like the Tomb of Giants in Sardinia). The Egyptian pyramids were tombs.
The Cimetière des Chiens in Asnières-sur-Seine in Paris, is an elaborate pet cemetery believed to be the first zoological necropolis in the world. Rin Tin Tin, the famous dog from Hollywood films, is buried here.
Cemeteries and superstition
In many countries, cemeteries are objects of superstition and legend; they are sometimes used (usually at night-time) for black magic ceremonies or similar clandestine happenings. In Haiti the traditional belief regarding zombies as practiced under Voudun religion is connected with burial rituals. It is believed that the zombified individual is buried alive in a coffin in a shallow grave after being given a dosage of tetrodotoxin from the puffer fish to slow his heart so he appears dead even to medical practitioners. After all the burial ceremonies are completed the zombie victim is then dug up and taken into servitude, usually as a punishment for some crime he committed. Some Haitians deny that these practices exist and that these kinds of voodoo practices are pure superstition.
The British Association for Cemeteries in South Asia, BACSA, was set up in 1976 to care for, and to record, European cemeteries wherever the East India Company set foot. It is estimated that some two million European men, women and children are buried in the Indian subcontinent alone.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Colvin, Howard. 1991. Architecture and the After-Life. New Haven: Yale University Press.
- Curl, James Stevens. 2002. Death and Architecture. Gloucestershire: Sutton.
- Etlin, Richard A. 1984. The Architecture of Death. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
- Grossman, Janet Burnett. 2001. Greek Funerary Sculpture. Collection at the Getty Villa. Los Angeles: J. Paul Getty Museum.
- Salisbury, Mike. From My Death May Life Come Forth. Earthartist Woodland Cemetery in Canada Retrieved 4 June 2007.
- Worpole, Ken. 2003. Last Landscapes. Reaktion Books, London.
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area. History of San Francisco National Cemetery. Presidio of San Francisco. Retrieved 4 June 2007.
- Emporis Buildings. New Trend: Cemetery Skyscrapers. Platform Emporis.com Retrieved 4 June 2007.
Other References
- Oxford University Press. Cemetery. Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Retrieved 4 June 2007.
- Encyclopedia of U.S. History. Cemeteries. U.S. History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 4 June 2007.
- Thomas Gale. Cemeteries. Thomas Gale Law Encyclopedia. Retrieved 4 June 2007.
External Links
- Natural Burial Co-operative. Natural Burial Cemeteries, Canada.
- Forest of Memories. Green Burial, North America.
- Find-a-Grave. Online Virtual Cemetery.
- Cemeteries and Cemetery Symbols
- Written in Stone. Burial Locations of Literary Figures.
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