An Overview of the Cemetery

We all know what cemeteries are, but did you know there are several different types of cemeteries? In this hub, we will briefly look at the general cemetery or the basic one which most people are familiar with. This is the one that receives the remains from various religions and permits different styles of monuments.

Vaults are required for underground burials since it makes it easier to maintain a cemetery over time. This is why most cemeteries have this as a requirement for all ground or traditional burials. Without vaults, the casket will eventually deteriorate and collapse over a period of time and that can cause the ground to become unsettling and uneven. Cemeteries can also have above ground tombs or mausoleums in addition to the ground plots.

For cremated remains, there may also be a crematorium or columbarium. There are even "lawn crypts" which offer partially buried and partially above ground remains. Sounds a bit strange but these options are available because families request them. All above ground markers or what we commonly call, headstones do require permits. There could also be some restriction on the size and design of the headstone depending on the cemetery.

Cemeteries that have been around for a century may have originally permitted certain types of burials and monuments that may no longer be available in the present day. For example, there may be an area of above ground tombs which prominent families used for burial that may not be offered today because of the lack of new construction of such a facility. Styles of headstones that were once permitted may not be available today which explains why you may see some very old looking headstones.

Cemeteries may even close certain areas of the burial areas due to the lack of space for new burials or plots there. Each cemetery is individually owned and can vary in ownership. Some include corporations, funeral homes, public administration, individual churches or dioceses. The church owned cemeteries are located on the church property but some churches also purchase land in other locations.

Many Christian cemeteries do not accept burials on Sundays, although they are open to visitors during limited hours. Caretakers do require notice to prepare the grave and confirm that space is available. They also must confirm ownership of the lot, identity of the deceased, and whether or not the funeral home will be providing the vault. Caretakers will generally be responsible for the installation of the vault for all burials.

These are just a few interesting facts about cemeteries that not all people know about until they are ready to look for one. It's interesting to note this prior to that event and have a general idea or overview about what to expect.