Can a Cemetery co-exist with the living?

 

There is much discussion as to how (or if) a cemetery can be used for other than burials. Some consider it sacred ground and say that nothing other than visitation is appropriate. Others take a wider view, saying that a cemetery is a place where history can be celebrated with cemetery tours and reenactments of historical figures.

 

Graceland hosts many popular tours. And still other Chicago area cemeteries, encourage their grounds to be shared actively by the living. 

There was an annual “Crypt” 5K run on the grounds of the north side’s historic Rosehill Cemetery.

There have been bicycle tours through Graceland Cemetery with special permission from the management.  Bohemian National Cemetery allowed bikes at one point. “Just be careful,” warned the general manager  “We’ve got potholes.” They also have hosted a movie night.

 

In another state there has been the annual Shady Grove Cemetery Picnic Featuring bingo, concessions, an auction, cake walk, and kids field games. “All proceeds go to the upkeep of the Shady Grove Cemetery.”

Cedar Park Cemetery on Chicago’s far south side, has  hosted Easter egg gathering. Some cemeteries promote Halloween activities. A cemetery, located outside of Illinois, offered a Halloween tour with costumed docent, music, and a fortune teller.

On the negative side, Many cemeteries restrict almost everything but visiting a grave. Signs are posted spelling out strict policies. The most common rules restrict most recreation and  planting. But some go way farther. 

 

There are A wide variety of rules displayed on cemetery signs. They range from “no overnight parking”, “Please conduct yourselves with dignity and respect at all times”, to “no bicycles, motorcycles, skateboards, rollerblades, snowmobiles, motorized ATV’s, or recreational activities”.

But then there are signs that state “no Frisbee or sports”, “do not climb or sit on gravestones”, “no peddling”,  ‘no loitering”, “no horses”, “no games”, “no alcohol,  illegal drugs, music, barbeques or sports” and my personal favorite “no Pokemon Go”,

“Snowmobiles are not permitted in the cemetery”

“The cemetery is not accepting any new residence, visitors are free to look around”

Graves themselves are also heavily restricted: “no food, drink or toys to be left on graves” . Some cemeteries prohibit other specific items at the gravesite including shepherd’s hooks, standup decorations,  coping, curbing,  decorative rocks, fencing, hedging, grave mounds,  borders or enclosures, glass,  Devotional lights,  photographs or porcelain material, trees or shrubs and on and on.

And then there is “No buried objects”, “No Swimming or fishing”, and “No rosebushes, thorn-bearing, nut-bearing or fruit-bearing shrubs or trees.”

.  And my Personal favorite: “artificial wreaths simulating dark green or dark brown leaves with modest use of contrasting berries will be permitted if maintained in sightly condition”.

 

And finally there are the most liberal living uses of cemeterie, Funeral homes and cemeteries have become wedding venues, using their chapels and grounds for saying ‘I do’. Perfect for couples that search for a wedding location with solitude or sentiment. New York Marble Cemetery, is known for charging $2,500.  Ten feet below the lawn are passageways with 156 vaulted rooms for the deceased.

So what are your thoughts about sharing a cemetery with the living? Leave a comment on this blog. Thanks.